Drakensberg, South Africa: Hiking Areas & Places to See
Explore the Drakensberg Mountain Range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning 243,000 hectares across South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Province and Lesotho. This vast area features towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and deep gorges divided into three distinct regions: Southern, Central, and Northern Drakensberg, each offering unique hiking trails and outdoor activities.
- Mode
- place
- Start
- Kareeberg Local Municipality, Северо-Капская провинция
- End
- Kareeberg Local Municipality, Северо-Капская провинция
- Stops
- 1
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Kareeberg Local Municipality, Северо-Капская провинция
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Best time for hiking is April-May or September-October when days are warm but not too hot. Avoid summer months (Dec-Feb) due to frequent thunderstorms.
- Transport
- Road conditions with potholes make driving slower than other South Africa areas. Allow 1-2 hours between regions/valleys. If time-limited, stick to 1-2 areas instead of all three.
- Transport
- Sani Pass is the highest altitude pass in South Africa (2,874 m) and only accessible by 4x4 vehicle. Book a 4x4 day tour from Underberg.
- Transport
- Sentinel Car Park is only reachable by 4x4. If you don't have one, book a shuttle from Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge (about 8 km down the mountain).
- Transport
- Tugela Gorge hike is 2 hours drive from Sentinel Car Park because you must go to the bottom of the mountain and around the valley.
- Save money
- All park entrance points charge daily conservation fees of 45-60 Rand per person, payable in cash. Credit card payment possible but not guaranteed.
- Avoid
- Some trails are less-maintained than others with high grass. Proper footwear, good navigation, and caution are essential. Turn back if trail becomes overgrown.
- Avoid
- Poisonous snakes like Puff Adders are present. If you see one, give it space and don't proceed unless it moves far away. Use hiking poles for small protection.
- Timing
- Weather at Amphitheater/Sentinel Peak can change dangerously fast. Check forecast beforehand. First visit may have fog even if forecast is clear.
- Food
- Drakensberg Boys Choir performances are generally on Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. in Central Drakensberg. Check schedule beforehand.
- Food
- At Sani Pass (2,874 m), there is 'the highest pub in Africa' where you can dine at the Lesotho border.
- Tip
- Drakensberg spans 243,000 hectares and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site divided into three regions: Southern, Central, and Northern—each accessible by road.
Video on this route
DRAKENSBERG, SOUTH AFRICA | A Travel & Hiking Guide To The Different Areas In Drakensberg