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South Africa's most significant mountain range
The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg mountains
The Drakensberg Mountain Range - World Heritage Site.
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
The Drakensberg is home to rare birds like the bearded vulture and bald ibis.
The spectacular and ancient uKhahlamba-Drakensberg mountain range is Southern Africa's highest range (its highest peak is 3 482m) and is a remarkable 1 000km in length.
In Zulu the range is called uKhahlamba, meaning 'barrier of spears', which does justice to its dramatic basalt buttresses. The Boers called it the Drakensberg, because to them it looked like a dragon's back.
The Drakensberg range offers you spectacular views, a multitude of activities and rich historical value, and is considered 1 of South Africa's most popular natural attractions. It is made up of a sandstone layer covered with a 1 400m basalt layer.
Its incredible biodiversity and caves, filled with the largest collection of San paintings in the world, are 2 of the reasons why you should visit.
The Drakensberg mountains hold approximately 40 000 works of San art and are home to a large number of threatened and endemic plants, as well as nearly 300 bird species.
The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, administered by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, is approximately 2 hours' drive away from Durban. It lies within the Drakensberg mountain range in KwaZulu-Natal province and is a world-class ecotourism centre. The park was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2000 and spans 150km over 243 000ha of land.
You can try your hand at almost anything in the Drakensberg mountains, from easy, guided walks and fly fishing to rock climbing and hot air balloon rides over hidden valleys.
You'll also marvel at the towering cliffs, unspoilt forests, soaring peaks and rich animal life, including eagles and eland. You can swim in crystal clear rivers, explore the area by mountain bike or just chill and enjoy the glorious vistas. Accommodation is plentiful and ranges from basic to luxurious.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Drakensberg Tourism Association
Tel: +27 (36) 448 1557
Email: info@drakensberg.org.za
Tours to do
Horse riding, fishing, golf and bowls are popular pastimes in the Drakensberg Mountains, as are game and bird-viewing tours, 4x4 routes, mountain biking and helicopter flips.
Get around
It's best to drive yourself, or explore the area on foot. In some areas, you can travel by mountain bike.
Length of stay
Spend at least 2 nights here - more if you enjoy hiking.
What to pack
In summer, take rain gear. In winter, pack plenty of warm clothes.
Where to stay
Accommodation in the Drakensberg mountains is plentiful and includes B&Bs, hotels, guest houses, camping and caravanning, self-catering options, bush camps, lodges and resorts.