There are two recommended hiking clubs you can join. They are the Mountain Backpackers Club and the Mountain Club of SA - KZN

About the Mountain Backpackers Club

Who are we?

The Mountain Backpackers Club was founded by Lawrence Bates in 1987. The club is renowned for its vibrant and friendly atmosphere.  We offer a wide range hikes, that cater for all levels of interest and fitness - So you can pick and choose what you'd like to do.

Enjoy the beauty, and majesty of the African outdoors, and follow your feet to new destinations and experiences - Take a Hike!

What do we do? We hike! But where and when?

The club's hikes primarily take place in the majestic Drakensberg Mountains of Kwa-Zulu Natal and surrounds. 

Hikes are graded according to required fitness level and difficulty and may include:

• Overnight hikes generally on weekends
• Multi-day hikes
• Day or part-day hikes
• Special events
• Socials

We occasionally take trips along our magnificent coastline, as well as areas in and around Durban, Pietermaritzburg, the KZN Midlands, North and South Coast. Your overnight accommodation could be in a cave, tent, hut, campsite or chalet depending on the hike in question. Our adventures have taken us along many mountainous trails as well as places like The Fish River Canyon, Otter Trail, Amatola and the Wild Coast.  Our leaders have, in the past, invited members to join them on expeditions as far afield as France, Mozambique, Madagascar, Reunion, Namibia, Spain, Nepal and Peru.

Please note that personal vehicles are used to get to and from hikes.

You're in safe hands!

All our hikes are led by experienced Hike Leaders, who know the terrain, weather conditions, wildlife and what to look out for in every area they hike in. So, there's no need to stress, wherever our boots take us, we're in safe hands! Don't know what to bring? Ask your hike leader for advice with regard to the hike in question, you will also find good information here.

Please note that you though we endeavour to ensure that everyone is kept as safe as possible, you are ultimately responsible for your own safety, so we ask that you comply with your leaders' instructions and behave responsibly at all times.

Come to our talks, meet the Club!

The Club holds regular talks, slideshows and videos at The Sherwood Bowling Club, King Cetshwayo Highway, Sherwood, Durban. Everyone welcome!

Not a member? Join us!!!

The membership period covers the January to December calendar year. So, take a moment and Join us!

About the Mountain Club of South Africa - KZN Section

The Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) is an organisation of people who love mountaineering, rock climbing, bouldering, hiking, international expeditions, search and rescue, training and conservation. A large part of what we do concerns procurement of access for mountaineering. The MCSA national body comprises 15 geographically based sections and owns a multitude of beautiful mountain huts and wilderness properties across South Africa. The Cape Town Section alone organises over 200 meets every year, with something for everyone. The MCSA is a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO No. 930013449).

Sign up to join the MCSA