Drakensberg

The mountain range extends about 1 000 kilometres along the eastern side of South Africa’s central plateau with the Sani Pass at the bottom end. Height-wise? Between 2 250 and 3 000 metres. Some of the peaks are up at 3 400 but you need to be a skilled climber to summit them. And it’s such a remote area that some of them haven’t even been named, far less climbed.

Not only is the sheer size of the Drakensberg conservation area gob-smacking but it’s the steepness with which this mountain range drops into the warm, soft and green province of KwaZulu Natal. It’s the most important water catchment area in South Africa. And rivers and steep inclines equal waterfalls.

Weather in the Drakensberg

In the winter there’s usually snow on the mountains, often for quite long periods. This can spread into the Drakensberg foothills and anywhere close can be snowed in. So at night it’s freezing. Choose your accommodation options thoughtfully – whether it’s the tent you’re taking with you or the B & B / Guest House / Hotel you’re going to stay in. Days? Big blue skies and warm(ish).

Summer is fabulous. Except for one thing. Most afternoons you’ll experience violent thunderstorms. If you were an 18th century poet you’d regard it as a spiritual experience. 200 years down the track, you’re going to feel a lot closer to nature than is comfortable.

So make an early start and base yourself where there are other things to do in the afternoons, And again think about your hospitality choice – if access is an undulating dirt track that’s just seen rain, hail / ice – it might not be possible to get back for a hot bath (or to get in if you’re just arriving) or to leave if it’s time to go.

Daytime in summer – warm and can be very hot if the ‘Berg’ wind blows. Nights – usually not bad but be prepared for anything. The mountains make for variability.

Flora in the Drakensberg

For flower lovers, this is the best time to be in the Drakensberg. Everlastings are everywhere! The biological diversity of the mountains is exceptional, with 2 153 plant species. The experts though will be keeping a sharp eye out for rare species of orchids and irises.

Fauna in the Drakensberg

Eland. Big dude this. Weighs a ton and can jump a 2 metre fence from a standing start. There are now more than 2 000 Eland roaming this Drakensberg conservation area – the highest concentration in South Africa.

Birding in the Drakensberg

A treat. Lammergeier. Another big dude. Can you imagine slogging your way up a mountain trail and discovering that some large raptor (2.75 metre wing span) is riding shotgun on you? 5 metres away. You can feel the air-wash from its wings.

And it has got a predilection for grabbing its prey in those formidable claws, lifting it 20 metres up in the air and dropping it on a rock. Cool. But it’s not after you, it’s just curious (speculatively so). Biggest concentration of these birds in the world. Other specials include the Cape vulture, wattled crane, bald ibis and orange-breasted rock-jumper.

Hlatikulu Crane and Wetland Sanctuary

Have you seen the movie the “Horse Whisperer”? Well this is the real deal. It’s taken them 2 or 3 years to get these animals back from the brink. Outrides into the foothills of the Drakensberg. Nothing adrenalin-jumping, you understand. Just re-establishing a rather precious relationship that should never have been destroyed.

They’re also big on cranes – all 3 South African species. The Wattled Crane’s habitat is these mountain wetlands – which have been progressively invaded – which is why we’re down to 236, in the world. They’re trying to turn this around. So if you’re looking for a day trip in the Central Drakensberg, a visit to the Hlatikulu Crane And Wetland Sanctuary is a rather special experience.

Bushman Rock Paintings

Take a walk up to Game Pass Shelter. It’s a 3-hour round trip and the last bit is quite demanding. But you’re ascending alongside a river, criss-crossing it behind waterfalls and the reward at the end is exquisite. Big, multi-coloured friezes that will stab anybody in the eye. To say nothing of the scenery.

It is estimated that some 35% of all rock art sites in South Africa are to be found in the Drakensberg. There are about 600 sites with more than 40 000 images in the 'Berg.

Fly Fishing

Rivers? Dams? Plenty. A guide is a good idea though because nobody’s bothered to make any maps and access, as always is an issue. You’re not going to do this in a Toyota Tazz. But fly fishermen seem to like it that way. (Yes, there are a few places where you can fish for canned trout but you won’t have a beat to yourself).

Hiking in the Mountains

Well, what do you want? Do you want to grow old gracefully or die young (and make no mistake, people die in these mountains every year). Trails at Giant's Castle are well marked and vary from one-hour rambles to multi-day trips designed for the most experienced hikers.

Swimming in the Drakensberg

For most people this is going to be a summer thing only. Even then it’s pretty fresh. But welcome, after you’ve been going uphill and down-dale for an hour or two. In the winter it’ll only take a couple of seconds for you to know that this water, as crystal clear as it will be, has only recently de-frosted.

Drakensberg Boys' Choir

What To Bring

You’re pretty high. The air is thin. The sun shines. Don’t forget the sunscreen. Shoes? Your favourite trainers if you’re in the “grow old gracefully” category, real boots if you’re more adventurous.