Drakensberg Adventures and Things To Do.
The Drakensberg, fondly known as ‘the Berg’, is a breathtakingly beautiful series of mountain peaks that forms the border between KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho. These enchanting mountains, centrally positioned on the eastern side of South Africa, are a favourite holiday destination for South Africans and international visitors alike.
Geologically speaking, the magnificent Drakensberg forms part of the Great Escarpment which extends in a giant arc from Tzaneen in Limpopo all the way round South Africa and into Namibia and Angola, forming the edge of the central Southern African plateau. The spellbinding grandeur of the Berg section of the escarpment is due to the resistance of its rock to erosion which, over millions of years, has resulted in towering, steep-sided cliff faces and pinnacles, some over 3000m high. A sheer delight to the eye!
Around 300km from Johannesburg, Royal Natal National Park and the awe-inspiring Amphitheatre Valley of the Northern Drakensberg are almost too spectacular for words! Photography enthusiasts, nature lovers and adventurers are drawn by the stupefying natural beauty, snow-capped peaks, scenic hiking trails, rivers, waterfalls and caves. Let the splendour of nature be inspiration for your next Teambuilding adventure and Bergville, central to the northern Berg resorts, is the perfect location.
The ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park in the Central Drakensberg is a vast area and encompasses Cathedral Peak, the Champagne Valley, the quieter Injisuthi Valley, Giant’s Castle and Kamberg, famous for some of the best San rock art in the Drakensberg. The park forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides sanctuary to endemic and threatened species of plant and animals.
The Southern Drakensberg is around 250-300km from Durban, and here you will find the infamous Sani Pass, considered to be the mother of all mountain passes in South Africa! This challenging and exceptionally scenic gravel road is best explored by 4x4 and will take you to a summit altitude of 2876m where you can stop off for a cold beer – or a hot chocolate – at the highest pub in Africa!
Whatever your interests, the Berg offers something for everyone! Head for the skies and try out the aerial cable trail, canopy tour, zip line or gorge swing. There is even a flying trapeze! Paragliding amongst these incredible peaks is also an unforgettable experience, and there are some challenging rock and ice climbing opportunities.
Those who prefer terra firma can enjoy an assortment of 2 and 4 wheel activities including 4x4 tours, quad biking, mountain biking, and Scootours off-road downhill scooters offer loads of family-friendly fun! The Drakensberg’s hiking and slackpacking trails are second to none, and fly fishing and star gazing are also popular. Water-based activities include white water rafting and tubing on the Tugela and Injusuti rivers, and snow skiing in nearby Lesotho is available during the winter months.