A prime ecotourism destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Africa, uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park offers stunning mountain scenery, hiking trails, and ancient San rock art. Visit Giant’s Castle to gain insight into the incredible life of the ancient San people who once walked across this land.
The Drakensberg Amphitheatre is one of the most thrilling sights to see while on a South Africa safari, with its vast cascading waterfall.
Must-Visit Areas in uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
Head to a vulture hide to photograph bearded vultures feeding and explore the region on horseback:
Giant’s Castle: Stunning San Rock Art
The views of deep valleys, grassy plateaus, and craggy mountains are amazing enough, but Giant’s Castle is made even more special by the incredible rock art found here.
See fascinating ancient rock art created by the historic San people that once lived in this area. Visit the Main Caves Museum to find out more about how this ancient culture lived.
Giant’s Castle also features a vulture hide to see the bearded vultures of the area.
Royal Natal National Park: Nature’s Amphitheatre
The main attraction of the Royal Natal National Park is the Drakensberg Amphitheatre, a rock wall measuring 5 km (3 miles) long and 500 metres (546 yards) high.
The Thukela River (one of the highest waterfalls in the world) travels down the face of the Amphitheatre heading towards the Indian Ocean. Travellers can explore the mountainous trails while hiking or horseback riding.
When’s the Best Time to Visit uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park?
During the months of April to September, the weather is dry, which makes for great hiking and horseback riding conditions. November to February is the hot, rainy season; this will facilitate spectacular views of the waterfalls.
Wildlife Found in uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
Elands, mountain reedbucks, grey rhebucks, grey duikers, baboons, black-backed jackals, caracals, and servals can be spotted in the Drakensberg region.
Birders will enjoy the 300 bird species found here, including the wattled crane, Cape vulture, bearded vulture, orange-breasted rockjumper, and yellow-breasted pipit.
How to Get to uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
This park is located just two hours from Durban and four hours from Gauteng. So, you can land in either King Shaka International Airport or OR Tambo International Park before heading to the park.