Monks Cowl in the Central Drakensberg

Monks Cowl, taking its name from the peak between the towering mountains of Champagne Castle and Cathedral Peak, is part of 260,000 ha Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park and is the access point for the Mlambonja and Mdedelo wilderness areas . It is known for its wonderful scenery and provides hikers with wonderful routes that weave through the deep valleys and forests of the Northern Drakensberg and up onto the main escarpment. The routes vary from a few hours to several days and provide opportunities for young and old, the fit and not so fit, to visit places with evocative names like the Sphinx and Blindmans Corner.

There are camping facilities available at Monkss Cowl as well as a curio shop and a tea garden and take away. The campsite is fairly flat and bordered with indigenous trees and shrubs. There are 12 electrified sites. There are barbecue facilities.

There are two ablution blocks, one has showers with hot and cold water, whilst the other has toilets only.

The lower section of the campsite has 25 sites without electrical connections. Caves must be booked in advance.

Bring along hiking stoves as fires are not allowed due to the danger of run-away fires. The mountain campsites of Keith Bush Camp and Cowl Fork campsite have no facilities and hikers must be suitably equipped.

Accommodation in and around Van Reenens Pass