Visit the magical Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa [Video]

The Drakensberg is a mountain range in South Africa, offering scenes of almost unbelievable beauty. 

 

[Photo Cathedral Peak by Martin Heigan/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0]

Lying between KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho, this spectacular mountain range stretches on for 152 miles, including craggy, golden sandstone buttresses, rocky gorges, rolling grasslands and lush and beautiful river valleys.

The Drakensberg is a UNESCO World Heritage site for obvious reasons, with its mountains soaring up to an elevation of over 10,000 ft, creating a natural barrier between KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho.

[Photo Drakensberg by Jonathan Gill/CC BY-NC 2.0]

There is plenty for tourists to do and enjoy in what is known as the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, including walking and hiking, mountain climbing, bird watching and exploring high up in the Berg, discovering the fascinating and fragile flora in the region. In the valleys, many unusual and fascinating plants and bushes are to be seen, including the iconic protea, cabbage trees, cycads and tree ferns, all huddled under the massive yellowwood trees. For those who love water sports, try whitewater rafting on the rivers in the area.

In summer, clouds and afternoon thunderstorms occur but in winter, the Drakensberg area experiences relatively warm temperatures of 68 degrees Fahrenheit, with little rain, although it does get chilly as the sun goes down and there are often sightings of snow on the peaks, making them even more magical to view.

[Photo Drakensberg sunset by Edwin Poon/CC BY-SA 2.0]

After a magnificent evening sunset, the crystal-clear Drakensberg skies offer an amazing view to star-gazers. With no pollution and no city lights, the Milky Way stands out in all its glory along with the most well known constellations of stars and planets, including particularly Orion and Scorpio.

There is a range of great accommodation options available in the Drakensberg, including the magnificent Cathedral Peak Hotel. This hotel offers the best in modern comforts while offering spectacular views of the Cathedral Peak itself.

[Photo Cathedral Peak by Martin Heigan/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0]

While staying at the hotel, enjoy guided walks in the area, visiting some of the many Bushman paintings, along with some gorgeous waterfalls. Keen birders can use three bird hides to spot their favorites, while horse riding, mountain biking  and flying are on offer. Enjoy the miniature golf onsite as well as a full, nine-hole golf course for golfing fans. There are many adventures on offer too including off road motorcycling and quad biking.

If possible, catch the wonderful voices of the Drakensberg Boys' Choir, included in the video at the end of this article.

Whatever you do and wherever you stay in the charmingly beautiful Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, you will never forget the sheer beauty of the surroundings. For more information, visit the Drakensberg pages on All Cape Accommodation.

Enjoy beautiful scenes of the Drakensberg in the video included below.