Drakensberg, meaning “Dragon Mountain”, is extremely popular, ranking alongside the Cape Peninsula, the Garden Route and the Blyde River as a top leisure destination.

The spectacular Drakensberg mountains took their rightful place on the international tourism stage when the 243,000-hectare uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park was proclaimed a World Heritage Site on 29 November 2000.

The Drakensberg extends south from Mpumalanga for over 1,000km and ends in the north of the Eastern Cape.

Formed by erosive forces of water, temperature and wind, the Drakensberg is made up of a multitude of different peaks, pinnacles, walls, domes, amphitheatres and other formations. 

The Northern 'Berg includes: Amphitheatre, Cathedral Peak, Royal Natal National Park and the Tugela Waterfall which drops 850m in five clear leaps (the main vertical section is 183m). 

The Central 'Berg includes: Injasuti, Monk’s Cowl, Champagne Castle, Giant’s Castle and the Giant’s Castle Game Reserve – home to the bearded vulture.

The Southern 'Berg includes: vast forests, nature reserves and Rhino Peak. 

This southern area has the most chance of snow and thus South Africa’s only true ski resort is located here. 

A famous 4x4 mountain pass follows a hair-raising route; rising, twisting and turning in its ascension of the escarpment.

Offers fantastic cultural Bushman art with over 35,000 individual rock paintings recorded at 600 different cave and overhang sites.

Rewarding hikes, climbs and breathtaking sights, as well as horse riding, pony trekking, fly-fishing, game viewing, mountain biking, kloofing, abseiling and bird watching.

The Drakensberg has a year-round appeal. 

Night temperatures often drop below 10°C and snow falls in winter, while thunderstorms are common on summer afternoons. Hikers should be prepared for all kinds of conditions.