Drakensberg Mountains

The Zulu people named it 'Ukhahlamba' or the 'Barrier of Spears' and the Dutch Voortrekkers 'The Dragon Mountain'. As South Africa’s highest mountain range, rising to over 3 000 meters, the Drakensberg is a massive and strikingly beautiful rampart of deep gorges, pinnacles and saw-edged ridges, caves, overhangs and balancing rocks containing lush yellowwood forests and cascading waterfalls.

In the winter months its upper levels lie deep in snow, but among the foothills far below, in undulating grasslands where most of the accommodation is nestled, the trout filled streams still run icy cold and clear blue skies frame faraway peaks. In autumn the fields and lower reaches are often a waist-high sea of confetti-like pink, white and deep velvet red cosmos blossoms, making this an ideal all-year destination for nature lovers, family holiday-makers and those looking for peace and quiet in a magical wonderland.  

People come for the fresh, clean mountain air; for the walks, climbs and drives; for trout fishing, golf, bowls and horseback riding; and for casual relaxation in the most exquisite of surrounds. The fearless may choose to try sheer rock or ice-climbing - or they may prefer the adrenaline rush provided by abseiling, white water rafting or taking a helicopter ride to view the mountains from above.

The Zulu people named it 'Ukhahlamba' or the 'Barrier of Spears' and the Dutch Voortrekkers 'The Dragon Mountain'. As South Africa’s highest mountain range, rising to over 3 000 meters, the Drakensberg is a massive and strikingly beautiful rampart of deep gorges, pinnacles and saw-edged ridges, caves, overhangs and balancing rocks containing lush yellowwood forests and cascading waterfalls.

In the winter months its upper levels lie deep in snow, but among the foothills far below, in undulating grasslands where most of the accommodation is nestled, the trout filled streams still run icy cold and clear blue skies frame faraway peaks. In autumn the fields and lower reaches are often a waist-high sea of confetti-like pink, white and deep velvet red cosmos blossoms, making this an ideal all-year destination for nature lovers, family holiday-makers and those looking for peace and quiet in a magical wonderland.  

People come for the fresh, clean mountain air; for the walks, climbs and drives; for trout fishing, golf, bowls and horseback riding; and for casual relaxation in the most exquisite of surrounds. The fearless may choose to try sheer rock or ice-climbing - or they may prefer the adrenaline rush provided by abseiling, white water rafting or taking a helicopter ride to view the mountains from above.

The Drakensberg is made up of a number of game and forest reserves and has been awarded World Heritage status as a result of both its awesome beauty and the rich history found in its caves – over 4000 ancient bushman paintings have been discovered and are said to be the Rosetta Stone of Africa.

The Giants Castle Game Reserve (part of the larger Drakensberg Park) offers scenic splendour, horseback riding, a stunning array of plant life (a large number of the Drakensberg’s 800 flowering species are found here) and a number of raptor species; bearded vultures are fed at hides or ‘vulture restaurants’, affording visitors the opportunity to study and photograph these majestic birds in their natural environment. The area is dominated by the Giant’s Castle and Injesuthi buttresses. The reserve is famed for its Bushman rock art, some of which is on view in the site museum.

The ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park is an extensive floral and wildlife sanctuary, home to antelope and about 200 bird species, among them the black (Verreaux’s) eagle, the bearded vulture (lammergeier) and the Cape vulture.

The park has 30 or so charted walks, noted for their scenic magnificence. One of the park’s longer trails takes you up to the imposing Mont-aux- Sources plateau and its Amphitheatre. The excursion to Tugela Falls, where the river plunges into the pools below in a series of cascades takes you to one stretch where the river drops sheer for 183 metres (600 feet), making it the country’s highest waterfall.

Horse-riding is popular in the Drakensberg, and numerous bridle paths cross scenically enchanting landscapes. All rides are accompanied by experienced guides. The park’s streams and dams offer fine fishing.

The accommodation in the area suites the Drakenserg perfectly with old-established, unpretentious venues offering a host of exciting day activities, advice on what to do and where to go, and personal service from the hosts who you can see have benefitted from the clean mountain air and healthy outdoor living.

Contact one of our Travel Experts to help you plan your Drakensberg vacation and to give you direction on how best to combine the Drakensberg with othe incredible areas and safari destinations in Africa.