The eastern part of the Great Escarpment is commonly known as Drakensberg. This mountainous region encloses the central Southern African plateau and borders South Africa and Lesotho. Here’s what you can do while exploring this mighty terrain!
Drive a 4X4 through Sani Pass
Featuring a steep climb that elevates up to 4,265 ft within the short distance of 5.6 mi, the Sani Pass stretches from the South African plains to the mountains of Lesotho.
With hairpin turns and vertical drops, it is an adventurous drive taking you through some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in about one hour and fifteen minutes.
Visit Africa’s Highest Pub
As you enter Lesotho through Sani Pass, remember to take a stop at Sani Mountain Lodge, Africa’s highest pub that sits at the altitude of 2,874 m above the sea level.
While at the pub, try the locally brewed tap beer – the Maluti Beer – that is made from the meltwater collected from Drakensberg Mountains; you’ll truly love it!
Scale the Chain Ladders of Giant’s Cup Trail
This is the only hutted hiking trail in the entire Drakensberg area. Giant’s Cup Trail is a multi-hike featuring boulder hopping and steep cliff faces, which can be climbed by chain ladders.
The hiking route begins at the base of Sani Pass and go all the way up to Bushman's Nek Pass. Along the way, you’ll encounter several spellbinding streams and valleys.
Go Hiking to Tugela Falls
Hiking South Africa’s highest waterfall is a magical experience in itself. The best time to take this hike is right after heavy rain, when the falls are in their full glory.
Two distinct trails lead up to the falls – one from "The Sentinel" car park that takes approx. eight hours for a round trip and the other from the Royal Natal National Park that takes approx. four hours for a round trip.
Marvel at the Drakensberg Amphitheater
Drakensberg Amphitheater is a natural formation called so due to its semi-circular shape resembling an amphitheater.
Featuring more than 1,200 m of vertical drop and a 5 km long cliff face, this natural wonder can be best viewed from above the Tugela Falls.
Walk to the Cathedral Peak
With a 3,000 ft elevation from the base camp to its summit, the Cathedral Peak offers several easy as well as tricky walking and hiking trails to adventure enthusiasts.
And once you are done adventuring in the mountains, pay a visit to Cathedral Peak Wine Estate for some wine tasting and a nice lunch.
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Explore the Rock Art of the Bushmen
Although the original inhabitants of South Africa, San a.k.a. Bushmen, practically disappeared in the latter half of the 19th century, their legacy still remains in the form of rock art.
In Drakensberg Mountains, there are over 600 rock shelters with primitive San art. These include Games Pass Shelter near Kamberg and Main Caves near Giants Castle Camp, among others.
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Take the Mind-blowing Canopy Tour
Offering a unique bird’s-eye view of the vegetation and hidden treasures of Drakensberg Mountains, the canopy tour is something nobody should ever miss.
You will get to slide on a steel cable or zipline from viewpoint to viewpoint and will also get to tour the entire area with a guide via elevated platforms offering panoramic views.
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When it comes to adventures, you’ll never run out of options in the Drakensberg Mountains. So, fret not. Plan your next adventure in these mighty ranges now!