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The Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg National Park Tours
The Drakensberg mountain range offers up an incredible array of sights and activities. It runs for over 350km north to south, giving this National Reserve it’s very apt name, Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg National Park. Translated, it means ‘The barrier of spears’, referencing the towering peaks on the eastern escarpment of the range, the highest in Southern Africa. The name was declared when the reserve gained UNESCO world heritage status, mainly due to the unique fauna and flora of the region and the historical footprint left by the Bushmen (San) people of Southern Africa, with some 50 000 rock art sites found throughout the Berg.
Nature abounds throughout the mountain range and many species of bird, animal and plant can be viewed and enjoyed. A lot of them, especially bird and plant you can find nowhere else!
Below we have listed a few set tours to the different regions of the Drakensberg, namely the northern, central and southern ‘Berg’. We have designed these so that you can take any of them as stand alone tours or combine them together to form an even greater experience. The Drakensberg is such and iconic destination with 100’s of things to do and see, so feel free to contact us and we will be happy to tailor the perfect package for you.
Best Time To Visit
April to May (Autumn)
Best Weather
Year Round
Activities
Hiking, Fishing, Mountain Biking, History Tours
Park Size
2,428.13 km2
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Drakensberg Mountains Tours
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Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg National Park
Highlights
The Drakensberg National Park is a wildlife reserve that offers magnificent mountain landscapes with towering peaks and jagged cliffs plummeting into lush green valleys. Avid hikers will be in their element in this environment with hiking trails taking one up towards the peaks on short hour long walks to longer day or multiple day hikes. Bird watchers will be in for a treat and there are a number of raptor centres for visitors to explore. A significant concentration of San rock art can be seen in hundreds of caves and rock-shelters at this Drakensberg nature reserve in KwaZulu-Natal – the largest group of Bushmen paintings south of the Sahara.
Activities
Visitors of all ages can enjoy a wide range of activities in Maloti Drakensberg, including scenic walks, fishing, and swimming in crystal-clear rivers, as well as visiting Rock Art Centres. For adventure seekers, hiking, biking, rock climbing, and fly fishing are available, along with painting, relaxing, and viewing San Rock Art amidst stunning scenery. The cool mountain streams provide refreshing dips, while the park offers excellent photographic opportunities, with chances to capture images of the Black Eagle, Bearded Vulture, and herds of Eland antelope. The extensive network of trails, such as the popular Giants Cup Hiking Trail, allows hikers to experience solitude and contemplation. Ancient San rock art can be viewed at approximately 500 sites, with guided walks and Rock Art Interpretive Centres enhancing the experience.
Best Time To Visit
The Drakensberg is a year-round destination, suitable for various travel preferences. The region has summer rainfall, while winters are typically dry. The rainy spring and summer (October to March) transform the mountainsides into lush green landscapes adorned with colorful flowers, though weather extremes, including late afternoon storms, can occur. Early autumn and winter (April to August) may bring snow to the mountaintops as early as April, with daytime temperatures averaging 15-20 degrees Celsius, making for comfortable hiking conditions. However, evening temperatures often drop below freezing and can become extremely cold.
Weather & Climate
The Drakensberg is located in a summer rainfall area but climatic extremes often result in sudden and extreme weather changes. Temperatures can range from 30°C (86 degrees Fahrenheit) in mid-summer and can drop to 12°C (53.6 degrees Fahrenheit) or lower at night and in winter.
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