Travel in Drakensberg
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Introduction
Mountain Range in South Africa. The name is derived from the dutch and means "mountains of the dragon". It certainly features some of the most dramatic relief in South Africa. Most of the mountain range is located in the Kwazulu-Natal Province. Lesotho is located on a plateau partially surrounded by the Drakensberg. The range was formed by a lava flow. It is regionally divided into the Northern Drakensberg, Central Drakensberg and the Southern Drakensberg. Locals and travellers alike refer to it as the "Berg".
Northern Drakensberg
Spectacular Hiking around a mountain feature known as the "amphitheatre" or "theatre" for short. At the bottom of the amphitheatre is the Royal Natal National Park, which features excellent hiking and accommodation facilities. In particular, there is the Tugela Falls Gorge Walk, which is about 22 kilometres on relatively flat terrain. Excellent views of the theatre from the base are available.
Hiking on top of the theatre itself is possible. If you are staying in the Royal Natal, it is either a two day hike or to the top, or a one hour drive to a gate near the top. The hike on the top takes place on comparatively gentle terrain. At one point, it is necessary to either climb a steep gully or to climb up chain ladders. Chain ladders are the easiest but the gully may be more rewarding. Once on top, look forward to excellent views of the berg and put your hands in the second highest water fall on the planet (Tugela Falls).
The Northern Drakensberg is generally the warmest area of the berg in Winter, with little to no snow and higher temperatures than Johannesburg.
Central Drakensberg
The Giants Castle Game Reserve is a beautiful place to go when you are in the Central Drakensberg area. It offers wonderful hiking trails and very interesting bushman paintings! You can also stay overnight, although you should book accommodation in advance.
Southern Drakensberg
Sani Pass
Sani Pass is an eight kilometre mountain pass that can only be traversed by four wheel drive vehicles. These eight kilometres are "no mans land" because the South African border post lies at the bottom and the Lesotho border post lies at the top. Four-wheel drive minibus taxis can be used by travellers to get up or down, but the wait might be considerable.
Sani Lodge is a convenient place to stay at the bottom of the pass, and Sani Top Chalet is a small establishment with a hostel type dormitory and some more luxurious accommodation at the top. Sani Top Chalet is located near a small Sotho Village as well as good hiking in amongst the highest peaks in Southern Africa. It also claims to have the "highest pub in Africa", serving Gluhwein and other liquours. Be warned - it is cold in Sani Pass all year round it there are reports of snow every month of the year. Horse rides on "Lesotho ponies" are worthwhile, and the rate per day is probably less than the rate per hour in South Africa.
The hikes are the highlight of Sani Top. Whilst the landscape is relatively gentle, you will encounter spectacular views of gorges in South Africa. You will see horses, cows, sheep and herd boys wrapped in blankets.
External links
- A detailed overview of the Drakensberg Mountains (http://www.drakensberg-tourism.com)
- Download a free tourist map to the Drakensberg region (http://www.drakensberg-tourist-map.com)
- A pictorial guide to the Drakensberg Mountains South Africa (http://www.drakensberg.net)