The Drakensberg

The Drakensberg

The Drakensberg mountain range is the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, and stretches the entire length of the western boundary of KwaZulu-Natal.

The Drakensberg

Stunning mountain range

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.

Waterfall in the DrakensbergThe highest mountain range in Southern Africa, the Drakensberg scenery is breathtakingly beautiful.  Snowcapped in the Winter months, the mountains form a massive barrier between KwaZulu-Natal and the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Tens of thousands of rock art paintings on rock faces depict the daily life of the San people, or bushmen, who roamed these slopes for years.  In December 2000, the area received international recognition and was declared a World Heritage Site. 

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, helicopter flips, and even white water rafting to be enjoyed.

 

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.

 
 

Giant's Castle Lodge

KZN Wildlife Camp

Guest Rating: 4.0

A proclaimed protected area since 1904, Giant's Castle is 34,638 hectares in the central Berg region. Situated on the grassy plateaux among deep valleys below the sheer rock face of the High Drakensberg, this famous reserve offers glorious views.


 

Otters Den Cottages

Self-Catering Cottages

There are 4 thatched cottages, each with a private balcony overlooking the Lions River. Each cottage is for 2 people and has an en-suite bathroom with its own jacuzzi spa bath.


 

Didima Camp

KZN Wildlife Camp

The luxurious Didima Camp, at Cathedral Peak in the Central Drakensberg region, has been themed around the art of the San people.Didima camp features luxury 2 or 4 bed chalets, a 2 bed honeymoon suite and a 6 bed bungalow.


 

Thendele Camp

KZN Wildlife Camp

Guest Rating: 4.0

The camp, which is split into upper and lower sections, consists of 26 comfortable self-contained chalets that accommodate either 2 or 4 people each. All units are equipped with satellite TV.


 

Hartford House

Country House

Guest Rating: 5.0

The 13 luxurious suites are all decorated in a fusion of colour, style and texture, and are equipped with a telephone, satellite TV, and mini bar. Some suites have a jacuzzi spa bath.


 

The Drakensberg Mountains

Holiday Ideas

Battles, Bergs and Big 5

KwaZulu-Natal, The Battlefields, The Drakensberg and Durban.

10 day itinerary.

Prices from GBP £ 1,285 US$ 1,979 ZAR 17,735 EUR 1,516 pp*

Going back to Nature

St Lucia Wetland Park, Pakamisa Game Reserve, The Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal and Durban.

12 day itinerary.

Prices from GBP £ 1,379 US$ 2,124 ZAR 19,035 EUR 1,628 pp*

Nature at its Best

St Lucia Wetland Park, Pakamisa Game Reserve, The Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal and Durban.

12 day itinerary.

Prices from GBP £ 1,379 US$ 2,124 ZAR 19,035 EUR 1,628 pp*

Impressions of KwaZulu-Natal

Mkuze Falls Game Reserve, The Drakensberg, The Battlefields and Durban.

11 day itinerary.

Prices from GBP £ 1,474 US$ 2,269 ZAR 20,335 EUR 1,739 pp*

Safaris, Saddles and Surfing

Amazulu Private Game Reserve, Pakamisa Game Reserve, Durban and The Drakensberg.

10 day itinerary.

Prices from GBP £ 1,574 US$ 2,423 ZAR 21,715 EUR 1,857 pp*

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