Welcome to Garden Castle

Garden Castle forms part of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park, South Africa’s first cultural and environmental World Heritage Site. The exceptional natural beauty of the Maloti- Drakensberg Park is evident in its soaring basaltic buttresses, golden sandstone ramparts, rolling high altitude grasslands, steep-sided river valleys and rocky gorges. The area has incredibly rich biodiversity including many endemic species.

• The reserve caters for the casual or overnight hiker with numerous walks available.

• The wildlife is diverse and the walks particularly scenic.

• A picnic area is situated just outside of the car park.

• The Rhino Peak hike offers the more adventurous a challenging route, and is a very popular hike. It covers an altitude from 1 840 m to 3 051 m above sea level.

PLEASE NOTE: MOUNTAIN RESCUE RESGISTER

The Mountain Rescue Register must to be completed before you begin your hike. Make sure you sign out again when you return. All overnight hikers are to ensure that the Mountain Rescue Register is completed before undertaking their hike. Ensure that you complete the mountain rescue register correctly and in detail. It is very often the only information the rescue team has to go on if you have an accident or get lost. When you leave the park, it is essential that you record your return in the mountain rescue register. Failure to do so wastes valuable time for managers during rescue operations. Your life may depend on this information. Hikers should hike in parties of three or more individuals.

• No pets of any kind are allowed in the reserve.

• Fire in the reserve has to be constantly guarded against, as it can do untold harm to the environment. Visitors are reminded that no fires may be lit and care needs to be taken with discarding of cigarette ends.

• A small shop at the office sells maps, badges, refreshments, sweets and other basic foodstuffs. Groceries can be purchased in Underberg.

• Late arrivals must make prior arrangements with the office. Entrance gate open and close at the following times:

      Summer (1 October - 31 March) 05:00 - 19:00
      Winter (1 April - 30 September) 06:00 - 18:00

• Overnight hikers need to provide all supplies. Cooking may only be done on hiker’s own portable gas equipment. NB: No fires are allowed in the wilderness area. Hikers must please remember that only official overnight stops may be used. Spades and trowels must be carried for toilet use.