Drakensberg

The Drakensberg is the upland mountain range forming the eastern escarpment of southern Africa, rising to alpine plateaus and peaks that exceed 3,000 metres in places. It straddles parts of Lesotho and South Africa and is known for its steep cliffs and highland grasslands.

The range offers extensive hiking and climbing routes, high-altitude grassy plateaus, and dramatic escarpments such as the Amphitheatre cliff band. The area contains a high concentration of San rock-art sites and protected parks; visitors come for walking, multi-day hikes, scenic drives and to view cliff faces and waterfalls.

Human presence in the Drakensberg goes back many thousands of years, evidenced by rock paintings left by San hunter-gatherers. More recent history includes pastoral use of the highlands and the establishment of protected areas in the 20th century to conserve the range’s landscapes and cultural sites.

Geographically the Drakensberg forms much of the border region between Lesotho and the eastern provinces of South Africa; the high parts lie within the Maloti-Drakensberg protected area and are characterised by steep escarpments overlooking lower plains.

• Best viewpoint: The Amphitheatre escarpment is the classic viewpoint for the range and is often visited at dawn for light on the cliff face and nearby waterfalls.

What to See #

• Amphitheatre: A dramatic escarpment and cliff complex famous for long vertical faces and mountain trails; the Amphitheatre is the best-known cliff band and provides direct access to the Tugela Falls area.
• Maloti-Drakensberg Park: The Maloti-Drakensberg Park is the UNESCO-listed protected area that covers high-altitude grasslands, escarpments and many of the range's important rock-art sites.