The Sphinx Hike

Author: Drakensberg Hikes

In the Mountains, Moderate Hikes, Day Hikes, KwaZulu-Natal, Monks Cowl Nature Reserve, Maloti-Drabensberg Park

Total hike distance: 5 km

Elevation gain: 319 metres

About The Sphinx Hike

A moderate walk from Monks Cowl of 2.4 km and elevation of 312 m to the Sphinx passing Crystal falls on the way. The views are lovely once reaching the Sphinx.

Along the way you walk past Crystal Falls, which is a beautiful waterfall inside of one of the many forests that you will need to walk through. This is a good place to collect more water for the remainer of the hike up to the Sphinx.

When standing on top of the sphinx, you have magnificent 360-degree views of the region. View the video below of the 360-degree views.

The Sphinx

The Sphinx Hike

The Sphinx Hike

The Sphinx

Hike Directions

Your start is at the Monks Cowl Nature Reserve car park. The path starts past and up behind the office where you fill in the Mountain Register following the Sterkspruit/Mpofana upstream. About 500 m along there is a direction sign where you head off to the left and after another 500 m you come to a T-junction where you head right and up some steep zigzagging steps.

At the top the zigzags the path heads around to the right, as it makes its way onto the lower section of The Sphinx. You then cross the second tributary of the Mpofana where you will find Crystal Falls.

This would be a good place to refill your water bottle for a rest the the hike to The Sphinx.

Continuing along the trail, you will pass through more forested areas before starting the ascent towards the Sphinx. The climb is moderate but steady, with the elevation gain providing a good workout. As you approach the Sphinx, the forest opens up, revealing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Upon reaching the Sphinx, you are rewarded with magnificent 360-degree views.

About the area

Monks Cowl is the gateway to some of the most magnificent mountain Wilderness areas in South Africa. Taking its name from the distinctive mountain between Champagne Castle and Cathedral Peak, Monks Cowl marks the access to the Mlambonja and Mdedelelo mountain Wilderness areas.

Address & Contact details

The starting point is at Monks Cowl Nature Reserve, Central Drakensberg.

All enquiries and bookings can be made telephonically, or by e-mail to the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Reservations Office:

Telephone: +27 (0) 33 845 1000
General Information: + 27 (0) 33 845 1002
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.