Drakensberg

Wondering what to expect on a Drakensberg holiday? Hike your way to breath-taking vistas, relax with the mountain peaks as your backdrop and enjoy all the charm of the Berg.

Why you’ll love a Drakensberg holiday

Drakensberg holidays are incredibly popular with South Africans and international visitors alike. Dramatic landscapes and fresh mountain air make the Drakensberg a perfect choice for those in search of either a luxuriously laid-back escape or an adventurous getaway – or both. The ‘Berg’ is best known for its Drakensberg Mountain range – South Africa’s highest mountain range, with its highest peak, Thabana Ntlenyana, reaching approximately 3482 metres above sea level.

Speaking of its famous peaks, travellers should definitely add Giant’s Castle, Champagne Castle and Popple Peak to their itinerary. Keep your eyes peeled for more than just the stunning scenery as the range is home to a host of majestic animals and feathered friends, including bushbuck, eland, caracal, and the Cape vulture.

Where to go on a
Drakensberg holiday

The region is made up of the Northern and Southern Drakensberg, as well as the Central Drakensberg. Many travellers favour a Northern Drakensberg holiday because this is where the majority of the tallest mountains can be found, many of which boast unbelievably beautiful snow-capped peaks in the winter.

This is also where you’ll find the Royal Natal National Park, part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the mammoth sandstone cliffs and valleys, all while taking part in a range of activities, such as hiking (of course!), fishing, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Don’t miss the quaint Midlands Meander route with its charming pubs, art studios and tea gardens.

Central Drakensberg is another must-see, especially if you’re keen to explore the Giant’s Castle Reserve, famed for its San rock art.

What to do

Aside from hiking, fishing, horse riding and the host of outdoor pursuits you can enjoy on a Drakensberg holiday, other things to do include:

Join a canopy tour. You’ll glide through flourishing indigenous forests and catch sight of numerous towering peaks along the way.
Recover from the adrenalin with a bottle of barrel-matured wine at Cathedral Peak Wine Estate.
Tour a traditional Zulu village. Enjoy a guided walk and a chat with the villagers, take part in a weaving lesson or sample the local brew known as mfula mfula.
Visit Ardmore Ceramics, the Mandela Capture Site and explore the artsy Midlands Meander with its ample cosy pubs.

What to Know

Most travellers embarking on a Drakensberg holiday are headed there with hiking on the agenda. If so, the best time to travel is during the autumn months (April – May) or the spring months (September – October) when the weather is mild and there isn’t a lot of rainfall. If you’re not averse to a bit of chill and you want to catch a glimpse of the range’s stunning snow-capped peaks, plan your holiday for mid- or late-winter (July – August). Note that it’s recommended to hire a sturdy 4x4 to get around the Drakensberg to make the most of your getaway.

Accommodation

The most charming accommodation options for a memorable Drakensberg holiday promise a distinct Alpine and cosy laid-back feel – perfect for unwinding and de-stressing during your time away. Accommodation in the Drakensberg provides travellers with a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of daily life, offering silence and serenity, along with access to a variety of interesting activities to keep the whole family entertained.