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About Philip Grant
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Philip Grant was born in England in 1953, but moved to Africa at an early age with his parents and has lived in Africa for most of his life, first in West Africa, and then Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), where he was educated.
In 2013 he rode a horse to the (new) highest point in the Eastern Cape (3019m) and has been lobbying for this peak to be named iNtaba Mandela.In 2013 and 2014, together with his wife Christeen, he has been exploring pony trekking and hiking options from the Sani Top area to isolated villages within Lesotho.
Philip’s interests in discovering beautiful hidden places (the southern secrets), experiencing the wealth of flora fauna and rock art in the Drakensberg and adjacent areas, as well as an in depth understanding and love of Lesotho and its people, are shared by his wife, Christeen, who is also a registered Drakensberg Nature, Culture and Mountain Walking Guide (KZN 1025). Working independently, they are able to offer a wide variety of specialist trips such as visits to San or Bushman Rock Art sites, wildflower walks and hikes and geological and birding trips.
Verify Philip’s profile on www.adventurepro.co.za
In December 2005 Philip qualified as a Drakensberg Mountain Walking Guide, founded Southern Secrets Hiking and Backpacking, and registered with all the relevant authorities including CATHSSETA (Culture Arts Tourism Hospitality & Sports Sector Education and Training Authority), Tourism KwaZulu Natal (KZN 0904) and the Mountaineering Development and Training Trust (MDT No 849).
In 2010 Philip upgraded his qualifications to National Mountain Walking Guide. He is also an accredited AMAFA Rock Art Custodian and holds the necessary First Aid Certificate and Professional Driving Permit.
In 2013, together with Christeen, he organised a one day Wilderness Awareness Seminar, and in 2015 a Wilderness Awareness Weekend, both hosted by the Southern Drakensberg Honorary Officers and presented by the Wilderness Action Group. The Southern Secrets Wilderness Awareness Program introduces Drakensberg Wilderness to people from local disadvantaged communities.
While at school Philip completed a three week Outward Bound course in the Chimanimani Mountains, which made a lasting impression on him.
Once settled and married in South Africa, many special holidays were spent hiking and backpacking in the Drakensberg Mountains. After moving to the Boston area near Underberg in KwaZulu-Natal in 1993, Philip discovered many beautiful walks and hikes in the Southern KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg and the surrounding areas. He enjoyed introducing them to others and sharing his love of the outdoors. This led to his association with hiking clubs such as the Sani Hiking Club (Underberg) www.drakensberg.org, Midlands Hiking Club (Howick) www.gohiking.co.za and the Mountain Backpackers Club (Durban) www.mountainbackpackers.co.za
Since qualifying as a Mountain Guide, Philip has successfully completed many guiding trips, which include 4x4 driving on Sani Pass, multi-day Lesotho pony trekking and cultural trips, rock art and nature walks as well as day and multi-day hiking trips. These trips have mainly been for Drakensberg Adventures www.drakensbergadventures.co.za, Wildways Adventures www.wildways.za.net, and Walks in Africa
www.walksinafrica.co.uk , as well as other well-known tour operators such as Thaba Tours www.thabatours.co.za, Sani Pass Tours
www.sanipasstours.com, and Major Adventures
www.majoradventures.com.
Philip has an extensive intimate knowledge of the Southern Drakensberg from Injasuthi to Bushman’s Nek including Sehlabathebe in Lesotho, as well as a very good working knowledge of the Central and Northern Drakensberg. He has hiked several five day 'Mini Traverses', (75kms at over 3000m) from the Sentinel to Cathedral Peak (2004 and 2005) and in 2005 he completed the thirteen day 'Grand Traverse', (230kms at over 3000m) from the Sentinel to Bushman’s Nek, organised by the Mountain Backpackers Club.
Philip has also been attracted to the potential and remoteness of the Eastern Cape Drakensberg. In 2007 he organised and led a five day high traverse (80kms) from Ongeluksnek near Matatiele to Tiffendal and Ben Macdhui (3001m). In 2008 he organised and led a four day exploratory hike into Lesotho from Ongeluksnek.
More recently he has been exploring cross-cultural hiking options in the Mnweni area of the Northern Drakensberg. In 2010 he organised a pony trekking trip to the source of the Senqu (Orange) River from within Lesotho. Over Easter 2011 he organised a six day cross-cultural hike through the Mnweni area to Lesotho and back, including a night camped at a Basotho village and the last night in a Zulu homestead. The story of this hike was featured in the October 2011 issue of SA’s Go! Magazine. www.gomag.co.za
Drakensberg Wilderness HikingLesotho Trekking & Pony Trekking
Summer (November to May) is wet and warm, with most rain possible between October and March. The mornings are usually clear and sunny with temperatures climbing to 25 or even 30 degrees C by midday. Rain falls mainly as afternoon thunderstorms that can be violent, with a significant drop in temperature. In summer it is wise to make the most of the mornings, and presume that the afternoons will be wet. It is quite possible and advisable to be walking by 5.00am.
Winter (June to October) to is the dry season and consists of mainly dry, sunny, clear, crisp days with daytime temperatures around 15 to 20 degrees C, although temperatures often drop well below zero at night. Snow and ice are more common, but only remain for any length of time on the highest ground. Days are shorter, but because the weather is more stable, the whole day can usually be used for hiking.
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About Weather Conditions
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The weather in the Drakensberg and Maluti Mountains is generally favourable for outdoor activities, but varies considerably between the seasons. Like all mountainous areas, conditions can change rapidly at any time. It is possible for snow to fall in the Maluti Mountains and high Drakensberg in any month of the year, but it is only normally experienced in winter. Winds can be extreme at times.
Philip has an extensive intimate knowledge of the Southern Drakensberg from Injasuthi to Bushman’s Nek including Sehlabathebe in Lesotho, as well as a very good working knowledge of the Central and Northern Drakensberg. He has hiked several five day 'Mini Traverses', (75kms at over 3000m) from the Sentinel to Cathedral Peak (2004 and 2005) and in 2005 he completed the thirteen day 'Grand Traverse', (230kms at over 3000m) from the Sentinel to Bushman’s Nek, organised by the Mountain Backpackers Club.
Philip has also been attracted to the potential and remoteness of the Eastern Cape Drakensberg. In 2007 he organised and led a five day high traverse (80kms) from Ongeluksnek near Matatiele to Tiffendal and Ben Macdhui (3001m). In 2008 he organised and led a four day exploratory hike into Lesotho from Ongeluksnek.
More recently he has been exploring cross-cultural hiking options in the Mnweni area of the Northern Drakensberg. In 2010 he organised a pony trekking trip to the source of the Senqu (Orange) River from within Lesotho. Over Easter 2011 he organised a six day cross-cultural hike through the Mnweni area to Lesotho and back, including a night camped at a Basotho village and the last night in a Zulu homestead. The story of this hike was featured in the October 2011 issue of SA’s Go! Magazine. www.gomag.co.za
In 2013 he rode a horse to the (new) highest point in the Eastern Cape (3019m) and has been lobbying for this peak to be named iNtaba Mandela.In 2013 and 2014, together with his wife Christeen, he has been exploring pony trekking and hiking options from the Sani Top area to isolated villages within Lesotho.
Philip’s interests in discovering beautiful hidden places (the southern secrets), experiencing the wealth of flora fauna and rock art in the Drakensberg and adjacent areas, as well as an in depth understanding and love of Lesotho and its people, are shared by his wife, Christeen, who is also a registered Drakensberg Nature, Culture and Mountain Walking Guide (KZN 1025). Working independently, they are able to offer a wide variety of specialist trips such as visits to San or Bushman Rock Art sites, wildflower walks and hikes and geological and birding trips.
Verify Philip’s profile on www.adventurepro.co.za
Once settled and married in South Africa, many special holidays were spent hiking and backpacking in the Drakensberg Mountains. After moving to the Boston area near Underberg in KwaZulu-Natal in 1993, Philip discovered many beautiful walks and hikes in the Southern KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg and the surrounding areas. He enjoyed introducing them to others and sharing his love of the outdoors. This led to his association with hiking clubs such as the Sani Hiking Club (Underberg) www.drakensberg.org, Midlands Hiking Club (Howick)
www.gohiking.co.za and the Mountain Backpackers Club (Durban)
www.mountainbackpackers.co.za
In December 2005 Philip qualified as a Drakensberg Mountain Walking Guide, founded Southern Secrets Hiking and Backpacking, and registered with all the relevant authorities including CATHSSETA (Culture Arts Tourism Hospitality & Sports Sector Education and Training Authority), Tourism KwaZulu Natal (KZN 0904) and the Mountaineering Development and Training Trust (MDT No 849).
In 2010 Philip upgraded his qualifications to National Mountain Walking Guide. He is also an accredited AMAFA Rock Art Custodian and holds the necessary First Aid Certificate and Professional Driving Permit.
In 2013, together with Christeen, he organised a one day Wilderness Awareness Seminar, and in 2015 a Wilderness Awareness Weekend, both hosted by the Southern Drakensberg Honorary Officers and presented by the Wilderness Action Group. The Southern Secrets Wilderness Awareness Program introduces Drakensberg Wilderness to people from local disadvantaged communities.
Since qualifying as a Mountain Guide, Philip has successfully completed many guiding trips, which include 4x4 driving on Sani Pass, multi-day Lesotho pony trekking and cultural trips, rock art and nature walks as well as day and multi-day hiking trips. These trips have mainly been for Drakensberg Adventures www.drakensbergadventures.co.za, Wildways Adventures www.wildways.za.net, and Walks in Africa www.walksinafrica.co.uk, as well as other well-known tour operators such as Thaba Tours www.thabatours.co.za, Sani Pass Tours www.sanipasstours.com, and Major Adventures ww.majoradventures.com.
Philip Grant was born in England in 1953, but moved to Africa at an early age with his parents and has lived in Africa for most of his life, first in West Africa, and then Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), where he was educated.
While at school Philip completed a three week Outward Bound course in the Chimanimani Mountains, which made a lasting impression on him.
Although the weather can change rapidly, trips are possible in the Maloti Drakensberg at any time of year. Conditions are generally favourable for walking and other outdoor activities.
About Weather Conditions
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2 IPAD
About Weather Conditions
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2
About Weather Conditions
Since qualifying as a Mountain Guide, Philip has successfully completed many guiding trips, which include 4x4 driving on Sani Pass, multi-day Lesotho pony trekking and cultural trips, rock art and nature walks as well as day and multi-day hiking trips. These trips have mainly been for Drakensberg Adventures www.drakensbergadventures.co.za, Wildways Adventures www.wildways.za.net, and Walks in Africa www.walksinafrica.co.uk, as well as other well-known tour operators such as Thaba Tours www.thabatours.co.za, Sani Pass Tours www.sanipasstours.com, and Major Adventures ww.majoradventures.com.
Philip has an extensive intimate knowledge of the Southern Drakensberg from Injasuthi to Bushman’s Nek including Sehlabathebe in Lesotho, as well as a very good working knowledge of the Central and Northern Drakensberg. He has hiked several five day 'Mini Traverses', (75kms at over 3000m) from the Sentinel to Cathedral Peak (2004 and 2005) and in 2005 he completed the thirteen day 'Grand Traverse', (230kms at over 3000m) from the Sentinel to Bushman’s Nek, organised by the Mountain Backpackers Club.
Philip has also been attracted to the potential and remoteness of the Eastern Cape Drakensberg. In 2007 he organised and led a five day high traverse (80kms) from Ongeluksnek near Matatiele to Tiffendal and Ben Macdhui (3001m). In 2008 he organised and led a four day exploratory hike into Lesotho from Ongeluksnek.
More recently he has been exploring cross-cultural hiking options in the Mnweni area of the Northern Drakensberg. In 2010 he organised a pony trekking trip to the source of the Senqu (Orange) River from within Lesotho. Over Easter 2011 he organised a six day cross-cultural hike through the Mnweni area to Lesotho and back, including a night camped at a Basotho village and the last night in a Zulu homestead. The story of this hike was featured in the October 2011 issue of SA’s Go! Magazine. www.gomag.co.za
In 2013 he rode a horse to the (new) highest point in the Eastern Cape (3019m) and has been lobbying for this peak to be named iNtaba Mandela.In 2013 and 2014, together with his wife Christeen, he has been exploring pony trekking and hiking options from the Sani Top area to isolated villages within Lesotho.
Philip’s interests in discovering beautiful hidden places (the southern secrets), experiencing the wealth of flora fauna and rock art in the Drakensberg and adjacent areas, as well as an in depth understanding and love of Lesotho and its people, are shared by his wife, Christeen, who is also a registered Drakensberg Nature, Culture and Mountain Walking Guide (KZN 1025). Working independently, they are able to offer a wide variety of specialist trips such as visits to San or Bushman Rock Art sites, wildflower walks and hikes and geological and birding trips.
Verify Philip’s profile on www.adventurepro.co.za
Philip Grant was born in England in 1953, but moved to Africa at an early age with his parents and has lived in Africa for most of his life, first in West Africa, and then Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), where he was educated.
While at school Philip completed a three week Outward Bound course in the Chimanimani Mountains, which made a lasting impression on him.
Once settled and married in South Africa, many special holidays were spent hiking and backpacking in the Drakensberg Mountains. After moving to the Boston area near Underberg in KwaZulu-Natal in 1993, Philip discovered many beautiful walks and hikes in the Southern KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg and the surrounding areas. He enjoyed introducing them to others and sharing his love of the outdoors. This led to his association with hiking clubs such as the Sani Hiking Club (Underberg) www.drakensberg.org, Midlands Hiking Club (Howick) www.gohiking.co.za and the Mountain Backpackers Club (Durban) www.mountainbackpackers.co.za
In December 2005 Philip qualified as a Drakensberg Mountain Walking Guide, founded Southern Secrets Hiking and Backpacking, and registered with all the relevant authorities including CATHSSETA (Culture Arts Tourism Hospitality & Sports Sector Education and Training Authority), Tourism KwaZulu Natal (KZN 0904) and the Mountaineering Development and Training Trust (MDT No 849).
In 2010 Philip upgraded his qualifications to National Mountain Walking Guide. He is also an accredited AMAFA Rock Art Custodian and holds the necessary First Aid Certificate and Professional Driving Permit.
In 2013, together with Christeen, he organised a one day Wilderness Awareness Seminar, and in 2015 a Wilderness Awareness Weekend, both hosted by the Southern Drakensberg Honorary Officers and presented by the Wilderness Action Group. The Southern Secrets Wilderness Awareness Program introduces Drakensberg Wilderness to people from local disadvantaged communities.