Why is Drakensberg a tourist attraction?

Why is Drakensberg a tourist attraction?

Drakensberg is famous for its hiking routes, with trails for all abilities. In Southern and Central Drakensberg there are spectacular ancient rock art sites reflecting the beliefs of the indigenous San people. The mountains are also home to many nature reserves with waterfalls and abundant wildlife.

What can visitors to the Drakensberg expect to see?

If you are coming for the first time, we highly recommend the Royal Natal National Park in the northern Drakensberg. It’s here that you can see the Drakensberg Amphitheatre, hike to the Tugela Falls, climb chain ladders, boulder hop up gorges and meet Basotho locals.

How much is the entrance fee at Drakensberg?

Entrance is R20 per person. Keep the entrance ticket as it also covers access to the nature reserve. The central Drakensberg is about a 90-minute drive away and an easy day trip.

What is there to do in Drakensberg in the winter?

The Drakensberg’s hiking and slackpacking trails are second to none, and fly fishing and star gazing are also popular. Water-based activities include white water rafting and tubing on the Tugela and Injusuti rivers, and snow skiing in nearby Lesotho is available during the winter months.

Which is the best part of Drakensberg?

Best Neighborhoods in Drakensberg

• FIRST TIME IN DRAKENSBERG. Cathkin Park. Cathkin Park is the most visited area of Drakensberg and is definitely the best place to visit if you’ve never been here before.
• ON A BUDGET. Underberg.
• COOLEST PLACE TO STAY. Winterton.
• FOR FAMILIES. Royal Natal National Park.

What animals are in Drakensberg?

The large animals most commonly seen in the Drakensberg are the Eland – a giant antelope, Mountain Reedbuck, Grey Rhebuck and Oribi. Jackal, Genet and Civet are not uncommon. Baboons are found throughout the mountain areas, with Vervet monkeys found at lower altitudes.

Do I need a passport for Drakensberg?

It is completely surrounded by South Africa. So remember, it is a DIFFERENT COUNTRY and you’ll need to bring a passport if you do any tours or hikes that enter Lesotho.

How do I get to Drakensberg without a car?

The best way to get from Johannesburg to Drakensberg without a car is to bus and travel via Harrismith which takes 7h 49m and costs .

Which month does it snow in Drakensberg?

By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in early to mid December with an average of 4 days of significant precipitation the week of December 10th. When can you find snow in Drakensberg Gardens? Weather stations report no annual snow.

How do I get to Drakensberg?

The best way to make the trip from Pietermaritzburg is via the N3 and R617 which takes just under two hours. A recommended lunch stopover en route is the Picklepot Café. Travelers who arrive from Durban will also leave via the N3 which will take you past Pietermaritzburg and onto the R617 towards the Drakensberg.

Are there snakes in Drakensberg?

The Drakensberg of South Africa has many snake species, most of which are harmless to humans. As a hiker or mountaineer in these mountains it is likely you will encounter various species including three types which can cause severe injury or even death. Luckily walkers, trekkers and climbers are seldom bitten.

Are there lions in Drakensberg?

In the savannah, you can visit areas with giraffe, lion, cheetah, hyena, buffalo, blue wildebeest and other antelope. Famous around the world for its wild flowers, the Drakensberg offers wonderful wild flower displays (with 400 species found here and nowhere else in the world).

What should I wear to the Drakensberg?

Follow these tips on staying warm in the Drakensberg Mountains

• Carry an Umbrella.
• Don’t Wear Pants.
• Invest in a good quality rain jacket or poncho.
• Use your body heat to dry wet hiking clothes.
• Bonus tip #1: Always have spare dry clothing.
• Bonus Tip #2: Wet sleeping bag is a dangerous sleeping bag.

How many hours drive from Durban to Drakensberg?

2.5 to 3 hours
The beautiful Drakensberg Mountains is in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, a pleasant 2.5 to 3 hours drive from Durban.

What is the best time to visit Drakensberg?

The autumn season from April to May in the Drakensberg is the best season to explore the Drakensberg and hike along the beautiful trails. The temperature then is mild with less rainfall and the nights are cold.

Are there leopards in the Drakensberg?

Once upon a time leopards were everywhere. Even now they are not confined to the lowveld, but live in most rough or mountainous areas. The Drakensberg is no exception, although the general shortage of food means that leopards are few and far between.

Do you need a passport to go to the Drakensberg?

For those who don’t know, Lesotho is a small country in the mountains. It is completely surrounded by South Africa. So remember, it is a DIFFERENT COUNTRY and you’ll need to bring a passport if you do any tours or hikes that enter Lesotho.

What can I bring to the Drakensberg?

Packing for safety & survival

• Navigation – Map, compass and GPS.
• Sun protection – sunscreen (even in Winter), lip balm and sunglasses.
• Warmth – Jacket, gloves and hat/cap (for Winter)
• First-aid supplies – First Aid kit (include plasters, nausea medication, bug repellent)
• Hydration – water bottle.

Is Sani Pass tarred?

The Sani Pass trail consists of an un-tarred rocky, gravel road that is often washed out and heavily rutted in many sections.

How cold does it get in the Drakensberg?

The South African and KwaZulu-Natal part of the Drakensberg experiences a very mild climate. However, it can be sweltering in summer reaching temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius and dropping to chilly lows below 0 degrees.