Drakensberg- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

The Drakensberg — locally known as uKhahlamba or the “Barrier of Spears” — is South Africa’s highest and most dramatic mountain escarpment, stretching along the border with Lesotho and rising to alpine plateaus, waterfalls and ancient rock-art sites. Part of the transnational Maloti-Drakensberg Park, this range is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional natural beauty and its vast collection of San rock paintings.

• Location & extent: The escarpment runs roughly northeast–southwest from the Eastern Cape through KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State into Mpumalanga and Limpopo, forming the eastern rim of the high central plateau and the border with Lesotho in many places.
• Highest points & water: Thabana Ntlenyana (in Lesotho) is the highest peak in the Maloti-Drakensberg system, while the range feeds major rivers including the Orange and Tugela. The area also includes Tugela Falls, one of the world’s tallest waterfalls.
• UNESCO significance: The combined Maloti-Drakensberg Park was inscribed for both its ecological importance (unique alpine grasslands and endemic species) and cultural heritage (tens of thousands of San rock paintings).

1. Iconic sights

• Tugela Falls & the Amphitheatre (Royal Natal National Park): Spectacular cliffs and waterfalls are the visual signature of the Drakensberg; the Amphitheatre’s basalt wall is a highlight for photographers and hikers alike.
• San rock art galleries: The Drakensberg hosts one of the largest concentrations of rock-art in the world — thousands of paintings in hundreds of shelters — offering direct insight into the San hunter-gatherers’ beliefs and landscape use.

2. Top activities

• Day hikes & short loops: Routes range from easy valley walks to steeper climbs to viewpoints and waterfalls — ideal for day trips from nearby lodges.
• Multi-day treks & the Drakensberg Traverse: For experienced trekkers, multi-day routes cross high plateaus, requiring navigation skills and planning.
• Sani Pass & 4×4 adventures: The famous Sani Pass links KwaZulu-Natal with Lesotho and is a scenic, high-altitude 4×4 route; check vehicle and weather requirements before attempting.
• Birding & wildlife: The highlands support several endemic bird species (e.g., Drakensberg rockjumper) and small mammals; spring and autumn are excellent for birdwatching.

3. Practical visitor tips

• Best time to visit:
  
  • Summer (Nov–Mar): Warm with afternoon thunderstorms and lush scenery—best for waterfalls but expect rain.
  • Winter (Jun–Aug): Colder at altitude with frequent snow on higher peaks — clear skies and dramatic landscapes.
• Where to stay: Options include mountain lodges, guesthouses in towns like Underberg or Cathedral Peak, and private campsites. Choose location based on activity focus (hiking base vs. scenic drives).
• Permits & guides: Some reserves require park fees or guides (especially for off-trail treks or cultural sites). Use local guiding services for rock-art walks to ensure protection and interpretation.

The Drakensberg’s dual value — ecological and cultural — means visitor behaviour matters. Stick to marked trails, avoid touching rock paintings, carry out waste, and hire accredited local guides where available. The UNESCO status reflects both the area’s global importance and its vulnerability; sustainable tourism helps finance conservation and local communities.

• 48 hours (short escape): Day 1 — Amphitheatre viewpoint & Tugela Falls day-hike; night at a nearby lodge. Day 2 — short rock-art walk + scenic drive to Sani Pass viewpoint.
• 5–7 days (active trip): Base at Cathedral Peak or Royal Natal; mix of day hikes, a guided rock-art visit, a day for Sani Pass 4×4 and a full-day multi-peak hike for experienced walkers.

• Book accommodation & park permits early for high season.
• Check weather and road conditions (Sani Pass can close in bad weather).
• Pack layers, sturdy boots, sun protection and a basic first-aid kit.
• Respect cultural sites — no flash photos or touching rock art; follow guide instructions.