10 reasons to visit the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains

Chat to Lesotho shepherds or scale nerve-testing chain ladders; peer over towering waterfalls or stare up at iconic cliff faces; here are our favourite things to do in the Drakensberg Mountains.

LAST UPDATE: 21 Nov 2023

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From the deck at the Sani Pass Mountain lodge, layers of valleys stretch out from our 3,000-metre vantage point. The ice-cold beer served with typical Lesotho friendly service, washes away the stress of one of the most adventurous drives we’ve ever done. The view is stunning.

And, it’s just one of the many incredible things to do in one of the most exciting places to visit in South Africa.

The Drakensberg Mountains form a dramatic natural border between Lesotho and South Africa. Three thousand metres high, they’re packed with a wealth of natural phenomena including a 5-kilometre long cliff face and the second-highest waterfall in the world.

It’s a beautiful place to visit that feels both off-grid yet packed with interesting adventures. Hike through stunning scenery, meet the locals, enjoy quality South African wines and enjoy one of the most diverse regions in the country.

Here are 10 reasons to visit the Drakensberg.

1 – DRIVE THE SANI PASS TO LESOTHO

There are not many drives like this. The Sani Pass rises 1300 metres in less than 9 kilometres as it climbs from the plains of South Africa to the mountain kingdom of Lesotho.

The authorities won’t let you up without a 4×4 and for good reason. This narrow rocky road has loose boulders, small valleys carved by rain, hairpins that require 3 point-turns and vertical drops on one side.

The nerve-jangling ascent takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, but at the top, the views over the Drakensberg Mountains from the highest pub in Africa are magnificent. Tours are available if you don’t fancy the drive.

MORE / OUR SANI PASS ADVENTURE

2 – STARE AT THE DRAKENSBERG AMPHITHEATRE

The Drakensberg Amphitheatre is 5 kilometres long with a vertical drop of just over 1,200 metres, giving it a cliff face more than 10 times the size of El Capitan in Yosemite. It’s an awe-inspiring spectacle from above on the Tugela falls hike or below on the gorge hike.

The best place to stay to see this natural phenomenon is from Thendele Camp in the Royal Natal National Park. From the balcony at the back of their chalets, you can sit back, relax and grab a coffee at dawn (or a beer in the evening) and watch the magically changing light on its rock face.

MORE / GUIDE TO ROYAL NATAL PARK

3 – HIKE TO TUGELA FALLS

Tucked into the Drakensberg Mountains, the Tugela Falls plunge almost 1,000 metres making them the second-highest falls in the world.

But, in spite of their height, they’re not the easiest to see. In winter (when it is dry) they often have no water at all. In summer, their beauty is only revealed after a long hike to get to them.

You can look down on the elegant cascade from the Sentinel Peak hike which winds its way up the side of the Drakensberg Amphitheatre. Or you can clamber through the Tugela Gorge catching a glimpse from a jungle-shrouded distance. Both are an excellent day out.

MORE / TUGELA GORGE HIKE

4 – SCALE NERVE-TESTING CHAIN LADDERS

The Drakensberg Mountains have numerous walls of vertical rock which provide dramatic scenery and interesting challenges. If you are going to make good progress along the well-marked walking trails, then these sheer cliff faces need to be climbed. The South African solution is chain ladders – metal ladders that hang vertically over the cliff face.

There are a few dotted about the northern Drakensberg but the highest and most challenging is nearly 100 steps of vertigo-inducing drama on the Tugela Falls hike. If you fancy a challenge of mind over matter and a massive sense of satisfaction, then this is for you.

MORE / TOP OF TUGELA FALLS HIKE

5 – CHAT TO THE LESOTHO SHEPHERDS & GOATHERDERS

The plateau at the top of the Drakensberg Mountains is a different world from that at the bottom. Instead of fast-growing South African towns, small Lesotho communities live a rural way of life.

Here Basotho (Lesotho’s citizens) roam the high mountain grasslands looking after their goats, sheep and horses. Dressed like Jedi in sweeping robes and hoods – eyes obscured from the harsh Lesotho sun – they often approached, curious as to why we were on their land.

“Going for a walk” seemed like a strange response to them. But a quick friendly chat in broken English is an insight into a simple undiscovered culture.

MORE / SOUTH AFRICA ITINERARY SUGGESTIONS

6 – CLIMB THE 3,000 METRE CATHEDRAL PEAK

Getting from the bottom of the Drakensberg Mountains to the top is not easy. The sheer-sided cliff face makes most hiking routes impossible. But this sensational hike to the summit of 3,004m Cathedral Peak can be done as a walk. Just not an easy one.

Considered ‘non-technical’ the return day trip is 19 kilometres, ascends 1600 metres and takes 9 to 10 hours. However, it’s not just the length that tricky, the final section up to the summit is a challenging scramble on exposed edges using fixed aids. The rewards are magnificent views and immense self-satisfaction. First-timers should take a guide.

MORE / GUIDE TO CATHEDRAL PEAK

7 – BOULDER HOP UP SHEER-SIDED GORGES

You can swim in the rivers and pools; boulder hop along the stream bed or simply stare up at the vertical walls. As you head upstream they get tighter, steeper and more challenging, adding to the already strong sense of adventure.

Rainbow Gorge in Cathedral Peak and Tugela Gorge in Royal Natal National Park are two of the finest. But make sure you check the weather conditions before you depart; heavy downpours are a regular afternoon occurrence.

MORE / TUGELA GORGE HIKE

8 – INDULGE AT THE CATHEDRAL PEAK WINE ESTATE

When you have had enough of adventure, or rain is on its way, then the Cathedral Peak Wine Estate is the perfect place for lunch. Out of respect for the region in which the winery is based, their finest wines are named UNESCO 985 – the identification number for the Drakensberg successful UNESCO application in 2000.

Wine tasting is R10 (€0.50 / $0.56 / £0.45) per glass and can be accompanied with their tasty meat and cheese platter. Try the full-bodied Merlot in the Estate Range or the uniquely South African Pinotage and while away the afternoon looking out over the vineyards backed by the impressive Drakensberg mountains.

MORE / BEST TIME TO VISIT SOUTH AFRICA

9 – EXPLORE MILLENNIA OLD SAN ROCK ART

South Africa’s original people San (or Bushmen), inhabited the Drakensberg Mountains for thousands of years before practically disappearing in the late 1800s. Fortunately they left behind a fragile legacy: stone-age rock art.

There are over 600 rock-art sites and tens of thousands of paintings spread across the region but the finest can be found at Games Pass Shelter near Kamberg, Main Caves near Giants Castle Camp or Battle Cave near Injisuthi.

The Didima Rock Art centre in Royal Natal National Park also has an informative museum dedicated to the rise and fall of the San and their art.

10 – RAMBLE THE 60-KILOMETRE GIANT’S CUP TRAIL

If scaling chain ladders, boulder-hopping and steep climbs sounds all a bit too much then consider this excellent multi-day hike, widely considered the best long-distance walk in the Drakensberg. It takes 5 days and covers 60 kilometres. Although it’s long, it’s only moderately difficult.

It starts at the bottom of Sani Pass and winds its way along streams and valleys through the Drakensberg’s dramatic rugged scenery to Bushman’s Nek.

It is the only hutted hike in the Drakensberg. As the accommodation is basic, you’ll need to provide your own bedding and food. It’s cold showers all the way.

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS

The best time to visit the Drakenberg Mountains is from March to May when the rains have subsided, the temperatures are comfortable and the hills are still a lush green from the winter downpours. September to November are also good for walking but the hills will be a parched brown rather than a glittering green.

Summer rains (December through February) can be torrential in the Drakensberg and temperatures can reach into the mid-30s making activities tiring. In winter (June to August) the temperatures drop rapidly, and the higher altitudes can be very cold making.

Whatever time of year you go try to start early each day. The early morning has the best light for photos, the clearest skies and less strong winds. In summer, make sure you are back by early afternoon. Torrential thunderstorms can appear from nowhere making conditions not only uncomfortable but the gorges outright dangerous.

HOW TO GET TO THE DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS

The Drakensberg Mountains are a remote region on the South African / Lesotho border.

The closest airports are King Shaka International Airport in Durban (3 hours, 30-minute drive) or Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg (4 hours, 30-minute drive).

Public transport is very limited in this part of South Africa so, the best option is to hire your own car. This will also give you the flexibility to see more of the area on your trip. Check out prices with our preferred hire car company – RentalCars.

TIPS FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS TO THE DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS

Split into a number of different areas, getting around the Drakensberg takes time. Public transport is almost non-existent, so we suggest you hire a car for your visit. If you are using public transport, stay on the edge of the park and join daily tours.

Because of its size, you will probably need to choose which areas you want to visit.

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.

If you have a bit more time then also take the exciting but tortuous drive up the Sani Pass. Not only is the drive great but at the top you’ll find the highest pub in Africa, friendly locals, stunning views and some superb hiking. For more information read our 4×4 adventure up the Sani Pass post.

To time your visit perfectly, read our article on the best times to visit South Africa.

MAP / DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS

We have included our list of the best things to do in the Drakensberg Mountains on the below map to help you find all the main attractions dotted along this rugged, mountain part of Wales.

To save them to your device, click on the star on the title bar which will load it in GoogleMaps and save it to “your maps.”

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