The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, one of South Africa's prime eco-tourist destinations and a World Heritage Site. In this awesome mountain range you can savour the ultimate freedom of great open spaces in a world of gigantic peaks and buttresses, of towering sandstone cliffs and hidden valleys, virgin forests and crystal clear rivers.
The
diverse scenic splendour includes the famous Amphitheatre
at Royal Natal and the magnificent southern Drakensberg scenery at Cobham
and Lotheni. This park
is home to black eagle, bearded vulture and herds of eland, besides the priceless
legacy of many other indigenous plants and animals.
A wealth of recreational opportunities matches the scenic spendour around you. There are magnificently laid out day walks from all the major camps, the self-guided Giants Cup Hiking Trail and a fabulous wealth of rock art sites to rival any in the world. The Best examples are to be seen at Kamberg. From a gentle amble along a self-guided trail or peacefully fly fishing in a river or dam, experiences extend to the rigors of rock-climbing or mountain biking for those with a taste for the high adventures of life.
A host of other pastimes includes camping, hiking, bird watching, swimming, riding , photography, painting or simply reveling in the clear mountain air while you take in the breathtaking vistas around you.
Accommodation options in the park are equally diverse. These range from luxury lodges at Giant's Castle and Royal Natal's Thendele or fully equipped cottages and chalets at Giant's Castle, Injisuthi, Kamberg, Lotheni and Royal Natal to scenic campsites with well appointed picnic and ablution facilities at Royal Natal, Injisuthi, Lotheni, Cathedral Peak and Monks Cowl.
For the foot loose and fancy free there
is also a choice of rustic mountain huts and over-night caves in places
like Injisuthi and Giants Castle which can be booked for hiking and
back-packing. General overnight camping is allowed in most areas.
Two hours from Durban and four from Gauteng, The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg
Park should be at the top of every visitors itinerary. Average altitude -
3000m Highest range south of Kilimanjaro Span - 150kms Size - 243 000 ha