The drama and magnificence
of the Drakensberg Mountains in KwaZulu Natal will take your breath
away.
Mountain passes open up into immense valleys and endless folded hills
of green velvet. In other areas sandstone rocks rise dramatically
as sharp mountain peaks that are sometimes capped with snow.
The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park runs for hundreds of kilometres down the eastern border of
the kingdom of Lesotho, a small mountainous country completely surrounded
by South Africa. Ukhahlamba means ‘barrier of spears’ in Zulu. The spectacular rock formations have mountainous
names like Cathedral Peak, Champagne Castle and Giant's Castle.
These secretive rocks and caves were once the home of San Bushmen
who left their mark with some ancient rock art.
In 2001 the park won status as a World Heritage Site for its outstanding
natural beauty and its important historical significance. The Drakensberg
is one of the best places in Africa for hiking and there
are many established trails within the park.
It’s a great place to soak up the crystal quality of the air
which is cleansed by summer storms. It is the domain of
eagles who ride the thermals and herds of antelope who graze the rolling hills. The summer rains produce bursts of flowers and
lush green meadows, whilst the dry winters are extremely cold
at night with sharp frosts and snow falls on the upper reaches of
the mountains.
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