Drakensberg in KwaZulu-NatalMany have heard about it, the Drakensberg in South Africa. However, few people realise that there are actually two locations in South Africa which bear the name ‘Drakensberg’. There is the Drakensberg near Kruger National Park which includes the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Three Rondawels and the Panorama Route. These sights are familiar to the European public. Then there is the Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal which forms the border between Lesotho and South Africa. Lesser known but no less magnificent or impressive. The Drakensberg near Kruger reaches a maximum height of 1,944 metres but in KwaZulu-Natal the Drakensberg reaches a staggering 3,450 metres above sea level. Both Drakensberg ranges are wonderful locations to visit, however, there are some differences worth mentioning.
Highlights of the Drakensberg near Kruger are usually seen in one or two days, unless you choose day hikes. For example, the famous Panorama Route can be visited in a half to full day. The Drakensberg Mountains of KwaZulu-Natal, on the other hand, will require more time to truly appreciate the experience. Depending on the number of locations in the Drakensberg that you want to visit, we recommend a stay of between two and ten days. The Drakensberg Mountains near Kruger are crowded and very touristy. As a result, there are many commercial souvenir stalls, whereas the Drakensberg Mountains in KwaZulu-Natal are 'untouched'. This also manifests itself in the landscape. Although God's Window on the Panorama Route offers great views, you are actually looking out over vast plantations of pine and eucalyptus. In KwaZulu-Natal, however, your view is almost always pristine wilderness! What you choose to visit on your trip depends on your opinion of the above but even more on the route of your travels. If you are visiting Kruger it would be logical to visit its Drakensberg Mountains but if you choose to visit KwaZulu-Natal, the Drakensberg Mountains here would make more sense. For those visitors who really want to see the mountains and plan their route around this, we recommend the Drakensberg Mountains of KwaZulu-Natal. As mentioned previously, these wilder, less crowded and touristy mountains, are more varied with many more destinations. It is here that you really feel like you’re stepping into Lord of the Rings scenery. Highlights of KwaZulu-Natal’s Drakensberg are included in the slideshow below: |
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Golden Gate Highlands National Park
This Park is beauty itself, created by Mother Nature. The ' Golden Gates' are sandstone cliffs which give off a golden glow when the sun's rays fall on them. You’ll be absolutely amazed when you see this rugged landscape for yourself.
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This Park is beauty itself, created by Mother Nature. The ' Golden Gates' are sandstone cliffs which give off a golden glow when the sun's rays fall on them. You’ll be absolutely amazed when you see this rugged landscape for yourself.
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Royal Natal National Park - Thendele Camp
When you visit the Drakensberg this park will definitely be one of the highlights of your visit. This park, not only offers you magnificent views over the impressive landscape, it also has caves and waterfalls which will take your breath away.
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When you visit the Drakensberg this park will definitely be one of the highlights of your visit. This park, not only offers you magnificent views over the impressive landscape, it also has caves and waterfalls which will take your breath away.
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Cathedral Peak - Didima Camp
Cathedral Peak is a unique area in the Drakensberg. Highly diverse with high bare mountains to test your walking boots on and stunning waterfalls and dense forest to explore. If that’s not enough the history of the area is fascinating, once dominated by the indigenous San (Bushmen) population. The camp reflects this history in its award winning design.
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Cathedral Peak is a unique area in the Drakensberg. Highly diverse with high bare mountains to test your walking boots on and stunning waterfalls and dense forest to explore. If that’s not enough the history of the area is fascinating, once dominated by the indigenous San (Bushmen) population. The camp reflects this history in its award winning design.
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Giants Castle Game Reserve
The Giant's Castle Game Reserve is also worth visiting. The accommodation in this small park is very soothing and one can enjoy the breathtaking scenery from their rooms or over lunch in the restaurant. The park also has a few notable attractions which you can read more about below.
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The Giant's Castle Game Reserve is also worth visiting. The accommodation in this small park is very soothing and one can enjoy the breathtaking scenery from their rooms or over lunch in the restaurant. The park also has a few notable attractions which you can read more about below.
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Kamberg Nature Reserve
This park has beautiful scenery, lovely walking trails and historic rock paintings by the Bushman, which are most definitely worth a visit.
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This park has beautiful scenery, lovely walking trails and historic rock paintings by the Bushman, which are most definitely worth a visit.
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Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge
Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge offers great accommodation and is perfectly located for people who want to enjoy the astonishing nature that the high reaches of the Drakensberg Mountains have to offer. It offers walks right on top of the escarpment, where you can walk to the base of the Tugula Falls. Beware of vertigo though! You are also nearby the Golden Gate National Park, so you could go for a day visit there.
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Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge offers great accommodation and is perfectly located for people who want to enjoy the astonishing nature that the high reaches of the Drakensberg Mountains have to offer. It offers walks right on top of the escarpment, where you can walk to the base of the Tugula Falls. Beware of vertigo though! You are also nearby the Golden Gate National Park, so you could go for a day visit there.
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In short ... ,
The Drakensberg in KwaZulu - Natal is a great destination to visit . It is great to combine with our other trips in the region, such as the “The Best of the Elephant Coast Tour” and the "Battlefields of Zululand Tour”, but can also serve as a main destination, where you can spend two whole weeks or even up to 3 weeks in this beautiful mountains region . You can stay in various locations, some of which also offer horse riding and trout fishing.
More information? Email us at [email protected] or use our enquiry form and let us know which destination you would like to visit, We will be happy to help you!
The Drakensberg in KwaZulu - Natal is a great destination to visit . It is great to combine with our other trips in the region, such as the “The Best of the Elephant Coast Tour” and the "Battlefields of Zululand Tour”, but can also serve as a main destination, where you can spend two whole weeks or even up to 3 weeks in this beautiful mountains region . You can stay in various locations, some of which also offer horse riding and trout fishing.
More information? Email us at [email protected] or use our enquiry form and let us know which destination you would like to visit, We will be happy to help you!
