Mountain range in South Africa
Photo: Darren Glanville from Acle, Norfolk, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Ukhahlamba (Drakensberg) or "The Berg" is a mountainous region in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa.
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The second highest waterfall in the world, with a total drop of 983 m in 5 leaps. Located in the Royal Natal National Park.
Spectacular hiking around a mountain feature known as the "amphitheatre" or "theatre" for short. Hiking on top of the theatre itself is possible. If you are staying in the Royal Natal, it is either a two day hike or to the top, or a one hour drive to a gate near the top. The hike on the top takes place on comparatively gentle terrain. At one point, it is necessary to either climb a steep gully or to climb up chain ladders. Chain ladders are the easiest but the gully may be more rewarding.
It features excellent hiking and accommodation facilities. In particular, there is the Tugela Falls Gorge Walk, which is about 22 km on relatively flat terrain.
The entry point to the Mlambonja and Mdedelo Wilderness Area.
Guided Drakensberg trekking and climbing.
Sani Pass is an 8-km mountain pass that can only be traversed by four wheel drive vehicles. These 8 km are "no man's land" because the South African border post lies at the bottom and the Lesotho border post lies at the top. Four-wheel drive minibus taxis can be used by travellers to get up or down, but the wait might be considerable. Several tour operators/guides offer various excursions, from one to multiple days in Lesotho, up/down Sani Pass. On the Lesotho side, a spotless tarred road (1Nov 2016) begins after the border post.
1570m AMSL
This is a 5-day hike covering about 13 km every day in unspoilt mountain terrain with ample pristine water sources and streams along its route. Being at altitude of about 1,570 m above mean sea level on average can in some cases be taxing on those with a medical condition of the lungs or heart, especially on hot days. In general, a very enjoyable and scenic route with lots of interesting fauna and flora to be discovered. Not to forget the historic rock art of the San people.
It has beautiful basaltic cliffs, sandstone ramparts, rolling high altitude grasslands, steep-sided river valleys and rocky gorges. The reserve is rich in biodiversity and has many endemic species.
The reserve offers a variety of hiking paths and is a popular destination for nature lovers.
Located near Sani Pass. Accessible via Underberg Express shuttle service. Offers excellent multi-day tours to Lesotho and nearby hikes to Bushman paintings. Restaurant food is mediocre and overpriced at R50 for breakfast and R70 for dinner so it is advisable to bring food. Kitchen facilities are available.
Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge offers a variety of accommodation and activities, such as hiking trails, camping, bird watching and rock climbing.
Karma Backpackers is in a central location midway between Johannesburg and Durban, and is the closest backpackers lodge to the start of the Amphitheatre/Tugela Falls hike by over 100 km. It used as a base for the Amphitheatre Hike, the hikes at Golden Gate Highlands National Park, and tours of Lesotho.
By plane
There are no major airports in the region. The nearest international airport is in Durban. Pietermaritzburg has a smaller regional airport with daily domestic flights.
Most of the roads going into the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg World Heritage Site (UDPWHS - shown in green on the map) end at the reception offices or campsites of the provincial or private tourism facilities.
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Pietermaritzburg · Regional · PZB
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