uKhahlamba Drakensberg


A stunning World Heritage Site and home of the Kingdom in the Sky.

The uKhahlamba Drakensberg is one of the most iconic mountain ranges in South Africa. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some incredible hiking trails and mountain passes. It also boasts the second highest waterfall in the world, as well as a number of cultural and historical sites that make this area a veritable wonderland.

Adventure guides for the uKhahlamba Drakensberg

Check out these detailed adventure guides based on our personal experiences in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg and the surrounding areas.

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Adventure operators in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg

uKhahlamba Drakensberg Hiking Trails

Tim Brown Tours –>

The Sentinel Peak Hike (Chain Ladders)

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Map of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg

  • World Heritage Site.
  • Stunning natural beauty.
  • Beautiful hiking trails.
  • Country lifestyle.

FAQ

The uKhahlamba Drakensberg is a World Heritage Site and is famous for its natural beauty and rich collection of San rock art.

The Drakensberg is also home to some incredible hiking trails. Everything from short strolls among the foothills, to multi-day traverses along the escarpment, the Drakensberg is a hiker’s dream mountain destination.

Depending on where in the Drakensberg you are going, the trip can be anything from 2.5 to 3 hours to get to the southern berg (Underberg and Himeville), 3 hours to get to the central berg (Highmoor), and 3.5 to 4 hours to get to the northern berg (Royal Natal National Park).

Route times will depend on the route you take, as well as road and weather conditions.

The snowy season can start any time from April (mid autumn) and go until September (early spring).

The best predictor of snow is the cold fronts that come from the south and are driven up the coast from the cape by the south-westerly winds. There is a high chance of snow if you manage to get one of these cold fronts in winter.

Depending on what you’re looking for, the Drakensberg is best visited during early to mid autumn. The temperatures are not yet so cold as to make outdoor activities a bit chilly, and the weather is usually quite dry.

By comparison, spring tends to be very rainy with comfortable temperatures, while summer can get extremely hot and dry, especially if you’re out in the open. Winter is cold enough for snow, so if you’re looking to build some snowmen and have snowball fights then this is your best bet.

The name uKhahlamba Drakensberg is a concatenation of the Zulu word uKhahlamba meaning the barrier of spears and the Afrikaans word Drakensberg meaning “Dragons’ Mountains.”

© Stray Along The Way

© Stray Along The Way

© Stray Along The Way

© Stray Along The Way

© Stray Along The Way

© Stray Along The Way

© Stray Along The Way

© Stray Along The Way

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