DRAKENSBERG HIKE WEEKEND
Mnweni Circuit
Step away from the noise and reconnect with something real.
The Recharge Mnweni Valley Hike is a four-day guided hiking experience through one of the most breathtaking regions of the Drakensberg — the Mnweni area. This is an adventure designed for men who need a break from the constant rush, a chance to move, breathe, and be fully present in the wild.
DATES
March 19-22nd , 2026
LOCATION
Mnweni Hiking & Cultural Centre
INCLUDES
Everything is organised so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics
All meals & hot drinks provided (cooked and carried for you), Professional guides and basic first aid, Tents (two people per tent), Hiking permits and shuttle to/from the trailhead, Comprehensive snack pack to fuel you each day, event hiking shirt from Walt Gear
THE LOCATION
The Drakensberg
The Drakensberg Mountains, meaning “Dragon Mountains” in Afrikaans, are the highest mountain range in Southern Africa — stretching over 1,000 kilometres across South Africa and Lesotho. Formed more than 180 million years ago through powerful volcanic activity, these towering basalt cliffs and sandstone valleys are a masterpiece of time and nature. Long before explorers gave it a name, the San people called this place home. Their ancient rock paintings — some dating back thousands of years — still decorate the caves, telling stories of hunting, survival, and spiritual connection to the land. Today, the Drakensberg stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for both its natural beauty and cultural history. It’s more than just a mountain range — it’s a living, breathing reminder of how humans and nature have always been intertwined.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Experience.
Four days. Three nights. A small group of men walking side by side through some of South Africa’s most striking mountain landscapes.
We hike together, camp together, and share moments that remind us what life feels like when the noise fades away.
Expect the perfect balance between challenge and calm — hiking by day, fireside conversations by night.
Meals cooked with heart.
Simple, hearty food cooked over fire or gas on the trail — pot meals, braaibroodjies, and strong coffee at sunrise.
Everything tastes better when it’s earned through effort and shared in good company.
Hiking in the Drakensburg
Hiking in the Drakensberg is unlike anywhere else on earth. It’s wild, humbling, and deeply grounding. The air is crisp, the silence heavy, and every step reminds you how small you are in a landscape carved by time. Towering basalt cliffs rise straight from the valley floor, rivers cut through green plains, and the sound of distant waterfalls follows you as you walk.
It’s not just a hike — it’s a journey back to yourself. Out here, you move at the pace of nature. The rhythm of your boots on the trail becomes a kind of meditation. Conversations are deeper, laughter comes easier, and the stillness starts to work its way through you.
The Drakensberg doesn’t rush. It invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and notice — the wind, the light, the sound of your heartbeat echoing against the mountains. By the time you leave, you’re lighter, calmer, and more connected — to yourself and to the world around you.
ITINERARY
It’s safe to say that as men, we like to know where we need to be and when. The itinerary below lays out the full flow of the weekend, but we’ll keep things flexible so there’s plenty of space for personal time and spontaneous moments.
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First day is a meander up the Ntonjelana river to the base of rockeries. 6.5km wit beautiful views of the famous Saddle and the Rockeries
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We tackle the renowned Rockeries pass with swims below waterfalls and epic cliffs on either side of us. On top we have lunch at the source of the Orange River before heading to either Mponjwane cave or Ledges Cave, prevailing weather or personal preference to decide which one.
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We descend the Mnweni pass into the Mnweni valley with renowned views of the Mnweni cutback, hanging valleys and Pins buttress. We camp near the river at the base. The final day is a 12km meander down the Mnweni valley, ending near some of the local homesteads
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After breakfast, we make our way down through Rockeries Pass, winding through waterfalls and rugged valleys before returning to the Cultural Centre by mid-afternoon.
Hot showers, cold drinks, and one last shared meal before we head home — lighter, clearer, and recharged.
YOUR HOST
JOE FLEMING
Joe has spent the past 8 years exploring a more grounded and intentional way of life, learning from traditional practices and his own lived experiences. Having once faced the darkest of moments and attempted suicide, he now carries a deep passion for men’s mental health and the importance of creating spaces where men can connect, share openly, and grow together.
He brings these lessons into his adventures and the way he shows up for others, offering honesty, vulnerability, and strength in everything he hosts. While not formally qualified as a retreat leader, Joe draws on the depth of his journey and the challenges he’s overcome, confident in his ability to guide men through powerful, meaningful experiences.
BOOK NOW
RECHARGE INFO
PRICING
R9500 - Inclusive of VAT
INCLUDES
All meals and hot drinks (cooked and carried for you)
Professional guides and basic first aid
Tents (2 per tent) you’ll carry the tent
Permits, park fees, and shuttles to/from trailhead
Comprehensive snack pack for each day on the trail
Event hiking shirt
EXPECTATIONS OF YOU
Come with an open mind.
Digital detox: While we’d like to make this a phone free weekend, we’ll encourage you to do your best with this and remain present with the group as much as possible.
No judgement or gossip of others
Keep what is shared by others in confidence to yourself
Don’t be a dick.
NOT INCLUDED
Fuel or transportation to venue. A WhatsApp group will be started for those who may want to carpool.
Alcohol. You can bring your own if you’d like.
WHAT TO BRING
Pack light, pack smart.
50 L hiking backpack
Sleeping bag (0 °C comfort) + mat
Hiking boots or trail shoes
Layered clothing (it gets cold at night)
Bowl, utensils, mug & 1 L bottle
Headlamp
Toiletries & sunscreen
Frequently Asked Questions — Recharge
1. What is Recharge?
Recharge is a space for men to step away from the noise, reconnect with themselves, and find strength in brotherhood. Through weekly walks and immersive weekends away, we focus on men’s wellness, adventure, and authentic connection. It’s not therapy or a retreat — it’s a movement built on honesty, purpose, and growth.
2. Who can join?
Any man who’s ready to show up — for himself and for others. There’s no age limit, no membership requirement (yet), and no expectations besides being open and respectful. Whether you’re looking to clear your head, build connections, or rediscover your fire, you’ll find your place here.
3. How do I join a Recharge walk?
It’s simple — just show up. Follow us on Instagram or join the Recharge WhatsApp group for weekly updates on time and location. Our walks are free, open to all men, and happen in various parts of South Africa.
4. What happens on a Recharge weekend?
Recharge weekends are where things go deeper. We combine physical adventure with meaningful practices — think hiking, cold immersion, fire circles, honest conversations, and moments of stillness. It’s designed to challenge you, ground you, and remind you what really matters.
5. Is this religious or therapy-based?
No. Recharge is open to all belief systems and isn’t tied to religion or therapy. It’s about real men, real connection, and real growth. We hold space for men to talk, reflect, and reconnect through nature, movement, and brotherhood.
6. Do I need to be fit or outdoorsy to join?
Not at all. Recharge is about connection, not competition. Whether you’re fit, out of shape, or somewhere in between — you’re welcome. The focus is on being present, not being perfect.
7. How can I host or start a Recharge walk in my area?
We’re expanding across South Africa and would love to have more men leading walks in their communities. If you’re interested, reach out to us — we’ll guide you through the simple steps to start your own Recharge branch.
8. What should I bring to a Recharge weekend?
You’ll get a packing list before each event, but generally: bring clothes for comfort and warmth, a notebook, a good attitude, and a willingness to disconnect from your phone and reconnect with what’s real.
9. Why does Recharge matter?
Because men need spaces like this. Too many of us carry silent burdens, and Recharge gives us a way to let go, open up, and rebuild — together. It’s a reminder that strength isn’t about going it alone. It’s about showing up, side by side, and walking forward together.