Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park

The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park forms the border between KZN

The Ukhlahlamba Drakensberg Park forms the border between KZN and Lesotho. This part of the range is generally known as “The Drakensberg”. The name was given by the early Boer settlers and meant mountains of the dragon. The Zulu call it uKhahlamba, “the barrier of spears”. The range is spectacular with towering peaks of up to 3,300m, deep ravines, sparking cascades and plateaus brimming with over 2,000 species of flowers and trees. Of these 400 species are unique to the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park.

It is an excellent area for birding and also hosts many species of antelope and other animals such as baboon, porcupine, jackal, otter and even the odd leopard. “On top” you have the quilted effect of the Lesotho hills losing altitude to the west. The Drakensberg is more of an escarpment than a range. It is certainly one the most spectacular and dramatic areas to be found in the world.

Climate in the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park is a summer rainfall area with warm to hot days and odd thunderstorms in the rainy season. Winters are dry and crisp with frost in the mornings and mild clear days. Excellent weather for hiking. On top the winters are severe with temperatures at night going down to -15’C. Snow may occur in winter. The autumn months of March and April offer the best weather, while the weather in spring tends to be unpredictable. Having said all this, one should stress that with good planning and common sense hiking can happily be done in the Drakensberg throughout the year.

The northern Drakensberg stretches from the Malutis through Royal Natal and Mweni to Cathedral Peak. From here through Champagne Castle (Cathkin Park) and Injasuthi to Giant’s Castle is what is referred to as the Central Drakensberg. From Giant’s Castle though Kamberg, Lotheni and Sani Pass to Bushman’s Nek is generally known as the southern Drakensberg.

There is a region lying even further south, East Griqualand, which may be considered as the far south. The different regions are all very similar and yet have their own identity.

In the Beginning The San (Bushmen) were the original inhabitants of the Drakensberg. They were hunter gatherers and left a rich legacy of art which many visitors find captivating. Tragically these people were wiped out by Zulu tribes and the white settlers in the 19th century. There are rock shelters with San painting all over the Drakensberg. Interpretive centres for San rock art have been established at Didima (Cathedral Peak), Giant’s Castle and at Kamberg.

Hiking and Climbing These are the two main activities in the Drakensberg. Opportunities for day walks to suit any level of fitness are offered in all the areas. The rivers are pollution and bilharzia free and you may drink the water. For more serious walkers and climbers 1: 50 000 topographical maps are available for all the regions. Guides are available in some regions. Rock climbing is best done with people who know the area. The walk-ins are strenuous and the routes are difficult to find. The rock is basalt which tends to be very friable and extra care should be taken when placing protection.

Most areas offer a host of other activities, such as horse riding, horse treks, 4x4 trips, rafting, trout fishing, sports facilities, extraordinary arts and crafts and other excursions. Of special interest is the Drakensberg Boys Choir.