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Exploring the Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Exploring the Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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Written by See Africa Today

The Drakensberg Mountains is a World Heritage Site with its mountain range measuring 200 km. It spreads across three provinces in the Eastern part of South Africa, the largest part being in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Drakensberg is referred to in Isi-Zulu language as ‘uKhahlamba’ (barrier of spears). The mountain ranges are capped with snow peaks, waterfalls, forests and rock art. The yellowwood forests act as a barrier between KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho where the ‘Dragon Mountains’ spreads by width and breadth.

The Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa

The Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa [Photo/Antbear Lodge]

Rock and ice climbing are major sporting activities given that the mountain has the highest peak at 2,874m above sea level. Other high peaks are Cathkin and Champagne Castle. The Drakensberg is also a major hiking zone heralded by its mountainous nature.

About wildlife, the Drakensberg has over 290 species of birds, 48 species of animals including the endangered bearded vulture, enormous Eland, Reedbuck and baboons which are in uKhahlamba or Drakensberg National Park in KwaZulu-Natal.

The central and northern part of the Drakensberg has four beautiful valleys; Champagne Valley, Didima Valley, Amphitheatre Valley, The Lost Valley all of which have unique characteristics.

Adventure at The Drakensberg

Adventure at The Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa [Photo/Soul Adventure]

Champagne Valley houses the Cathedral peak region which is a favourite for mountain climbers and golf players. Didima Valley where the Giant Castle is situated is rich in san art. It is also a good point for bird watching. The Royal Natal National Park in Amphitheatre Valley located on the northern side of the Drakensberg is a major tourist destination where visitors climb a chain ladder to the summit of the mountain at 1,220m. Tugela Falls, the world’s second-largest waterfall is found here.

Thousands of Bushman San rock paintings are spread all over the Drakensberg bringing out the heritage of Bushman San people.

the drakensberg south africa

A guide to hiking in the Drakensberg, South Africa [Photo/Drakensberg Hikes]

More about the South African adventure;

Kruger National Park, home to the world’s big five

The most expensive and elegant 5-star hotels in South Africa

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About the author

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See Africa Today

Pharis Kinyua is the editor of See Africa Today. With over seven years of experience in digital media, he has a soft spot for African tours and travel. His drive is to tell the rest of the world what Africa offers, the best accommodation facilities, national parks, culture, shopping malls and best airline deals to travel to Africa

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