There’s magic in the mountains of the Drakensberg

TThe largest mountain range in South Africa is a truly magical place. It’s no wonder that J.R.R. Tolkien saw this landscape as inspiration for the part of Middle Earth called the Misty Mountains. The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is home to 35 000 examples of San rock paintings and a huge diversity of protected plant and animal species.

While there are many mountains in South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal's 200km long uKhahlamba-Drakensberg escarpment is by far the most impressive. With peaks that exceed 3000m, the Berg – as locals like to call it – forms the backbone of the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation and Development Area between the Kingdom of Lesotho and South Africa.

TThe uKhahlamba (“barrier of spears” in Zulu) is a dynamic wonderland of river valleys, mountain streams, rugged cliffs, hiking trails and stunning scenery that attracts thousands of travellers every year, mainly during the hotter summer months of December to February. With such natural beauty to its credit, it is not surprising that the mountain region literally bursts at the seams with exhilarating adventure activities and amazing accommodation.

In winter, the mountains are dusted with snow, transforming designated slopes into a winter playground!

Food

When to visit

How to get here

Did You Know?

TThe highest peak in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is the 3482m-high Thababa Ntlenyana.

IIf you prefer adventures without snow, there’s no shortage of options. You can go kayaking, tube riding, horse riding, do 4x4 trails, hiking, hang gliding, mountain climbing, swimming, canyoning, fly-fishing and so much more.

TTake the time to explore the hundreds of caves that can be found in the valleys and sandstone cliffs of the Drakensberg. Many of these cave walls tell the story of the nomadic San people who recorded their lives in rock art paintings throughout this area. In fact there are around 600 rock art sites with over 35 000 images depicting humans, animals and the complex spiritual life of the San over a 4000-year period. Other 19th and 20th century paintings are attributable to the Bantu.

TThe Drakensberg is also acknowledged as a RAMSAR site for its high-altitude wetlands, which lie above 2750m, and for its amazing birdlife. This region offers a plethora of heart-stopping adventure activities, set against a breathtakingly beautiful mountain landscape. Whether you are there to hike and rock climb or to just relax and enjoy the scenery, there is something for everyone.

Who to contact
How to get there
Best time to visit
Tours to do
Get around
What will it cost
Length of stay
What to pack
Where to stay
Best buys

Who to contact

How to get there

Best time to visit

Tours to do

Get around

What will it cost

Length of stay

What to pack

Where to stay

Best buys

Breathtaking scenery
Khosi Tyobeka, Zimase Travel
1
Breathtaking scenery
Khosi Tyobeka, Zimase Travel
Khosi Tyobeka has built her business around making travelling easy and accessible. Her company, Zimasa Travel, provides tailor-made travel solutions; from planning to the execution of travel or conference needs. The award winning entrepreneur’s flair for business runs in her family. When she was growing up her mother operated a food business in their small village in the North West Province .
1
Explore now
Add to wish list
Add to wish list
Breathtaking scenery
Help set the benchmark for water wise tourism
Breathtaking scenery
Help set the benchmark for water wise tourism
Water scarcity does not mean you should delay or cancel your trip – South Africa is ready to welcome you on a once in a lifetime adventure while encouraging visitors to use water responsibly when travelling through our beautiful country.
Explore now
Add to wish list
Add to wish list

Choose your country and language:

Africa

Americas

Asia Pacific

Europe

Breathtaking scenery

Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal

Related articles

Khosi Tyobeka, Zimase Travel

Help set the benchmark for water wise tourism

South Africa on social media

Useful links

Explore