The Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal.

The first European settlers called them 'Dragon Mountains'; the Zulus call them 'Barrier of Spears' - whatever you know them as, the Drakensberg mountain range is one of the most spectacular natural features of Africa.

The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful, and nature lovers will enjoy the many hiking and walking trails available for all levels of ability. 

There are easier walks through lush meadows and across clear streams, or more strenuous hikes up and across rugged mountain terrain.  In addition there are countless other activities including horse riding, fly-fishing, and art-courses to be enjoyed.

Click here to book your accommodation in the Drakensberg, or ask us to plan an itinerary for you including the Drakensberg as part of your trip to SA.

Giant's Castle and Cathedral Peak

Less than 2 hours drive from Durban, the Giant's Castle Game Reserve attracts visitors who come to visit one of the many San rock art sites, hike through the meadows and low hills, or climb Injasuti (the highest mountain in South Africa, at 3,459m). 

This is a stunning area with clean air, high mountains and waterfalls.  Large herds of eland are a common sight.

Two of the best places to see San rock art are at the Main Cave and Battle Cave. 

The paintings here date back thousands of years, and are still clearly visible on the walls and the ceilings.

It is not possible to visit these on your own, but the Parks Board provide knowledgeable local guides at the entrance to the caves for a nominal fee.

Further north, Cathedral Peak is the easiest of the higher climbs at 3,004m (9,853ft).  It is a full day's climb, but you do not need any special equipment, just a fit pair of lungs and strong legs!

Lost Valley and Middledale Pass

The Lost Valley of the Northern Drakensberg is a remote area of the Drakensberg and a unique geographical feature. This was reportedly the home of a 'White Tribe' descended from Piet Retief’s Voortrekkers as they came into Natal, via Retief’s Pass.

Of historical interest is a man-made suspension bridge, still in working order at the bottom of the 4x4 trail into Lost Valley. A statue, the ‘Kaalvoet Vrou’, stands close to Retief’s Pass and Voortrekker Pass, commemorating the 1837 entry into Natal by Retief.

Staying in the Berg

Whilst it would be possible to visit the mountains as a day trip from Durban or even Johannesburg, this really would be passing up the opportunity to stay in one of the most scenic parts of Africa.

Accommodation options around the Drakensberg range from clean comfortable lodges in the foothills of the mountains to luxurious guest houses and small hotels a little further out.

The less expensive places offer a clean, comfortable base from which to enjoy the great outdoors, whilst many of the more expensive places are the best of their type in the country and destinations in their own right, with excellent service and food presented in old colonial homesteads or restored farms.