The Drakensberg Mountains

Fact File:
Size – from north-east to south-west 1125km
Part of the Great Escarpment
Main watershed for South Africa
max. altitude – 4000m

The Drakensberg (from the dutch “mountains of the dragon”) is South Africas biggest mountain range extending from the north-east to the south-west for around 1125km. Most of the range is located in the South African province of KwaZulu Natal. Lesotho lies on a plateau partially surrounded by the Drakensberg.

Highlights:

uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
UNESCO World Heritage Site - also see World Heritage Sites in Southern Africa
In this awesome mountain range you can savour the ultimate freedom of great open spaces in a world of gigantic peaks and buttresses, of towering sandstone cliffs and hidden valleys, virgin forests and crystal clear rivers.

Northern Drakensberg:
Amphitheatre
The rock wall known as “Amphitheatre” is about 5 km in length and approx. 500m high. The highest peak on top of it is the “Mont-aux-Sources” (French meaning “mountain of springs”). Down the face of the amphitheatre cascades the Thukela river ends up in one of the highest waterfalls in the world.

Central Drakensberg
The uKhahlamba Drakensberg region of KwaZulu-Natal is rich in rock art left behind by the San people. These exquisite paintings tell stories of yesteryear and teach us more about the mythology, ritual, and beliefs of the San.
Visit the Kamberg San Rock Art Interpretive Centre for some stunning insights in the culture of the San of Southern Africa.

Southern Drakensberg:
The Southern Drakensberg is a bit off the normal tourist trek, but it is home to the “Sani Pass”, the highest pass-road in South Africa.

The Sani Pass leads you the way to the “Kingdom in the Sky” Lesotho. The pass is about 8km long and can only be driven with a 4x4. On top of the Sani Pass you find the Sani Lodge and with it “the highest pub in Africa”. Organised tours to the pass can be organised from Underberg.

How to get there?
See the tra:mag routes tour suggestions
Click here for a Route Planner if you travel by car - otherwise click here for links to bus services in South Africa.

Check the tra:mag accommodation board for comments
Check the tra:guide trips & tours board for comments

Links:
www.drakensberg-tourism.com