Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

An awe-inspiring and truly magnificent range of mountains, the majority of which lie in KwaZulu-Natal and stretch well over 200 kilometres forming a natural border between Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal, are known simply as 'the dragon mountain' or Drakensberg.

The local Zulu name for Drakensberg is Quathlamba or 'The Barrier of Spears', an accurate description for Drakensberg that rises over 3000 metres in height. It is an important region for adventure activities like mountaineering, camping, bird watching, river crossing, trout fishing, and many more such activities.

Bushmen were the earliest inhabitants of this region. They lived in harmony with their environment asking nothing more than what was needed for their survival. The incoming of white settlers changed the scenario and violent clashes with them led the tribes to extinct from their own habitat. What they left behind are the remarkable rock craft, which are irreplaceable. Today, the Drakensberg range is a major tourist destination in South Africa and one of the best-known adventure destinations in the world.

Durban has a sub-tropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters with the temperature hovering around the 15°C mark. Considering these facts one can say that Durban is an ideal destination, which can be visited during most parts of the year.

The beautiful Drakensburg Mountain Range

Multitude of activities is waiting to be pursued in this region. Rock paintings of the Bushmen can be seen in many parts of the Drakensberg. Most of the resorts in the region have the facility for horse riding in the hillside that includes short, half day, and overnight trips. Most of the hotels, camping organizers, and resorts provide guided hiking options and must be pursued. Mountain biking in this region is a fun and a challenge both due to steep heights and rugged terrain and trails of varying levels are available. Other activities include bird watching, river swimming, and trout fishing.

The Lost Valley of the Northern Drakensberg is a remote area of the Drakensberg and a unique geographical feature. This was reportedly the home of a 'hite Tribe'descended from Piet Retief's Voortrekkers as they came into Natal, via Retief's Pass.

Early evening

A relatively easy trail leads into an impressive yellowwood forest full of diversity and huge indigenous mature trees and a gorge of rainbows as a waterfall cascades down. In the heart of the gorge two huge boulders have become wedged between the two opposite sandstone walls of the gully.

The Drakensberg Rock Art. The Giant's Castle Game Reserve attracts visitors who come to visit one of the many Sand rock art sites, hike through the meadows and low hills, or climb Injasuti (the highest mountain in South Africa, at 3,459m).

Sitting in a thorn tree

This beautiful cascade of water was established by Albert van der Riet founder of Cathedral Peak Hotel, and is offered regularly as a guided trip from the Hotel. The falls take their name from Doreen, Albert's wife. Energetic hikers can join the contour path and track on the plateau above and return to the hotel via Mushroom Rock.

An extraordinary example of natural weathering where the lower sandstone layers have eroded faster than the harder top layers.

The Zulus'

For the nature lovers, the region is home to the quarter of indigenous wildlife in South Africa. Looking down from Cathedral Peak. For the nature lovers, the region is home to the quarter of indigenous wildlife in South Africa.

Some of the other species, which you may encounter frequently, are Eland (largest of antelopes), Grey Rhebuck, Mountain Reedbuck, Serval cat, and Jackal.

Help Me Get it Right

  About the Author