Stephan Nell / UnsplashBest time to visit
March to May and September to November for mild, clear hiking weather
The Drakensberg — "Dragon Mountains", or uKhahlamba, "barrier of spears" in isiZulu — form South Africa's highest range and a mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 5 km-wide Amphitheatre wall is among the most dramatic cliff faces on Earth.
Beyond the scenery, the range holds one of the world's richest concentrations of San rock art, painted over thousands of years. Trails range from gentle valley walks to the vertigo-inducing chain ladders up to the escarpment.
Sources
Verified · 2 sources
- Tourism boarduKhahlamba-Drakensberg ParkSouth African Tourism
- UNESCOMaloti-Drakensberg ParkUNESCO World Heritage Centre
Facts last reviewed Aug 24, 2026.
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