Drakensberg Mountains

Travel Guide

Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Drakensberg Mountains featuring mist or fog, mountains and landscape views
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism

Explore caves filled with ancient art, drive South Africa’s highest road, and camp out amid the extraordinary biodiversity and majesty of this vast mountain range.

Spotting wildlife, discovering ancient rock art, mountain biking and climbing sheer basalt cliffs are just a few of the activities awaiting in the Drakensberg Mountains. South Africa’s highest mountain range rises to 11,424 feet (3,482 metres) and is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls, forested slopes and soaring peaks such as Champagne Castle and Devil’s Tooth.

Load up the car and drive to the Royal Natal National Park in Northern Drakensberg. Here you’ll find the Amphitheatre, a 4,000-foot (1,200-metre) wall of sheer basalt that extends for 3 miles (5 kilometres). Climb to the summit by scaling the chain ladders which run up the cliff face, then spend three days exploring this spectacular area by following the Amphitheatre Slackpacking Trail, staying in conveniently located lodges along the way.

Central Drakensberg is the most visited section of the mountain range and contains its highest peaks. Appreciate the views from the comfort of your lodge, or up close with a hike or mountain bike ride. Keep an eye to the skies for rare bird species such as the black eagle and bearded vulture.

Southern Drakensberg is popular for its lakes and rivers and the spectacular Sani Pass. Go for a drive along this mountain road, the highest in the country. The route is not for the faint-hearted and is best traversed by off-road vehicle.

The Drakensberg Mountains have been called the world’s greatest outdoor art gallery. The indigenous San people left behind more than 35,000 paintings in caves and cliff overhangs. The highest concentration of pictures are in the Giant’s Castle area where you’ll see images of antelope, dancing and hunting scenes.

This internationally recognised world heritage area offers plenty of accommodation options, including camping and caravan sites, lodges and rustic mountain inns. The Drakensberg Mountains can be enjoyed year-round, although summer is characterized by frequent thunderstorms and temperatures can plummet during the winter. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions. A clear blue sky can become overcast in a matter of minutes.

The Drakensberg Mountains are a two-hour drive from Durban.

Golden Gate Hotel
Golden Gate Hotel
3 out of 5
Golden Gate National Park, Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State
The price is RM341 per night from 16 Jul to 17 Jul
RM341
RM534 total
16 Jul - 17 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (252 reviews)
"Nice staff who are eager to help"

Reviewed on 2 Dec 2024

Golden Gate Hotel
Little Switzerland Resort
Little Switzerland Resort
4 out of 5
R74 Oliviershoek Pass, Jagersrust, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is RM384 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
RM384
RM441 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Jagersrust. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Eskom Drakensberg Visitors Centre and Driekloofdam ...
9/10 Wonderful! (64 reviews)
"The place was well maintained and he service was good. The dinner in the resturant was not good."

Reviewed on 8 Jun 2025

Little Switzerland Resort
Cathedral Peak Hotel
Cathedral Peak Hotel
4 out of 5
1 Cathedral Peak Drive, Giant's Castle Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is RM889 per night from 16 Jul to 17 Jul
RM889
RM1,059 total
16 Jul - 17 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Giant's Castle Game Reserve. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Cathedral Peak and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (157 reviews)
"Wonderful hotel with friendly attentive staff, excellent food and tremendous access to hiking trails. That we were able to get petrol on the property was such a welcome surprise."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Cathedral Peak Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fairways Self Catering
Fairways Self Catering
3.5 out of 5
Drakensberg Gardens Road, Drakensberg Gardens, KwaZulu-Natal
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Drakensberg Gardens. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and a golf course.
Fairways Self Catering
Bergview Farm Cottages by First Private Stays
Bergview Farm Cottages by First Private Stays
4 out of 5
Off Bushmans Nek Road, Bergview Farm, Drakensberg Gardens, KwaZulu-Natal
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly cottage in Drakensberg Gardens. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping.
Bergview Farm Cottages by First Private Stays
Windmill Farm
Windmill Farm
3.5 out of 5
Bergville, Northern Drakensberg, Jagersrust, KwaZulu-Natal
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Jagersrust. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Eskom Drakensberg Visitors ...
"The location and views are amazing. the unit is smaller than expected and a bit cramped. The dinning area is outside and during the heavy rain we were unable to use it. Also there are a lot of trucks going past and the unit is close to the road"

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2022

Windmill Farm
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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