South Africa

Drakensberg

High peaks, green valleys and rough cliffs shape the Drakensberg. Time behind the wheel gives way to hiking trails, mountain passes and wide views across the range.

View trips from the region

Discover everything about this location.

Three sections. Three different routes.

The Drakensberg is divided into northern, central and southern sections. They are not well connected, so seeing more than one section takes a route planned around those distances.

The Northern Drakensberg begins in the Free State at Golden Gate Highlands National Park and stretches to Royal Natal National Park.

The central section includes Cathedral Peak, Champagne Castle and Giant’s Castle. The southern section runs through the Underberg and Sani Pass areas.

Some walks take a few hours. Others take days.

The Drakensberg has many hiking trails. You can choose a walk of a few hours, a full day or several days.

Birdlife is another reason to spend time here. Many birds live in the area and several raptor centres can be visited.

Mountain biking and quad biking are other ways to move through the landscape.

View trips from the region

Sani Pass climbs towards Lesotho.

Sani Pass forms the border crossing between South Africa and Lesotho. The road is steep and is driven in a 4x4.

At the top, the view opens across the peaks of the Drakensberg.

Accommodation in and around the mountains includes Sani Lodge & Cottages, Giant’s Castle Camp, Cathedral Peak Hotel, Thendele, Sani Mountain Lodge and Didima Camp.

What you can do in the Drakensberg:

  • Guided hikes
  • Birdwatching
  • Mountain biking
  • Quad biking

Self-drive trips in the region

South Africa
Mozambique
eSwatini
South Africa, eSwatini and Mozambique Beach & Safari
22
days
from
1620
1620
p.p.
In Kruger, you scan the bush through your binoculars from your 4x4, searching for rhinos and lions. A few days later, you're looking through your diving mask at manta rays off the coast of Mozambique. On this 22-day self-drive journey, you explore three countries, each with its own distinct character. You drive through national parks at your own pace, camp by the sea and lace up your hiking boots again in eSwatini. From exciting game drives to relaxed beach days, there's no need to choose between adventure and relaxation.
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South Africa
Western Cape and Namaqualand Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1250
1250
p.p.
Hiking boots on, 4x4 parked. On this 14-day self-drive journey, you explore much of the Western Cape and Namaqualand on foot. You hike through gorges and past rock arches in the Cederberg, camp in complete solitude in the quiet of the Tankwa Karoo and walk to deserted beaches along the Atlantic coast. And in between? That's when you put your 4x4 to work, including on the sandy Caracal Trail. A journey for those who love being outdoors and exploring at their own pace.
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South Africa
Garden Route en Baviaanskloof Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1350
1350
p.p.
Spotting elephants from your 4x4. Tackling rugged tracks through Baviaanskloof. Then continuing on foot along cliffs, through forests and over mountain trails. On this 14-day self-drive journey from Gqeberha to Cape Town, you regularly swap the steering wheel for your hiking boots. You start with a safari before following the Garden Route past Storms River Mouth, Wilderness and the mountains around George. Plenty of variety, without having to cover long distances every day.
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