National Park in South Africa
The Dragon Mountains
The Drakensberg is South Africa's highest mountain range, a wall of basalt cliffs that runs along the border with Lesotho. The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is a World Heritage Site, with towering peaks, deep gorges, clear streams and some of the best rock art in Africa, painted by San people over thousands of years.
The Amphitheatre, a cliff face five kilometres long, drops over 1,000 metres, and Tugela Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the world at 948 metres, is reached by a hike. Hikers, riders and anglers love the area, and it is a peaceful break from the bush.
The mountains are home to eland, grey rhebok, baboons, mountain reedbuck, jackals and many birds, including the endangered bearded vulture (lammergeier) and the Cape vulture. The streams have trout, and the grasslands have orchids and flowers in summer.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
A vast basalt wall, deep valleys and rock buttresses, with grassland slopes and mountain streams below.
Activities here
The Drakensberg has warm, wet summers (days of 25°C to 28°C with afternoon storms) and dry, crisp winters (days of 17°C to 20°C, nights below freezing, with snow on the peaks).
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27 | 14 | 140 |
| Feb | 26 | 14 | 120 |
| Mar | 25 | 12 | 100 |
| Apr | 23 | 8 | 60 |
| May | 20 | 4 | 25 |
| Jun | 18 | 0 | 10 |
| Jul | 18 | 0 | 10 |
| Aug | 20 | 2 | 15 |
| Sep | 22 | 6 | 40 |
| Oct | 24 | 9 | 90 |
| Nov | 25 | 11 | 120 |
| Dec | 26 | 13 | 130 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
April to September is dry, sunny and clear, with cold nights. It is the best time for hiking and mountain views.
October to March brings thunderstorms and green slopes, with the risk of mist and lightning on high ridges. Mornings are often clear.
March to May and September to October are the best months for hiking, with stable weather. Summer has flowers and waterfalls, and winter is cold, with snow.
Best time to visit Mar to May, Sep to Oct
The central Drakensberg is about 250 kilometres from Johannesburg and 200 kilometres from Durban, a drive of around three and a half to four hours. It lies between Johannesburg and Durban on the N3.
Park fees are included in our itineraries. Many nationalities, including most of Europe, the UK, the US, Canada and Australia, can enter South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days. Please check the rules for your passport.
The Drakensberg is malaria-free. The weather changes quickly, so carry layers and rain gear. Hikers should be fit and stay on marked trails.
National ParkKruger National ParkSouth Africa's great wilderness
City & TownCape TownMountain, ocean and a city full of flavour
RegionCape WinelandsVineyards beneath the mountains
City & TownJohannesburgGateway city
Wildlife Reserve & SanctuaryMadikwe Game ReserveMalaria-free Big Five for families
Private ConservancySabi Sand Game ReserveThe leopard capital of AfricaOur take
“Our take”
Give the Drakensberg three nights if you walk, and plan the hikes for the morning, before the afternoon storms.
Safaris from
US$3,666 per person
Plan your time in Drakensberg
Every safari we run is private and built around you. Tell us your dates and what you hope to see, and we will shape the route, the lodges and the permits.
Made to measure
Tell us how you like to travel and we will build a private journey around it: the right lodges, the right pace and the permits already in hand.
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