uKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK - MONK'S COWL OVERVIEW

 
Monks Cowl, taking its name from the peak between the towering Champagne Castle and Cathkin Mountains, is part of 260,000 ha of Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage site and the access point for the Mdedelo wilderness Area. Breathtaking vistas, sweeping grasslands on the lower reaches to  magnificent towering cliffs with waterfalls cascading for Hundreds of meters. . . The ideal place for Camping/HikinglDay walks or just a light meal.

Overnight hiking routes extend deep into valleys and forests of the Central Drakensberg and up onto the main escarpment. Sheer wilderness and breathtaking views. Round trips of up to 5 days.

For the more adventurous - Up Ships Prow pass to Inkosazana cave on top of Champagne Castle. For the casual hiker - the lower berg boasts meandering routes to Stable cave and Zulu cave or simply camp anywhere within the 22 000 ha wilderness area, bearing in mind no open fires are allowed - gas cookers only.

The rescue register has to be completed before you begin your hike. Day hikes and walks consist of routes that are graded from easy to difficult that take you through the foothills and river valleys to places like Sterkspruit Falls, the Gorge, lNandi Falls, or up the Sphinx onto the ridge. Our day hikes and walks range from a onr hour round trip to 6 hours. Some of them have gloriously refreshing rock pools, which leave you feeling completely rejuvenated.

Camping at Monks Cowl consists of 38 spacious Campsites ( 12 Electrical and 26 Non Electrical) with basic barbeque facilities. Firewood and charcoal are can be purchased from the shop. The campsite is serviced by Ablution Blocks with hot showers, baths and flush toilets. Facilities include dishwashing and laundry basins and instant boiling water is available to campers for tea or coffee by means of a Hydroboil geyser near the dishwashing area.

Reservations for Campsites and Caves:
Tel: 036 - 468 1103 Fax: 036 - 468 1150 Email: howella@kznwildlife.com

The Curio shop and Tea Garden are situated near to the campsite and entrance of the park. The curio shop and office are open from 08hOO to 16hOO daily. The Tea Garden boasts bottomless Tea and Coffee and a great menu of light meals to be taken away or, you can sit down and enjoy the view. The Tea Garden is open from 08hOO 16hOO daily and Back Pack Picnics are available: These consists of a hikers back pack With all cutlery and utensils and place for a Champagne bottle for those special occasions, as well as assorted menus to choose from:
For orders Tel: 036-468 1103.
Champagne Breakfast - order the day before required
The Hungry Monk lunch- order the day before required
Sundowner Snack pack - order by the morning of the day required or day before.