DRAKENSBERG
Kwazulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Free State
The Drakensberg is a mountainous region and part of the Great Escarpment. This region has the highest mountains in southern Africa, reaching heights of over 3000m, offering spectacular vistas everywhere you look. The Zulu people named this section of the Great Escarpment the ‘barrier of spears’, and looking at the pictures it is easy to see why. It is a top destination for mountaineers, abseilers, parasailers and especially for hikers.
About
Africa’s largest protected montane wilderness has some thrilling peaks, rock formations, gorgeous parks and waterfalls. In the northern part you will find the Golden Gate Highlands and Royal Natal National Parks, home to breathtaking sandstone cliffs and the Amphitheatre with the Tugela Falls. Further south lie some impressive peaks such as Giant’s Castle, Cathkin Peak and Champagne Peak, all of which are over 3000m high.
The most notable attraction in this region is the Sani Pass, perhaps the king of all mountain passes in South Africa. The unpaved road snakes up the mountain, with an elevation of 1332m, before it reaches the summit of almost 2900m above sea level.
A large portion of this region has rolling hills covered in grasslands, almost like a green blanket. The regions diverse habitats protect a high level of endemic and globally vulnerable species, especially the bird and plant species. This wilderness wonderland, is one of a kind in South Africa.
Parks & Reserves
Nature Reserve
Giant's Castle Nature Reserve
National Park
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Nature Reserve
Royal Natal National Park
Flora & Fauna
The landscape of the Drakensberg is quite unique. It has plateaus, cliffs, valleys, slopes and towering peaks. Most of the region is covered in grassland with some patches of forest in the valleys. Because there is a lot of water in the region (rivers, streams, wetlands and rainfall), the flora here is very rich. Some 2500 plant species occur here. Around 350 of those are endemic to the region and another 500 are near-endemic. Some common plants you will encounter here are several protea species, the Tree Fern, Drakensberg Cycad and Yellowwood Trees. Other noteworthy species are Red Hot Pokers and Spiral Aloe.
The Drakensberg region is not known for its wildlife, but there are some medium sized and larger mammals here. The lower slopes of the mountains supports the larger species such as Common Eland, Black Wildebeest, Bontebok, Plains Zebra, Southern Bushbuck, Hartebeest, Common Wildebeest, Greater Kudu and even White Rhinoceros. The higher you go, the smaller the mammals get. The main predators in the region are the Caracal, Black-backed Jackal, Serval, African Clawless Otter, Spotted-necked Otter and various species of mongoose and genet.
With approximately 300 bird species, there is plenty to see and hear for bird enthusiasts. These mountains and peaks are ideal for raptors such as Verreaux's Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, Cape Griffon and Bearded Vulture (Lammergeyer), who can be seen soaring effortlessly through the sky. Some other spectacular giants here are the Grey Crowned Crane, Wattled Crane and Secretarybird. But don't forget the little ones, such as the Mountain Pipit, Bush Blackcap, Drakensberg Rockjumper, Yellow-breasted Pipit, Buff-streaked Chat, Drakensberg Siskin and Rudd’s Lark.
The region is also home to a number of chameleon species. The Natal Midland Dwarf Chameleon, Flap-necked Chameleon and the endemic Drakensberg Dwarf Chameleon are spotted in these mountains.