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The dragon mountain
Discover uKhahlamba-Drakensberg
The Amphitheatre is a major Drakensberg attraction.
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
The Tugela Falls, a Drakensberg attraction, are the second highest in the world.
uKhahlamba-Drakensberg is quite simply, jaw-droppingly beautiful. It's an unspoilt paradise that is characterised by thousands of hectares of pristine grasslands and dominated by the Drakensberg mountains.
Hiking, walking, camping and adventure pursuits are popular Drakensberg activities, while the Royal Natal National Park's picturesque Amphitheatre and Mont-aux-Sources are key Drakensberg attractions.
uKhahlamba, Zulu for ‘barrier of spears', and Drakensberg, Afrikaans for ‘dragon mountain' are both apt descriptions of this impressive mountain range.
The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg area spans 243 000ha. The entire region, including the mountains, forms part of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its biggest drawcard is its natural diversity. The park is home to 290 species of birds and 48 mammal species, including the threatened eland and endemic grey rhebuck. Among its 2 153 plant species is the extremely rare Protea nubigena, which is found nowhere else in the world but here.
There are thousands of marked trails of varying difficulty in the park, allowing visitors to enjoy everything from scenic walks to serious hikes that maximise this natural splendour.
The Drakensberg is also renowned for its extensive collection of San (Bushmen) rock art. Tens of thousands of paintings adorn the walls of caves and overhangs here, the oldest of which dates back 2 400 years. The quality of the paintings is unrivalled and visitors can explore these amazing sites at points throughout the park.
Thrill seekers will be pleased to know the Drakensberg also offers a range of adventure activities. Try your hand at abseiling, white water rafting, sheer rock climbing or, if you're brave enough, ice climbing. Snow falls frequently on the mountain peaks, changing this inherently African landscape dramatically.
The scenic Royal Natal National Park falls within the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park and features the iconic Tugela Falls, Amphitheatre, Sentinel, Eastern Buttress and Mont-aux-Sources, the summit of which can be reached via a 100-rung chain
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Authority:
Tel: +27 (0) 31 366 7500
Email: kznta@iafrica.com
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife:
Tel: +27 (0) 33 845 1000
Email: webmail@kznwildlife.com
How to get here
Fly from any of South Africa’s major cities to Durban International Airport.
If you’re driving, from Johannesburg take the N3 south (towards Durban), turning off at Winterton, from where you can explore the area. From Cape Town, take the N2 motorway to Durban, and then the N3 north to Winterton.
Tours to do
Drakensberg San art, Royal Natal National Park, Drakensberg trails and hikes, Ardmore Ceramic Art Studio and African Loom at Champagne Valley, fly-fishing at sites around the region, Underberg Studio art gallery at Underberg.
What's happening
Splashy Fen Music Festival in Himeville in April.
Best buys
Local artwork, curios and crafts at sites throughout the region.