Drakensburg Mountains is a World Heritage Site
The uKhalamba Drakensburg Park is Internationally Recognised
Nov 27, 2008
The Drakensburg can be best explored in three regions. Southern, central and northern parts as each have their own unique features and can be enjoyed in both summer and winter.
Southern Drakensburg
The Sani Pass can be found in the southern part of the Drakensburg and is a dirt road that crosses over into Lesotho. With 300 vehicles using this road daily, plans to have it tarred are met with both positive and negative reactions. As the road is gravel, only 4x4 vehicles have access. Tarring the road could potentially make it safer but at the same time, will allow even more vehicles to pass through. Money has been reserved for the upgrade but no final date has been set.
At the top of the road is the Sani Lodge Backpackers, which is also home to the highest pub in the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy great panoramic views from their veranda or snuggle up on their couches with a book on a cold winter morning. Enquire about their wilderness trails or horse riding.
Central Drakensburg
Champagne Castle and Cathkin Peak rise up as the journey continues. The Champagne Resort and Golf Course has excellent family entertainment and some of the best 18 holes in the country. It is also home to the longest hole, not only on the course, but also in South Africa, measuring at 605 metres.
Inkosana Lodge and Trekking has a beautiful view of Cathkin Peak, the most recogniseable peak in the Drakensburg. A resevoir swimming pool is great for cooling down in after a long day's hike. Walks can be done to the Nandi Falls, Blind man's corner (200m), Sterkhorn Peak (2900 metres), or Champagne caslte (3300 metres) for the very fit.
Northern Drakensburg
Home to the Royal Natal National Park, this section of the Drakensburg is very popular and has some fantastic hiking. The Amphitheatre range of mountains stretch for about 4 kilometres and consist of sheer cliffs. The summit of the Amphitheatre can be reached via a chain ladder. This is also the origin of the Tugela River and the plunging Tugela Falls at 948 metres. This will leave visitors breathless.
Amphitheatre Travellers Lodge and Backpackers will put its guests on the right track. They offer exciting day trip and are a really funky place to stay. They have a lovely thatched pool area and a jacuzzi. Plus there is that breathtaking view of the Drakensburg to enjoy while sipping one of their creative cocktails.
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