Drakensberg hiking
Drakensberg
1 tour
Drakensberg
The Dragon Mountains: hike, breathe, slow down.
A UNESCO World Heritage mountain wilderness of basalt cliffs, ancient San rock art and some of Africa's finest hiking.
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Drakensberg
Ways to build a Drakensberg trip
The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg is South Africa's highest mountain range, a wall of basalt peaks over 3,000 m high. The Amphitheatre in the north, with Tugela Falls plunging off its edge, is one of the most dramatic sights in the country.
It's a place for walking, from gentle valley trails past San rock art to full-day summit hikes, and for cosy mountain lodges with log fires. It pairs naturally with the Zulu battlefields and the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
Guided hikes
Day hikes for every fitness level with experienced mountain guides.
Rock art
Thousands of years of San paintings in sandstone shelters.
Battlefields
Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift with a specialist storyteller-guide.
Slow days
Trout fishing, spa time and long lunches with mountain views.
When to go
Best time to visit Drakensberg.
Autumn (Apr–May) and spring (Sep–Oct) bring the best hiking weather. Summer (Nov–Mar) is green but has afternoon thunderstorms; winter is crisp and clear, with occasional snow on the peaks.
- JanMixed
- FebMixed
- MarGood
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGood
- JulGood
- AugGood
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGood
- DecMixed
Seasons are reversed from the northern hemisphere.
- Cape Town’s winter rains fall June to August
- Kruger’s dry season (May to September) is peak game viewing
- Summer rains fall November to March in the north and east
- Whale season on the Cape coast runs June to November
Highlights
- The Amphitheatre and Tugela Falls
- San rock art at Game Pass Shelter or Main Caves
- Cathedral Peak and Champagne Castle hikes
- Horse riding in the foothills
Practical tips
- Start hikes early in summer to avoid afternoon storms.
- Nights are cold year-round. Bring a warm layer.
Experiences
Things to do in Drakensberg.
Is the Drakensberg malaria-free?
Yes, which makes it a great addition to family itineraries.
Stays
Where to stay in Drakensberg.
Central Drakensberg
Stone Crown Mountain Lodge
From $210 per person · night
Tailor-made trips
Tours including Drakensberg.
Duration
Budget
1 of 1 tours
10 days · KwaZulu-Natal & Drakensberg
Drakensberg & Zulu Coast
Half board in the mountains · 6 guided activities · Private transfers
- Guided Drakensberg hikes and San rock art
- Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift with a storyteller-guide
- Rhino tracking in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi
- Hippos and crocs in iSimangaliso
From
$3,150
per person, complete package
From $6,300 for two · international flights excluded
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