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.
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.
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, eSwatini and Mozambique Beach & Safari
West Cape and Namaqualand hiking & 4x4
