Stunning mountain range
The first European settlers called them 'Dragon Mountains'; the Zulus call them 'Barrier of Spears' - whatever you know them as, the Drakensberg mountain range is one of the most spectacular natural features of Africa.
The highest mountain range in Southern Africa, the Drakensberg scenery is breathtakingly beautiful. Snowcapped in the Winter months, the mountains form a massive barrier between KwaZulu-Natal and the Kingdom of Lesotho. Tens of thousands of rock art paintings on rock faces depict the daily life of the San people, or bushmen, who roamed these slopes for years. In December 2000, the area received international recognition and was declared a World Heritage Site.
Nature lovers will enjoy the many hiking and walking trails available for all levels of ability. There are easier walks through lush meadows and across clear streams, or more strenuous hikes up and across rugged mountain terrain. In addition there are countless other activities including horse riding, fly-fishing, helicopter flips, and even white water rafting to be enjoyed.
Less than 2 hours drive from Durban, the Giant's Castle Game Reserve attracts visitors who come to visit one of the many San rock art sites, hike through the meadows and low hills, or climb Injasuti (the highest mountain in South Africa, at 3,459m). This is a stunning area with clean air, high mountains and waterfalls. Large herds of eland are a common sight. Two of the best places to see San rock art are at the Main Cave and Battle Cave. The paintings here date back thousands of years, and are still clearly visible on the walls and the ceilings. It is not possible to visit these on your own, but the Parks Board provide knowledgeable local guides at the entrance to the caves for a nominal fee.
In the Central Drakensberg region, Cathedral Peak is the easiest of the higher climbs at 3,004m (9,853ft). It is a full day's climb, but you do not need any special equipment, just a fit pair of lungs and strong legs!
The Royal Natal National Park, in the Northern Drakensberg, is renowned for its stunning scenery and the famous Drakensberg Ampitheatre, a 5 km wide rock wall which stands 500m high.