Drakensberg Mountain Vacations

Running for 180kms along the Western edge of KwaZulu-Natal and the border with Lesotho, The Drakensberg Mountains are one of the naturally beautiful parts of South Africa and a must-do when visiting KwaZulu-Natal. Rising to 3,482 metres, the Drakensberg are a formidable site, with plunging green valleys lending a clue as to why the Afrikaans translation of Drakensberg is Mountains of Dragons. Perhaps more tellingly, the Zulus know them as uKhahlamba or The Barrier of Spears – both are apt descriptions of this stunning area.

Broadly speaking, there are three main areas to visit on a luxury Drakensberg tour - the Southern, Central and Northern regions. The Southern section of the range is probably the least-visited, but does offer access to the breathtaking Sani Pass, where you can stop to enjoy a drink in the “Highest Pub in Africa” and visit the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.

The central part of the Drakensberg is the best-known and covers beautiful areas such as Cathedral Peak, Champagne Peak and the Giant’s Castle Game Reserve. There is a huge range of walking trails in the area, from short strolls to demanding full day hikes, golf courses, crystal clear mountain streams for fishing in, stud farms and some lovely places to stay. Heading north the Royal Natal National Park is the most prominent of the places to stay, with some amazing walking to be enjoyed away from the crowds and the presence of some superb horse riding terrain here will attract riders of all abilities.

A visit to the Drakensberg Mountains is often combined with the Midlands Meander tour and the Battlefields.