Drakensberg - Dragon Mountains
Impressive Mountain World Heritage Site in Southern Africa
Jun 15, 2008
Settlers gave this beautiful range of mountains its name because legend has it dragons were seen flying over its cloudy peaks.
The Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa stretch over a distance of approximately 1000km with a 200km section in the Drakensberg National Park that has gained status as a World Heritage Site. This is in recognition of the outstanding, wild natural beauty, landscapes and abundant wildlife in this mountain paradise.
The names of its passes and peaks will entice you with passes named "Organ Pipes" and peaks named "Devil's Tooth", "Sentinel", "Inner Tower" and "3 Witches", aptly named when one considers their treachery and the unpredictable weather conditions which can turn from balmy sunshine to freezing hail or snow in a matter of hours. Snow is not uncommon even in mid-summer. The well-known and much-photographed "Amphitheatre", which is situated in the Royal Natal National Park boasts 1000m sheer basalt cliffs and includes the Tugela Falls, the second highest waterfall on earth at 947m. The Central Drakensberg offers the best examples of Bushman rock paintings and has a vast number of hiking trails.
Accommodation
Accommodation ranges from backpackers and bush-camping sites to small hotels, bed and breakfast accommodation, self catering facilities to luxury spas and lodges. By International standards accommodation is reasonably priced and of a high standard. If you are traveling with Pounds, Dollars or Euros, you will find the exchange rate into Rands in your favour.
Activities
There are plenty of outdoor activities with something for everyone in this part of the world. If there is something specific you wish to do and it is not available at your hotel, simply ask and you will find! Some activities are as follows:
- Horse riding
- Fly fishing
- Golf
- Quad Biking
- Walking trails and hikes
- Swimming
- Canoeing
- Rock climbing
- Abseiling
- Mountaineering
- 4 x 4 routes
- Helicopter and micro light flights
- Bowls
In addition, arts and crafts stalls, wrought iron crafts, candle making factories, glass making factories, farm stalls, carpet weaving stores all make shopping for something different a pleasure. Local South Africans view the Drakensberg as a refuge from the stress and pollution of city life and many of them come simply to choose a quiet secluded spot, a good book and plenty of time to unwind.
Another attraction is the world famous Drakensberg Boys Choir which is worth visiting since they present recitals during their school term. The Choir represents the different races and cultures in South Africa and its choral music is a showcase of that diversity, which ranges from conventional singing to a unique African repertoire.
