Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa.
The Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa is one of the places that stand out from the rest. If you want to see true beauty then this is the place to go. The mountains range is located in the Kwazulu Natal Province and about 4 1&2 hours drive from Johannesburg.
What makes the Drakensberg so special?
The mountains are 200 kilometers long and the highest point, Barrier of the Spears, is at 3,482 meters. The mountain is rich in flora and plant life and you will find a long list of endangered species that grow here. Add to this almost 299 bird species you can understand why nature lovers love to come here. It is the ideal place for families, adventurers,photographers and people who love nature.
There are many caves around the mountains and it is not uncommon to find one with old Bushmen paintings on the rock walls. It is estimated that between 35,000 and 40,000 different drawings can be found in the Drakensberg.
There is lots to do for the nature and outdoor lover and activities include rock climbing,hiking,snowboarding,walking,mountain biking,trout fishing,trail running and horse riding.
The word “Drakensberg” is Afrikaans and literally means “Dragon Mountain”. It is also the source of the Tugela river in South Africa.
Popular hiking trails in the drakensberg and places to visit:
- Cathedral Peak;
- Amphitheatre;
- Tugela Falls;
- Ifidi Pass;
- Fang Pass
It does get very cold in the winter and snow can be found on the mountains. If you are planning to hike overnight then the best months are between March and May. You can sleep in tents or in caves. There are professional companies in South Africa that will arrange excursions and hikes to different parts of the Drakensberg mountain during different times of the year. Safety is always of utmost concern and it is advisable to make use of a professional company if you don’t know the area and are planning to hike for a couple of days.
When: December 2007.
Where: Kwazulu Natal,South Africa