We’ve put together some of the many reasons why you should head to one of KZN’s top holiday sites.
If you grew up in KZN, you’ve likely spent at least one childhood holiday riding horses, hiking, and swimming in streams found within the dramatic Drakensberg mountains. If not, then this is your sign to pack your bags and head for the hills, because the Drakensberg is unmatched in scenic beauty and outdoor fun!
Speaking of packing, here’s a checklist to help you prepare for a one-day hike in the Drakensberg.
If you're camping overnight, add:
It depends on what you’re looking for, but autumn (March–May) is generally the ideal time. During these months, temperatures are comfortably mild, skies are clear, rainfall is minimal, and the views are truly breathtaking.
To make planning even easier, we’ve found a few Airbnbs near the Drakensberg that might be worth checking out. Click here to view.
But without further ado, here are our top 10 reasons to visit the Berg (as we call it in KZN!):
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While some regions would be more than happy to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for any reason, that simply isn’t enough for the incredible Drakensberg! The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is one of only about 20 places on Earth declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for TWO reasons: the jaw-dropping natural beauty (you really have to see it) and one of the world’s largest collections of ancient rock art.
Okay, you might want to fight us on this one and say that Venezuela’s Angel Falls is the highest waterfall, but it actually depends on your classification. Yes, Angel Falls is the highest UNINTERRUPTED waterfall…but at around 948 metres, Tugela Falls in the Drakensberg is technically the highest waterfall… it just has tiered plunges. Whatever way you look at it, this is an epic sight.
The Drakensberg is one of the world’s most important erosional mountain ranges. What this means is that it’s slowly being reshaped by time, wind and water. But we do mean slowly. It’s only shifting at about 1.5mm a year, but that’s still pretty impressive!
From the highest waterfall to the tallest peaks, the Drakensberg really has it all! In fact, the highest peak in Southern Africa, Thabana Ntlenyana (3,482m), rises along the Berg’s edge in the neighbouring country of Lesotho. While South Africa’s highest peak, Mafadi (3,450m) is found here. Basically, you’re going to get a real leg workout in Drakensberg territory.
Where there are mountains, there’s inevitably water, and it’s found in abundance in the Drakensberg. In fact, most of KZN’s rivers start here… it even feeds the Orange River, which, at 2 200km, is South Africa’s longest river. There’s also a clever pump system sending water to Gauteng. Drakensberg is the real hydration hero.
Step aside, London’s Tate Gallery or Paris’ Louvre, the Drakensberg is one of the OG art galleries in the world. At sites like Giant’s Castle and Kamberg, you can find San rock art paintings dating back some 3 000 years. In fact, there are around 20 668 individual paintings across 500 caves that you can check out.
The name ‘Drakensberg’ dates back to the Great Trek when the Voortrekkers, sometime in the early 1800s, arrived in this scenic place where the mountains appeared to look like the back of a dragon. Hence the name: Drakensberg (Dragon Mountain). The Zulu name for the region, however, is uKhahlamba, which poetically translates to ‘Barrier of Spears’.
Visitors come to the Drakensberg for the epic scenery, fresh mountain air, and infinite outdoor activities. There are endless hikes to be found across nature’s playground, as well as ziplining canopy tours, horse trails, hot air balloons, helicopter flips…the options are endless.
Beyond the heritage significance, the Drakensberg is also a historic site for other reasons. At Spionkop, former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill; renowned Indian anti-violence activist, Mahatma Gandhi; and the first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa, Louis Botha were all present during the same battle. History was this close to going very differently.
From Champagne Castle and Cathedral Peak to Giants Castle, each Berg valley has its own vibe, views and trails. One visit is never enough… so it’s best you get started now!
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