Drakensberg Mountains - South Africa
The impressive peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains are widely regarded as the most spectacular in all of South Africa. The awe-inspiring basalt cliffs are surrounded in lush green forestry, which coat the mountains perfectly. Not only natural elements adorn the mountains, with ancient Bushmen’s paintings adorning thousands of rock faces. The terrific height of the peaks is accessible by car through the Sani Pass, which host’s Africa’s highest pub at a staggering 3,000 metres above sea level. Once the summits have been reached, a plethora of outdoor activities await. For the adventurous, Mountain biking, White-water rafting and Rock-climbing truly make the most of the impressive surrounding views. There is also an amazing depth of history in the region, especially several Boer War Battlefield sites which can be visited with guided tours. The mountains are also home to many species of wildlife, especially rare birds such as Black Eagles and Bearded Vultures.
Where is it?
The range forms the boundary between South Africa and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, on the east side of South Africa. Durban is the closest city, which sits on the east coast.
What is it?
The Drakensberg Mountains, derived from the Afrikaans translation of ‘Dragon Mountains’, is a 200-kilometre-long world heritage site. The biggest proportion of the Drakensberg area falls in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
Best time to visit?
Spring (September, October and November), as well as autumn (March, April and May), is the best time to visit as these months provide very stable weather.
Must See?
Take a hike to the top of Tugela Falls and marvel at one of the most fantastic views of the Drakensberg Mountains, as the Tugela River spectacularly plunges down the mountainside. The falls are the second highest in the world, and are split dreamily over five cascades.
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