"The Drakensberg mountain range marks the edge of the Great Escarpment, where South Africa’s interior plateau drops dramatically into the country’s lowlands. It is incredibly picturesque: eagles soar above mighty basalt buttresses whose cliffs plummet onto rolling grassland hills. Here, for millennia, herds of majestic eland, troops of baboons and shy oribi antelope have roamed. These mountains were once the hunting grounds of San bushmen, whose art still decorates about 600 sites. ”
- Narina Exelby
The Drakensberg Mountains
Forming part of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park, listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site for its exceptional natural beauty, the Drakensberg mountains are a sanctuary of immense, open spaces. It’s an area valued for its endangered plants and animals, as well as the rock art paintings created by San bushmen, some dating back about 2400 years.
The high ‘Berg (as locals call it) has some challenging multi-day routes for experienced hikers, while the lower Berg contains many exhilarating hiking trails suitable for families. It’s also a haven for artists, photographers, botanists, bird watchers and fly-fishers. The Drakensberg mountains arc for 1000km from the Eastern Cape around Lesotho to KwaZulu-Natal’s border with the Free State, and are easily accessible from both Johannesburg and Durban.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
SUMMER
The warmest time of the year, with days predominately over 20°C/68°F, yet it is still common to see snow on the highest peaks. This period of the year is also the wettest, rainfall comes in the form of short, if intense afternoon thunderstorms.
The Drakensberg region of South Africa contains some truly impressive peaks, many of which are well over 3,000 metres/ 9,840 feet; this high altitude does have a considerable impact of temperatures which are significantly cooler than other regions within KwaZulu-Natal.
SUMMER
The warmest time of the year, with days predominately over 20°C/68°F, yet it is still common to see snow on the highest peaks. This period of the year is also the wettest, rainfall comes in the form of short, if intense afternoon thunderstorms.
The Drakensberg region of South Africa contains some truly impressive peaks, many of which are well over 3,000 metres/ 9,840 feet; this high altitude does have a considerable impact of temperatures which are significantly cooler than other regions within KwaZulu-Natal.
AUTUMN
With more pleasant midday highs and generally clear conditions, this remains a fantastic time of year to visit. The likelihood of rainfall decreases as the months' progress.
The Drakensberg region of South Africa contains some truly impressive peaks, many of which are well over 3,000 metres/ 9,840 feet; this high altitude does have a considerable impact of temperatures which are significantly cooler than other regions within KwaZulu-Natal.
AUTUMN
With more pleasant midday highs and generally clear conditions, this remains a fantastic time of year to visit. The likelihood of rainfall decreases as the months' progress.
The Drakensberg region of South Africa contains some truly impressive peaks, many of which are well over 3,000 metres/ 9,840 feet; this high altitude does have a considerable impact of temperatures which are significantly cooler than other regions within KwaZulu-Natal.
WINTER
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Midday temperatures are cool but can still be pleasant. Mornings can be sub-zero, with the occasional snowfall. So worth packing proper winter clothing for any outdoor activities.
The Drakensberg region of South Africa contains some truly impressive peaks, many of which are well over 3,000 metres/ 9,840 feet; this high altitude does have a considerable impact of temperatures which are significantly cooler than other regions within KwaZulu-Natal.
WINTER
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Midday temperatures are cool but can still be pleasant. Mornings can be sub-zero, with the occasional snowfall. So worth packing proper winter clothing for any outdoor activities.
The Drakensberg region of South Africa contains some truly impressive peaks, many of which are well over 3,000 metres/ 9,840 feet; this high altitude does have a considerable impact of temperatures which are significantly cooler than other regions within KwaZulu-Natal.
WINTER
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Midday temperatures are cool but can still be pleasant. Mornings can be sub-zero, with the occasional snowfall. So worth packing proper winter clothing for any outdoor activities.
The Drakensberg region of South Africa contains some truly impressive peaks, many of which are well over 3,000 metres/ 9,840 feet; this high altitude does have a considerable impact of temperatures which are significantly cooler than other regions within KwaZulu-Natal.
WINTER
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Midday temperatures are cool but can still be pleasant. Mornings can be sub-zero, with the occasional snowfall. So worth packing proper winter clothing for any outdoor activities.
The Drakensberg region of South Africa contains some truly impressive peaks, many of which are well over 3,000 metres/ 9,840 feet; this high altitude does have a considerable impact of temperatures which are significantly cooler than other regions within KwaZulu-Natal.
SPRING
With more pleasant midday highs and generally clear conditions, this remains a fantastic time of year to visit. Spring is also very beautiful with wildflowers in full bloom. The likelihood of rainfall increases towards the end of October.
The Drakensberg region of South Africa contains some truly impressive peaks, many of which are well over 3,000 metres/ 9,840 feet; this high altitude does have a considerable impact of temperatures which are significantly cooler than other regions within KwaZulu-Natal.
SPRING
With more pleasant midday highs and generally clear conditions, this remains a fantastic time of year to visit. Spring is also very beautiful with wildflowers in full bloom. The likelihood of rainfall increases towards the end of October.
The Drakensberg region of South Africa contains some truly impressive peaks, many of which are well over 3,000 metres/ 9,840 feet; this high altitude does have a considerable impact of temperatures which are significantly cooler than other regions within KwaZulu-Natal.
SUMMER
The warmest time of the year, with days predominately over 20°C/68°F, yet it is still common to see snow on the highest peaks. This period of the year is also the wettest, rainfall comes in the form of short if intense afternoon thunderstorms.
The Drakensberg region of South Africa contains some truly impressive peaks, many of which are well over 3,000 metres/ 9,840 feet; this high altitude does have a considerable impact of temperatures which are significantly cooler than other regions within KwaZulu-Natal.
SUMMER
The warmest time of the year, with days predominately over 20°C/68°F, yet it is still common to see snow on the highest peaks. This period of the year is also the wettest, rainfall comes in the form of short if intense afternoon thunderstorms.
The Drakensberg region of South Africa contains some truly impressive peaks, many of which are well over 3,000 metres/ 9,840 feet; this high altitude does have a considerable impact of temperatures which are significantly cooler than other regions within KwaZulu-Natal.
Explore The Drakensberg Mountains Properties
Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse
Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse
With perfect views of the lake and mountains, Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse is a privately owned accommodation promising a homely atmosphere and quirky décor throughout. Staking its claim as a ‘gourmet getaway’, a stay at the ..
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