Introduction:-
The Drakensberg, a magnificent mountain range in South Africa, spans over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) across the eastern part of the country. It creates a striking boundary between Lesotho and the KwaZulu-Natal and Free State provinces. The Drakensberg, also known as “uKhahlamba” in Zulu and “Maloti” in Sesotho, showcases a breathtaking landscape of towering peaks, steep cliffs, and lush plateaus, reaching heights of up to 3,482 meters (11,423 feet). This stunning range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its diverse range of plants and animals, as well as its extensive network of hiking trails, attracting nature enthusiasts and adventurers from all over. In addition to its natural beauty, the Drakensberg holds great cultural importance, as it is a site of ancient San rock art that offers insights into the lives of the earliest inhabitants of the area. Whether you’re looking for outdoor excitement, a glimpse into the past, or the tranquility of untouched nature, the Drakensberg showcases South Africa’s varied and captivating scenery.
(Image source: I, PhilippN, CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, via Wikimedia Commons)
How to reach Drakensberg:
The Drakensberg Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a breathtaking escape for nature lovers. Reaching this wonderland involves a combination of air travel, road transport, and sometimes local transfers. This guide explores how to get to the Drakensberg from major South African cities:
From Johannesburg:
- By Car:
- Northern & Central Drakensberg: Take the N3 south towards Durban. For the Northern Drakensberg (e.g., Royal Natal National Park), exit at Harrismith (R74). Continue through Bergville to your destination. For Central Drakensberg (e.g., Cathedral Peak, Champagne Valley), proceed on N3 past Harrismith and exit at R616 towards Bergville. Follow signs to your specific destination.
- Southern Drakensberg: Take the N3 south towards Durban and exit at R617 (Howick). Follow signs to Underberg or Himeville.
- By Bus: Major companies like Greyhound and Intercape offer routes to Harrismith, Ladysmith, and Pietermaritzburg near the Drakensberg. Local taxis or shuttles can then be arranged to reach specific destinations.
From Durban:
- By Car:
- Northern & Central Drakensberg: Take the N3 north towards Johannesburg. For the Northern Drakensberg, exit at Bergville (R74). For Central Drakensberg, exit at R617 (Estcourt) or follow signs towards Winterton.
- Southern Drakensberg: Take the N3 north and exit at R617 (Howick). Head towards Underberg and Himeville.
- By Bus: Several companies offer routes to Pietermaritzburg, Howick, and Estcourt. Local taxis or shuttles can then be arranged to your Drakensberg destination.
From Cape Town:
- By Air: Fly from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban or O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. Follow the respective driving directions mentioned above to reach the Drakensberg by car.
- By Car: The long drive (approximately 15-18 hours) typically requires an overnight stop. Take the N1 north to Bloemfontein, then connect to the N3 at Harrismith.
Within the Drakensberg:
- Local Transport:
- Many lodges and resorts offer shuttle services from nearby towns and major access points. Check with your accommodation for specific transfer options.
- Car rentals are available in major cities and airports, providing flexibility to explore different areas.
Top attractions in Drakensberg:
1. Royal Natal National Park
Attraction Details: Royal Natal National Park is renowned for the Amphitheatre, a dramatic cliff face that stretches over five kilometers and rises approximately 1,200 meters. The park features a variety of hiking trails, including the Tugela Gorge hike, which leads to Tugela Falls, the world’s second-highest waterfall.
How to Travel:
- From Johannesburg: Take the N3 south towards Durban. Exit at Harrismith onto the R74, then follow signs to Bergville and continue to the park.
- From Durban: Take the N3 north towards Johannesburg. Exit at Ladysmith, then follow the R616 to Bergville and continue to the park.
2. Giant’s Castle Game Reserve
Attraction Details: Known for its spectacular mountain scenery and diverse wildlife, Giant’s Castle offers excellent hiking opportunities. The reserve is also famous for its San rock art, with some sites dating back thousands of years.
How to Travel:
- From Johannesburg: Take the N3 south towards Durban. Exit at Estcourt (R103), then follow signs to the reserve.
- From Durban: Take the N3 north towards Johannesburg. Exit at Estcourt, then follow the R103 to the reserve.
3. Cathedral Peak
Attraction Details: Cathedral Peak is a popular destination for hikers and climbers. The Cathedral Peak Hotel provides a comfortable base for exploring the area’s trails, which offer stunning panoramic views.
How to Travel:
- From Johannesburg: Take the N3 south towards Durban. Exit at Harrismith onto the R74, then follow signs to Winterton and continue to the hotel.
- From Durban: Take the N3 north towards Johannesburg. Exit at Estcourt, then follow the R600 to Winterton and continue to the hotel.
4. Sani Pass
Attraction Details: Sani Pass, a steep and rugged route, connects South Africa to Lesotho. It offers spectacular views and can be traversed by 4×4 vehicle or on guided tours. The Sani Mountain Lodge at the top of the pass is famous for having the highest pub in Africa.
How to Travel:
- From Johannesburg: Take the N3 south towards Durban. Exit at Howick, then take the R617 to Underberg. From there, follow signs to Sani Pass.
- From Durban: Take the N3 north towards Johannesburg. Exit at Howick, then take the R617 to Underberg and continue to Sani Pass.
5. Monks Cowl
Attraction Details: Monks Cowl, named after a peak resembling a monk’s cowl, offers a variety of hiking trails that provide breathtaking views of the central Drakensberg.
How to Travel:
- From Johannesburg: Take the N3 south towards Durban. Exit at Harrismith onto the R74, then follow signs to Winterton and continue to Monks Cowl.
- From Durban: Take the N3 north towards Johannesburg. Exit at Estcourt, then follow the R600 to Winterton and continue to Monks Cowl.
6. Champagne Valley
Attraction Details: Named after the Champagne Castle peak, this valley offers a range of activities including hot air ballooning, horse riding, and golfing. It also hosts several resorts and spas.
How to Travel:
- From Johannesburg: Take the N3 south towards Durban. Exit at Harrismith onto the R74, then follow signs to Winterton and continue to Champagne Valley.
- From Durban: Take the N3 north towards Johannesburg. Exit at Estcourt, then follow the R600 to Winterton and continue to Champagne Valley.
8. Drakensberg Boys Choir School
Attraction Details: Located in the Champagne Valley, this prestigious choir school holds regular concerts showcasing the talents of its students, offering a unique cultural experience.
How to Travel:
- From Johannesburg: Take the N3 south towards Durban. Exit at Harrismith onto the R74, then follow signs to Winterton and continue to the school.
- From Durban: Take the N3 north towards Johannesburg. Exit at Estcourt, then follow the R600 to Winterton and continue to the school.
9. Bushman’s Nek
Attraction Details: This remote area near the southern Drakensberg is ideal for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. It offers hiking, bird watching, and opportunities to see rock art.
How to Travel:
- From Johannesburg: Take the N3 south towards Durban. Exit at Howick, then take the R617 to Underberg. From there, follow signs to Bushman’s Nek.
- From Durban: Take the N3 north towards Johannesburg. Exit at Howick, then take the R617 to Underberg and continue to Bushman’s Nek.
10. Mnweni Cultural and Hiking Centre
Attraction Details: Managed by the local Mnweni community, this centre offers guided hikes and cultural tours, providing valuable insights into the traditions and lifestyle of the local people.
How to Travel:
- From Johannesburg: Take the N3 south towards Durban. Exit at Harrismith onto the R74, then follow signs to Bergville and continue to Mnweni.
- From Durban: Take the N3 north towards Johannesburg. Exit at Ladysmith, then follow the R616 to Bergville and continue to Mnweni.