Fans of ecotourism and natural beauty have no doubts in which part of Africa the Drakensberg Mountains are located; literally all travelers dream of visiting this place. Most of the mountains in the system are included in the Drakensberg park of the same name, deservedly under the protection of UNESCO.
The landscapes and natural objects of this area are famous for their uniqueness and picturesqueness. Visiting the Drakensberg Mountains requires certain expenses and organization, but choosing this destination as part of an excursion or a full-fledged vacation guarantees a fabulous and unforgettable experience.
Geographic and geological characteristics, flora and fauna
The mountain peaks and plateaus of the Drakensberg Mountains are located in the southern part of the African continent, occupying parts of Swaziland, South Africa and the kingdom-enclave of Lesotho. With a system length of 1169 km and a width of 732 km, its total area is 402 thousand km2.
A large area of the Drakensberg Mountains is occupied by a monolithic highland with an average height of 2,000 m, with steep cliffs and cliffs on the side of the mainland and hilly foothills on the other side, directed towards the ocean. The surrounding mountains are rich in minerals, including coal, tin, manganese and precious metals.
The relief, climatic conditions and landscapes of the Drakensberg Mountains are characterized by diversity. The high-altitude part of the Basuto plateau looks lifeless and dry, because, in combination with the continental climate, all falling and generally scarce precipitation flows down. The highest point of Drakensberg is Mount Thabana-Ntlenyana (3482 m), located in Lesotho, has a weakly pronounced peak and practically does not stand out outwardly among the neighboring peaks covered with grass, rocky placers and small bushes. But it is located just 4 km from the edge of the ledge and looks spectacular in aerial or ground surveys from that side. Further, the plane of the system is crossed by steep steps formed by erosion.
The eastern slopes of the Drakensberg Mountains are covered with a wide variety of vegetation:
- in areas with a height of up to 1200 m - humid tropical and evergreen forests with an abundance of needles, lianas and epiphytes;
- from 1200 to 2000 m - thickets of succulents, xerophytes and thorny bushes;
- over 2000 m - mountain meadows (alpine tundra), mixed with rocky areas.
Despite the abundance of sun and proximity to the Indian Ocean, the summits of Drakenberg are covered with snow in winter, which makes a striking contrast to the climatic conditions at the foot. The snow cover does not lie for a long time, but the weather conditions in the high mountain regions at this time are unfavorable. 80% of the total precipitation falls between October and March, which coincides with the growing season of plants.
On the territory of Lesotho and the border areas at this time, frequent, but short thunderstorms rage, alternating with periods of fog formation. It is noteworthy that its borders are kept within clear limits - 3 km from the enclave, without moving in other directions. In the off-season, some areas suffer from drought, others from frequent and strong winds. Like all other vegetation in Africa, the flora of this mountain system has perfectly adapted to abrupt changes in external conditions.
The fauna is distinguished by a high number of endemics and is quite rich. The chain of mountains prevents the migration of animals, amphibians and birds. Jumping antelope, eland, redunka are found on almost all slopes. Others, such as the white-tailed wildebeest, are under the special protection of UNESCO and the state, therefore, they live in fenced areas.
In the protected areas of the province of KwaZulu-Natal, populations of elephants, white and black rhinos, artiodactyls and predators are supported: cheetah, leopard, hyena dog. Some areas of the reserves can be visited as part of educational excursions (not safari). Here is a paradise for bird watchers, because many species of birds (bald ibis, bearded vulture, yellow-chested horse), which are on the verge of extinction, live only here.
The best natural attractions in Drakensberg
Photos of the landscapes of the Drakensberg Mountains are strikingly different from the African savannahs and wastelands, canyons with peaks soaring up to the sky intersect with solid basalt steps and rounded hills. It is rather difficult to choose a specific point to visit; if possible, the park should be viewed from the air or from different directions. The best views are observed:
Most of the attractive and interesting areas are located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 4 hours from Johannesburg or 3 from Durban. If there is no possibility of visiting as part of organized excursion groups, you can get there on your own by a rented car. Traveling along the high-mountain trails without a jeep and appropriate experience is impossible. The safest way to see the natural beauty at altitude is by hiking.
Some of the trails require permission from the local authorities, and special places have been allocated for rest and overnight stay. Overnight stays in high mountain areas are allowed, but not recommended due to the risk of a sharp change in weather conditions. Lovers of ecotourism and mountaineering should remember the importance of obtaining a Lesotho visa (the most exciting routes run in the border areas). The corresponding permit, if necessary, is issued on the territory of South Africa, but it takes time and money. The opinion that one visa to South Africa is enough to enter the territory of the enclave is wrong.
Other entertainment
The Drakensberg National Parks are home to many small hostels, hotels and camping areas that provide accommodation with varying levels of comfort. They also attract tourists with additional entertainment services, namely:
- Professional guided tours along the marked trails of Drakensberg.
- Horseback riding.
- Fishing for trout and other fish in the numerous mountain rivers and lakes of the park. In addition to classical fishing, tourists are taught how to fish with a harpoon. Thanks to the high transparency of the water and the abundance of fish, even beginners can cope with this task.
- Sightseeing tours by helicopter. A mass of unusual photos and emotions is guaranteed in any weather, the peaks suddenly appearing from the haze impress tourists as well as the clear views of kilometer-long cliffs and crevices.
- Play golf on the emerald fields of the foothills.
We advise you to look at Mount Elbrus.
In the Giant's Castle reserve there are the most interesting open-to-visit caves with rock paintings. The total number of ancient drawings in the surrounding caves ranges from 40 thousand. The compositions are striking in their variety and safety. Tourists should take into account that the scenes of hunting, dancing and fighting are scattered throughout the area, some of the drawings are found in open areas, partially protected by rocks. Access to the most ancient of them may be limited; the surest way to visit them is to join the excursion group.
