What to Expect on a Self-Drive Drakensberg Adventure

The Drakensberg is the ceiling of southern Africa. The mighty range’s tallest peak, Thabana Ntlenyana, towers 3,482 metres above sea level, forming the pinnacle of South Africa’s Great Escarpment.

The mountains are easily accessible from Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, but they stretch into the Free State and Eastern Cape, too. In fact, the northern reaches of the range stretch all the way to the Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga.

With its peaks, rivers, ravines, streams, and grasslands, it’s no surprise that the Drakensberg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country – especially for travellers on self-drive adventures. Whether you’re looking for hiking, camping, wine tasting, or pure relaxation, there are few better places in South Africa. Let’s take a closer look at what the Drakensberg region has to offer.

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Photo: Getty

The Drakensberg’s 3 Best Attractions

If you’re planning a self-drive adventure through the Drakensberg region, there are several iconic attractions that should definitely be on your itinerary.

1. Tugela Falls, Royal Natal National Park

Did you know that you can find the tallest waterfall in the world in the Drakensberg? Tugela Falls plummets 947 m from the mighty Drakensberg Amphitheatre into the valley below, with the Tugela River flowing all the way to the Indian Ocean.

People come from all over the world to hike to the top of the falls, but be warned: it’s a steep and treacherous climb that involves plenty of scrambling and several chain ladders. You can trek all the way to the peak of Mont-Aux-Sources, the source of both the Tugela River and the Caledon River, which feeds the Orange River.

2. Giant’s Castle Nature Reserve

Giant’s Castle is one of the Drakensberg’s most famous mountains. Humans have lived here for thousands of years, as evidenced by the extensive examples of San cave paintings found in the area. It’s also one of the only places in Africa where you can see the bearded vulture, a rare and beautiful bird of prey.

Hiking and horse riding are the obvious activities here, but you can also visit the “vulture restaurant” to see these birds up close or learn about San culture at the Main Caves Museum. At the foot of the mountain, you’ll find Highmoor Nature Reserve, another stunning example of Drakensberg scenery.

3. Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Located in the far east of the Free State, Golden Gate Highlands National Park offers a slightly different Drakensberg experience. Here, the mountains have been carved into interesting sandstone outcrops and cliffs, and it’s also home to more examples of San rock art.

The park is probably most famous for its hiking trails and horseback riding trails, but it’s also a tranquil place to escape city life. You can even go on a self-drive safari to spot wildlife like eland, zebra, black wildebeest, and over 210 species of birds.

Photo: Unsplash

3 Drakensberg Campsites to Visit

The Drakensberg has no shortage of world-class campsites, self-catering facilities, lodges and hotels to choose from. Here are 3 camping and self-catering facilities to consider on your next trip the Drakensberg area in Kwazulu Natal.

Injisuthi Camp, Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, KwaZulu-Natal

Injisuthi is the perfect all-round Drakensberg destination. The campsite lies down below Injisuthi Dome, one of the tallest peaks in South Africa at 3,379 m above sea level. No matter which site you choose, you’ll be treated to incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and grasslands.

Monks Cowl Camp, Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, KwaZulu-Natal

Monks Cowl lies between the Cathkin mountains and Champagne Castle and is considered the gateway to some of the Drakensberg’s most incredible wilderness areas, including the Mlambonja and Mdedelo Wilderness Area. It’s especially popular with hikers, especially those planning to take on the area’s tough overnight trails. The camp also has its own tea garden where you can enjoy light meals and drinks.

Bergville Caravan Park and Chalets

More of a traditional resort-like campsite, Bergville Caravan Park and Chalets is situated on the lush, fertile banks of the mighty Tugela River – not far from the popular Drakensberg town of Bergville. The caravan park is within close proximity to various cultural, historical, and heritage sites for which the Drakensberg is famous, making it a good place to set up your basecamp. There’s even a communal swimming pool and you can go fishing and canoeing in the river.

Photo: Getty

Ready to get started on your self-drive adventure through the Drakensberg? All you need is the right set of wheels, and that’s where we come in. Whether you plan on hitting 4×4 trails, going hiking, or relaxing among the trees and birds, all you need to do is use our booking tool at the top of the page!

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