One of two World Heritage sites situated within a half-day's drive of Durban (150 mi/250 km away), the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg—which runs to the west of the N3 to Johannesburg—is the largest mountain range in southern Africa.
Its Afrikaans name of Drakensberg, literally "Dragon's Mountain," refers to the impregnable spinelike escarpment that extends for more than 62 mi/100 km along the Lesotho border, rising to altitudes of more than 9,840 ft/3,000 m and known to the Zulu who live below it as uKhahlamba—the "Barrier of Spears."
Popular with local hikers, reserves such as Giant's Castle and Royal Natal offer some superbly scenic opportunities for rambling amid spring wildflowers, wildlife such as the outsized eland antelope and a variety of montane birds, and the greatest concentration of prehistoric rock art south of the Sahara.
To request access to the full version of this destination guide, please provide your email address below. Your email address will only be used for verification purposes and will not be used for marketing purposes.