Discover the Drakensberg mountains, a paradise for hikers, where the wilderness expresses itself freely: green valleys, arid savannah, mountain peaks, forests, rivers, waterfalls, caves with San cave paintings! Here’s a list of Drakensberg hikes that might tempt you, each as splendid as the next…
The Drakensberg: what is it?
The Drakensberg, a magnificent mountain range of South Africa and Lesotho, extends northwards into Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and ends at the edge of the Elands and Olifants valleys. The is 1000km long and crosses several provinces. At the Drakensberg, , it’s all about nature and hiking!
Called in Zulu, “uKhahlamba“which means “barrier of spears“its Afrikaans nameDrakensberge“means “dragon’s mountains “Each in its own way evokes the appearance of quartz escarpments and gorges carved by erosion into schist.
Top hikes in the Drakenbserg
Hiking for trekkers, horse-riding for horseback riders, climbing peaks up to 3,500m for thrill-seekers, discovering rock paintings for archaeology enthusiasts, there are so many activities to choose from that will enchant you. Let us organize for you a dream trip unforgettable, in our adopted country, captivating South Africa.
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Amphitheatre” walk
Some of the country’s most impressive hikes can be found in the Royal Natal National Park. The famous “Amphitheatre” is a 5km-long rock wall at the top of which is the “Mont-aux-sources” peak and the beginning of the Orange River. In the middle of these mountains is a lake and the birthplace of Tugela Falls, the second largest waterfall in the world. As well as hiking, you can go rock-climbing or fishing for trout.
One of the Drakensberg’s most beautiful hikes is the Sentinel PeakTrail or Chain Ladder Hike, a one-day loop that takes in theAmphitheatre and Tugela Falls. To reach the plateau, you have to climb two metal ladders, each a few dozen metres long. For those afraid of heights, there is a second passage.
Giant’s Castle Game
Further south, along the border with Lesotho, Giant’s Castle Game Reserve is home to one of the world’s largest caves where you can admire impressive works of Bushmen rock art that explain the culture and ancestral way of life of the Bushmen.
On a hike to the Giant’s Castle caves, I recommend a guided tour of the San rock paintings, which bear witness to the tumultuous conflicts of South Africa’s past.
World’s View hike
The World’s View hike, with no dangerous passages and a reasonable distance, is accessible to all, offering hikers one of the most spectacular views of the Drakensberg with its 360˚dep view from the summit.
For the more adventurous, set off early on one of the hikes leading to the Langalibalele or Bannerman passes, the paths are very steep!
Cathedral Peak hike
The Cathedral Peak flanked by its bell and 2 horns, a free-standing mountain at 3004m altitude, offers some of the finest trekking in the region.
In the heart of the Drakensberg mountains, the uKhahlamba Drakensberg National Park, a vast area of 243,000ha classified in 2000 as a Unesco World Heritage site , offers a wide choice of activities, including hiking, horse riding, wildlife observation, climbing and hot-air ballooning.
When to go to the Drakensberg?
In the autumn months of March, April and May, or at the start of the austral summer in October and November, when temperatures are not too hot. Find out more about when to go on the Guide du Routard page.
Where to stay?
The region boasts an impressive number of accommodation options: hotels, guesthouses, self-catering bungalows, camping. Whether you’re with family, friends or a couple, taking into account your budget, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Feel like trekking in the Drakensberg? Our rangers will be delighted to organize the trip of your dreams!
See you soon,
Irina.
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