Drakensberg Mountains

The Drakensberg is a basalt escarpment forming the border between Kwa-Zulu Natal and Lesotho and continuing into the Free State. It means Dragon Mountains, but the Zulu named it Quuathlamba (the Barrier of Spears) – a more accurate description of the sheer, forbidding, jagged escarpment. A distinctive natural Amphitheatre can be found in the beautiful Royal Natal National Park.  

The Tugela Falls is the highest waterfall in Africa and the second tallest in the world! Starting at Sentinel Gate there is a great hike following the Thukela River to falls, with views across the Drakensberg Mountains and the edge of the Amphitheatre. Prepare to be chaperoned by mountain baboons or possibly even resident bearded vultures on this six-hour hike.  

Hike through yellow wood forest, mountainous grasslands and past South Africa’s national flower, found on the protea tree. The Tulega Gorge hike takes us into the heart of the Royal Natal National Park and involves some boulder hopping and crossing a dry riverbed before reaching the gorge itself. A brilliant day hike offering dramatic views of the northern Drakensberg.