The Drakensberg Mountains of South AfricaThe Drakensberg range is called ‘The Barrier of Spears’ by the local Zulu inhabitants, an accurate description for Drakensberg Mountain Range that rises over 3000 metres in height. The Drakensberg Mountains are as much a region for adventure activities like mountaineering, camping, bird watching, river crossing, trout fishing, and many more such activities as they are for tourists wanting to enjoy spectacular scenery. Of course the Drakensberg offers all types of accommodation from self catering cottages though country style guesthouses to hotels and resorts. The Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa are the mountain range situated along the border of KwaZulu Natal and Lesotho. The spectacular Drakensberg Mountains are a challenge for adventure seekers and a heaven for wildlife lovers. Extending from northeast to southwest for around 1,125 km, the Drakensberg Mountains are part of the Great Escarpment and the main watershed of South Africa. Activities in the Drakensberg MountainsMultitude 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. 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. Weather and Best Season to Visit the DrakensbergDurban 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. Regions of the Drakensberg MountainsFor the purpose of understanding Drakensberg and its attractions clearly, we can divide the range in three parts. The first of them is Northern Drakensberg that comprises Royal Natal National Park, Amphitheatre, Rugged Glen Nature Reserve, Mont-aux-Sources, Singati Valley, Ifidi, Mnweni & Ntonjelana valleys, the Mnweni cutback, Mponjwane, and the Saddle. The Central Drakensberg or Berg comprises of Mlambonja Wilderness Area, Cathedral Peak, Ndumeni, Organ Pipes, Ndedema Gorge, Mdedelelo Wilderness Area, Cathkin Peak, Monk’s Cowl, Champagne Castle, Injasuti, and Giant’s Castle Game Reserve. Southern Drakensberg has Mkhomazi Wilderness Area, Loteni, Highmoor, Kamberg, Vergelegen, Sani Pass, Mzimkhulu Wilderness Area, Mzimkhulwana Nature Reserve, Garden Castle, Rhino, Bushman’s Nek, Giant’s Cup Hiking Trail, Sehlabathebe National Park, Thomathu, Devil’s Knuckles, and Ramatseliso's Nek. Drakensberg Shopping & Arts and CraftsYoung boys selling local handicrafts near parks, resorts, and on the roadsides are a common site in Drakensberg. Most of these articles are made from Gashu, the weaving grass. This art form is passed from mother to daughter and the products made out of this make a beautiful present back home.
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Accommodation in the DrakensbergThere is a good choice of hotels, resorts, farms and campsites to choose from. Most of the accommodation options are found on the periphery of the mountain and range from economy to luxury. See this Drakensberg accommodation at the Antbear Guesthouse page for our recommended accommodation in the Drakensberg region. Website: www.antbear.co.za
Eating Out in the DrakensbergThe Drakensberg has some really good places, which serve some authentic traditional and foreign cuisines. Some of my favourites include Catapillar Catfish Cookhouse, Cleopatra, The Tower of Pizza, and Montusi.
Drakensberg Travel Resources
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