Cobham Nature Reserve: A hiker’s paradise within the Southern Maloti-Drakensberg Park

17 September 2025

An easy 2.5-hour drive (150km) from Pietermaritzburg, will land you at Cobham Nature Reserve, situated in the Southern Maloti-Drakensberg Park, South Africa’s first cultural and environmental World Heritage site. Run by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Cobham offers outdoor based experiences for everyone, whether you are looking to test yourself on the 5-day Giants Cup trail, wanting a leisurely day hike on the foothills of Southern Drakensberg, or if you just want to recharge in the reserve campsite for a few relaxing days.

“Cobham Nature Reserve really offers the raw and off-grid experience that has become synonymous with the Drakensberg. If you want to disconnect from the noise of daily life and reconnect with nature in its purest form, we highly recommend that you add Cobham to your holiday plans,” says Elesta Hadebe, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s Reserve Manager at Cobham Nature Reserve. “Cobham has a well-equipped campsite facing the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountain range, where visitors can put up tents or park caravans. The reserve offers access to multiple day hikes, overnight hikes and fly fishing in the Pholela River.”

A five-day adventure trail awaits Undoubtably, one of the main attractors for avid hikers to Cobham Nature Reserve is the Giant’s Cup Trail, a five-day, four-night odyssey that winds from the dramatic heights of Sani Pass to the tranquil valley of Bushman's Nek. The majority of this 60km trail lies almost entirely within Cobham and Garden Castle. It consists of five sections with overnight huts. The manageable daily distances, ranging from 8 to 13km, are intentionally designed to allow ample time for hikers to soak in the surroundings while comfortably arriving at the overnight huts before day-end.

"The Giant’s Cup Trail is a must-do for anyone who enjoys the outdoors, you don’t necessarily have to be a seasoned hiker, as long as you come prepared, the trail offers a manageable experience,” says Hadebe. In the summer months an afternoon thunderstorm is a common occurrence, so you are strongly advised to be at your next overnight stop soon after lunch each day. There is a double benefit in this. You have the shelter of the overnight hut should a thunderstorm occur, and you have time to enjoy the pristine area around it - swim in the clear 'berg’ streams, take photos or simply relax. “I can certainly guarantee that this trail will be an experience that will be etched in your memory for years to come,” adds Hadebe.

Rich in biodiversity and culture The reserve is a sanctuary for both wildlife and history. It’s not uncommon to come across nomadic herds of Eland grazing the foothills. The reserve is famous for its wildflowers, with brilliant displays of agapanthus, red-hot pokers (Kniphofia species), and protea species.

Rich in biodiversity and culture The reserve is a sanctuary for both wildlife and history. It’s not uncommon to come across nomadic herds of Eland grazing the foothills. The reserve is famous for its wildflowers, with brilliant displays of agapanthus, red-hot pokers (Kniphofia species), and protea species.

Beyond its natural wonders, the reserve is part of a site recognised for its rich San rock art. The Maloti-Drakensberg Park was given World Heritage Site status for a combination of two factors - its outstanding natural landscape and its wealth of San rock art. It is one of only 23 other protected areas globally to be inscribed for this fascinating combination. “If you are looking for an off-grid natured based escape for the December / January holiday season, we encourage you to add Cobham Nature Reserve to your plans,” says Hadebe.