 |
|
Drakensberg Destination Guide
Find your package online or call our reservations team on 0845 880 0248 |
|
 |
Introduction |
|
|
The Drakensberg, one of 6 World Heritage Sites is situated in Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa and is a haven for hikers and explorers enjoying numberous charming country lodges. The Zulu name for this mountain range cannot be beaten for its poetry or its effectiveness in describing this wonderful area - "uKhahlamba" (or barrier of spears).
The Drakensberg ranges from the massive basalt cliffs in the Limpopo province in the North East of South Africa, and extends into the Eastern Cape. It includes numerous peaks exceeding 3000m in altitude with names such as "Mont aux Sources", "The Sentinel", "Injasuti" and the intimidatingly named "Ifidi Buttress".
Along with the peaks, there are beautiful clear rivers, lakes and game parks. The region really does have something for everyone !
This 200 kilometre long wonderland owes much to its intense relationship with people...the million-plus years of Stone Age occupation in particular. This culminated in the tragic disappearance during the late 19th century of the San hunter-gatherers colloquially referred to as Bushmen.
Migrating chiefdoms from the Great Lakes of Central Africa had in the 13th century been humbled by the sheer magnitude of this uKhahlamba - Barrier of Spears - destined to become the western extreme of their Zulu Kingdom.
The ox-wagons of Boer settlers negotiated its precipitous passes in 1837 on the Great Trek from British dominion in the Cape Colony to a 'Promised Land'. |
|
|
Climate |
|
|
Summer (October to March) has an average daytime temperature of approximately 30degrees celsius. Nights can be cold. Rainfall occurs in summer, and the area can be subject to thunderstorms, mainly in the afternoon.
Winter daytime temperatures average approximately 20degrees celsius, with nighttime temperatures dropping below freezing. |
|
|
Transportation |
|
|
The region can be reached either on a sheduled tour or by car.
The Drakensberg is most popularly visited in the Kwa Zulu Natal section of the mountain range. This area is approximately 2 to 3 hours from Johannesburg, and equidistant from Durban, dependent upon which area of the berg is chosen.
|
|
|
Restaurants |
|
|
| Most hotels have restaurants which are also open to non-residents. |
|
|
Activities |
|
|
· Trek along one of the many trails in the "Berg" and experience the pleasure of drinking clear river water, straight from the stream.
· Grind up Sani Pass (In a 4x4) to one of the highest points in Southern Africa and look down 2000m on KwaZulu Natal in the distance. In fact, you may see the Ocean 150km away on a clear day.
· Climb the chain ladder in the Northern Berg, to reach the top of the escarpment at the Amphitheatre, and look down on the beautiful valley below.
|
|
|
