Drakensberg

The Drakensberg Mountains in KwaZulu Natal provide South Africa with some of its most beautiful scenery including the key attractions of Amphitheatre and Mont-aux-Sources. Their ‘Zulu’ name uKhahlamba means ‘Barrier of Spears’ and in Afrikaans its name means ‘Dragon Mountains’. The highest point of the Drakensberg is Thabana Ntelnyana which is actually in the Kingdom of Lesotho near Sani Pass at a height of 3,482m.

The mountain range is around 620 miles long and they drain a number of rivers including the Orange, Vaal and Tugela rivers. There is a large diversity of nature in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg which also offers a number of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, rock climbing, white water rafting and abseiling.

It is also a renowned area for San (or Bushmen) rock art. Thousands of pieces of art can be found on rocks and cave walls some dating back more than 2,400 years.

Throughout the Drakensberg, you will find a range of accommodation from camping to 5* hotels making it an ideal getaway for anyone wanting to get away to nature at its secluded best.

Getting There & Around

The uKhahlamba Drakensberg are easily accessible by road from Durban and Johannesburg. The two cities are linked by the N2 and you can turn off at various points to explore the area. Hiring is car is recommended as it will give you the freedom to explore this amazing part of South Africa. Routes such as the Midlands Meander are hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

Weather

The weather in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg is moderate all year round making it a year round destination. During the winter months (June – August), day time temperatures are moderate/warm and it gets cold at night. Higher regions regularly have snowfall.