We consider the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa to be among the most scenic corners of the country. This breathtaking mountain landscape is located in the eastern part of South Africa and stretches across the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. Spectacular waterfalls, imposing mountain peaks, breathtaking views, ancient rock paintings, and countless great hiking trails await you.
In this article, we take you on an exciting exploration tour through the impressive mountain range in South Africa. From practical hiking tips to the top highlights the region has to offer, you’ll find out everything you need to know for your trip to the Drakensberg here.
- Geography and location of the Drakensberg
- Highlights in the Drakensberg
- Northern Drakensberg
- Central Drakensberg
- Southern Drakensberg
- Best time to visit the Drakensberg
- Book tours for the Drakensberg
- Small Drakensberg FAQ
Geography and location of the Drakensberg
The Drakensberg are up to 3,480 meters high, making them the highest mountain range in Africa. The highest peak (“Thabana Ntlenyana”), however, is not in South Africa, but in Lesotho. Since 2000, part of the range has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s hard to imagine how much space this mountain range occupies in South Africa. The mountain range stretches for almost 1,000 kilometers from northeastern Mpumalanga on the Panorama Route to the Eastern Cape province.
The range thus forms an impressive barrier between the highlands of Lesotho and the lowlands of KwaZulu-Natal. Some of the highest peaks in the Drakensberg are more than 3,000 meters high. Examples include Thabana Ntlenyana in Lesotho, which, at around 3,482 meters, is the highest peak south of Kilimanjaro in Africa, as well as Mafadi (3,446 meters) and Champagne Castle (3,377 meters) in South Africa.
The Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa are crisscrossed by deep valleys and gorges, as well as numerous rivers and streams. Incidentally, the Tugela River, which forms Tugela Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the world, also originates here in the mountains. There are also several nature reserves in the Drakensberg, including the Royal Natal National Park, the Giants Castle Game Reserve, and the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
Highlights in the Drakensberg
Where is the most beautiful place in the Drakensberg? Where can you hike in the Drakensberg? We are asked these questions again and again. The entire area is very large, and accordingly, there are many interesting highlights in the Drakensberg. These include, for example, the almost 1,000-meter-high Tugela Falls, the legendary Sani Pass, and the Royal Natal National Park with its impressive amphitheater. We’ve marked all the important highlights for you on the map.
By loading the map, you accept Google’s privacy policy.
Learn more
Load map
Northern Drakensberg
We’ve already undertaken quite a few tours in the Northern Drakensberg region, as the Drakensberg massif boasts some very special highlights, such as the Golden Gate Highlands National Park and the Royal Natal National Park. Hiking, climbing, and birdwatching are at the top of the to-do list here. Good starting points include the small town of Clarens and the region around Bergville.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
During our last big trip (November 2025 – February 2025), we again spent a few days in the Drakensberg. On a sunny day, we explored the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, which is located in the Free State Province near the town of Clarens. The park covers an area of approximately 340 square kilometers and is known for its spectacular sandstone formations and rock overhangs.
A notable feature of the park is the golden color of the sandstone cliffs during sunset, which gives the park its name. This golden color is caused by the sunlight hitting the sandstone formations. In Golden Gate Highlands National Park, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, birdwatching, abseiling, horseback riding, canoeing, wildlife viewing, and photography.
Popular Hikes in Golden Gate Highlands National Park
There are several marked hiking trails for exploring the unique beauty of the landscape. We recommend the Brandwag Buttress Trail (1 hour), which offers great views, and the Echo Ravine Trail (1 hour), which takes you into a stunning ravine. If you have more time, the Wodehouse Peak Trail might also be something for you. This trail takes you to the 2,438-meter-high Woodhouse Peak (approx. 4 hours).
You can also explore the Oribi Loop (4.2 km) and/or the Blesbok Loop (6.7 km) by car and, with a bit of luck, even spot wildebeest, zebras, blesboks, duikers, elands, or even oribis. There’s a vulture hide on the Oribi Loop for vulture observation. We didn’t see any, but the view is still cool.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park – Visitor Information
- Address: Clarens, 9707, South Africa
- Entrance Fee: R266 for adults (approx. €13)
- How to get there: Info and map here
- Opening Times: Oct-Mar 6am to 7pm | April – Sept. 7am to 6pm
- Check: on arrival at the reception desks (Golden Gate Hotel & Glen Reenen Rest Camp)
- Packing list: hiking boots, sunscreen, camera, binoculars, drink, hat
- Download park brochure with map here
Accommodation in Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Glen Reenen Rest Camp
This camp is located near the Golden Gate Hotel & Chalets and offers small rondavels and chalets. Caravan and camping pitches are also available.
Bookable through SanParks
Highlands Mountain Retreat
Enjoy the magnificent views from one of the 8 wooden cabins nestled into the mountainside.
Bookable through SanParks
Golden Gate Hotel & Chalets
The hotel now has 54 luxurious rooms, including single, double, and king-size rooms. A tennis court, a restaurant, BBQ area, laundry, and conference rooms are also available on-site.
Bookable through SanParks
Kiara Lodge
This stunning resort is nestled amidst the mountains and features a heated indoor pool, spa, children’s playground, and mini-market. Various apartments and cottages are available.
Book a cottage here*
Royal Natal National Park & Tugela Falls
Another popular destination in the Drakensberg is the Royal Natal National Park, which is part of the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. It is located in the northern part of the Drakensberg, not far from the famous Tugela Falls, which plunge almost 1000 meters into the depths. Another highlight is the so-called Amphitheater, a rock face approximately 5 kilometers long and almost 1000 meters high. It is certainly one of the most spectacular and most photographed parts of the mountain range.
In general, the region is characterized by steep cliffs, impressive waterfalls, grassy mountain slopes, picturesque rock pools, and rushing mountain streams. Hiking here is truly fun! The Royal Natal National Park offers around 25 different hiking routes for every hiking ability. A detailed brochure with maps and hikes is available at the Thendele Camp office and other curio shops in the region.
Popular Hikes in Royal Natal National Park
The Tugela Gorge Trail is arguably the most popular and well-known day hike, offering spectacular views and impressive natural scenery. The total distance is 14 km (round trip). It starts from the parking lot below Thendele Camp. Here, you can view all the hiking trails in detail on a large overview map. You must register in advance in the hiking register and pay the 55 ZAR park entrance fee.
Another popular hiking trail in the Royal Natal National Park is the Tugela Falls Hike (also called the “Chain Ladders Hike” or “Sentinel Peak”), which takes you to the summit of the amphitheater. Here, the Tugela Falls plunge almost 1,000 meters into the depths. During this hike, you will enjoy uninterrupted, magnificent views. You should plan 6 to 7 hours for the approximately 15-kilometer route.
Important note: The hike starts from the Sentinel Car Park. To get there, your car should have four-wheel drive and high ground clearance. The hiking permit for the hike costs 90 ZAR per person. Alternatively, you can take the shuttle from the Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge (150 ZAR per person) starting at 8 a.m. (every hour). The ride to the start of the hike takes only 20 minutes. The lodge also issues the hiking permits.
We can also recommend the leisurely 5 km circular trail to natural rock pools, waterfalls, and fantastic viewing cliffs. Especially if you’re not necessarily looking for a day hike, this hike (called “Cascades, Lookout Rock, and Tiger Falls Loop”) is perfect for you. You can extend this hike and add the Plowman’s Kop Loop (+ 3 to 4 hours). The starting point is at the Visitor Center (to the Google Maps Pin).
Royal Natal National Park – Visitor Information
- Address: Royal Natal National Park, Bergville
- Entrance Fee: 55 ZAR per person (pay at the Visitor Center or Thendele Camp)
- How to get there: via R74 via Bergville (south) or Harrismith (north)
- Opening times: Oct – Mar 5am to 7pm | Apr – Sep 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Packing list: hiking boots, sunscreen, camera, binoculars, water, hat
- Park brochure: available at the visitor center (Download overview map here)
Accommodation in Royal Natal National Park
Witsiehoek Mountain Lodge
This accommodation welcomes you in the heart of the Drakensberg Mountains and offers great views of the Amphitheater and Sentinel Peak. It is the highest lodge in the Northern Drakensberg. Various bungalows are available. There’s also a restaurant and bar on site.
Book a bungalow here*
Thendele Camp
Thendele Camp is in a prime location for exploring the impressive amphitheater. It consists of a Lower Camp and an Upper Camp. Chalets and lodges for 2 to 6 people are available. The camp also has a small shop.
Book a bungalow here
Montusi Mountain Lodge
The beautiful Montusi Mountain Lodge is located a little further out. The individual rooms and suites feature a refrigerator, fireplace, terrace, bathroom with tub and shower, and sleeping and living areas. The complex also has a tennis court, a shared lounge, and a games room.
Book a room here*
Ledges Retreat
The Ledges Retreat awaits you with an outdoor pool and a beautiful garden. The rooms and chalets feature a TV, refrigerator, bathroom, and sleeping area. Self-catering is possible in the shared kitchen.
Book a chalet here*
Amphitheatre Backpackers Lodge
This cool hostel is located near the Royal Natal National Park. It features individually designed rooms and chalets. We especially loved the view and the surroundings there. The hostel also offers a rock pool, a hot tub, and a restaurant.
Book a room here*
Central Drakensberg
The largest region of the Drakensberg is known as the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park and includes several 3000-meter peaks, including Injasuti, Monks Cowl, Cathedral Peak, Cathkin Peak, and Giant’s Castle. The park, which runs along the border with the Kingdom of Lesotho, is almost 180 kilometers long and up to 20 km wide. A variety of adventurous and scenic hiking trails await you.
Scenically, the region is a true feast for the eyes, with deep gorges and valleys, verdant mountain slopes, idyllic rivers and natural pools, as well as towering mountain formations. And don’t forget the approximately 30,000 San rock paintings found in approximately 600 caves. You can discover these paintings on a guided hike*.
Monk’s Cowl and Champagne Castle
We consider Monk’s Cowl Nature Reserve to be one of the most scenic areas in the Drakensberg. Here, you’ll not only be surrounded by several 3,000-meter peaks, but also by a lush, green hilly landscape that’s second to none. The beautiful Champagne Valley around the Monks Cowl Campsite and Caravan Park is a great starting point for hikes. From here, you can embark on recommended short and long hikes.
Popular Hikes in Monk’s Cowl Nature Reserve
The Sphinx Trail is around 5 km long (round trip) and leads you through the picturesque landscape of Monk’s Cowl Nature Reserve. It sometimes goes through wooded areas and sometimes across open terrain. From the Sphinx (a rock formation), you’ll have breathtaking views of the verdant mountain slopes. Plan on about 2.5 hours for this hike (including breaks). You can extend this hike to include Blind Man’s Corner (12 km in total).
Also recommended is the 7 km long Nandi’s Falls Trail, which not only leads you to a beautiful waterfall, but also to wonderfully refreshing rock pools. The hike is not particularly strenuous and can be completed at a leisurely pace in about 3 hours. We also took the beautiful 4 km hike to the Sterkspruit Falls (approx. 1.5 hours).
Monk’s Cowl Nature Reserve – Visitor Information
- Address: Cathkin Park, South Africa
- Entrance Fee: last 50 ZAR per person
- How to get there: via R74 via Estcourt & Emoyeni (south) or Harrismith/Winterton (north)
- Opening times: Oct – Mar 6am to 7pm | Apr – Sep 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Packing list: hiking boots, sunscreen, camera, binoculars, water, hat
- Park brochure: take a photo at the pay hut (or download it here)
Tip for Champagne Valley: The Valley Bakery is located just under 12.5 km from Monk’s Cowl Campsite. Here you can get delicious cakes and coffee. You can also buy fresh bread and other treats. The bakery has also been beautifully designed in a country-house style!
Staying at Monk’s Cowl Nature Reserve
Champagne Castle Hotel
This 4-star hotel is located in the heart of the nature reserve. Beautiful rooms, suites, and chalets await you, as well as a large pool, a restaurant, a bar, a large terrace, and a small animal farm.
Book a room here*
Highbourne Cottages
The cottages feature a veranda with great mountain views, a kitchen with a refrigerator and oven, a bathroom, a dining area, and a living area. The cottages are ideal for self-catering.
Book a cottage here*
Drakensberg Creek Cottage
Here you’ll find small holiday homes and cozy cottages amidst the beautiful natural surroundings of the Drakensberg. The small bungalow is equipped with a fireplace, terrace, sleeping and dining area, and bathroom. The two-bedroom cottages offer a little more space.
Book a cottage here*
Drakensberg Sun Resort
The location of this hotel is simply fantastic! The rooms are very cozy, modern, and comfortably furnished. The resort also features a kids’ club, a playground, a large pool, a restaurant, a lobby, and much more.
Book a room here*
Cathedral Peak
Another popular region within the central Drakensberg is around the partially isolated Cathedral Peak. It is 3,004 meters high and is the focal point of this rugged and beautiful part of the Drakensberg. Here you’ll find a network of over 120 km of hiking trails, from short hikes to multi-day treks.
Popular hike around Cathedral Peak
One of the most popular trails is the 11 km long Rainbow George Trail, which leads you to rivers, impressive rock faces and cliffs, as well as waterfalls. Plan around 4.5 to 5 hours for this hike. The approximately 5 km long Mushroom Rock Trail is also one of the region’s most popular trails, with great views and bizarre rock formations.
Also popular is the approximately 8 km long hiking trail to Neptune’s Pool. On this hike, you’ll cross rivers and walk through riverbeds. Afterwards, the hike continues through the shady jungle before reaching the deep pool for swimming and diving (approx. 4 hours).
If you’re sporty and enjoy a challenge, you should attempt the day hike up the 3,004 m high Cathedral Peak. This approximately 10-hour tour (approx. 19 km) awaits you with steep rock faces, narrow ledges, and breathtaking views. It is best done as a guided hike with a guide (ask at your accommodation).
Cathedral Peak – Visitor Information
- Address: Didima – Cathedral Peak, Winterton, 3340 South Africa
- Entry: free, use of the car park at the Cathedral Peak Hotel costs 50 ZAR
- Arrival: via Winterton (south) or via Bergville (north)
- Opening hours: Didima Camp daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Packing list: hiking boots, sunscreen, camera, binoculars, drink, hat
- Park brochure: Order the Drakensberg Guidebook*
Staying near Cathedral Peak
Cathedral Peak Hotel
The Cathedral Peak Hotel is located in the heart of the Drakensberg. The property features a golf course, a pool, and a fitness room. The rooms offer great views of the surrounding mountains. The restaurant serves breakfast, light lunches, and dinner.
Book a room here*
Didima Resort
Didima Resort offers over 60 chalets for 2 people and some for 4 people. These bungalows are equipped with a kitchenette, bathroom, seating area, fireplace, TV, and sleeping area. Towels and bed linen are provided.
Book through KZN Wildlife
Giant’s Castle Game Reserve
The Giants Castle Game Reserve is a nature reserve in the central Drakensberg and is known for its floral diversity, rolling grasslands, and imposing rocks and cliffs. Not only hikers get their money’s worth here, but also photographers, nature and bird lovers, climbers, and amateur botanists. With a bit of luck, you might spot elands and Cape vultures here.
Popular Hikes in the Giant’s Castle Reserve
Numerous hiking trails crisscross the lush nature reserve. One popular hike is the Main Caves Hike (approx. 2 hours), which takes you from the Giant’s Castle Camp to the Main Caves Bushman Museum, where San Bushmen once lived. There, you can admire interesting rock paintings. A small fee (45 ZAR) is payable for entry to the open-air museum.
Recommended hikes include the 4 km River Walk (approx. 2 hours), the 5 km Bergview Walk (approx. 2 hours) with great views from Giant’s Castle to Cathkin Peak, the 20 km Giant’s Hut Trail (approx. 8 hours), the 7 km Langalibalele Pass Hike (approx. 4 hours) or the 14 km World’s View Trail (approx. 4.5 hours).
The Giant’s Cup Trail is around 60 km long and usually takes 5 days. This multi-day hike takes you through the foothills of the beautiful southern Drakensberg. Other highlights along the way include rock paintings, caves, waterfalls, and natural pools. You will stay overnight in 5 simple huts along the way and will have to be completely self-sufficient.
Giant’s Castle Game Reserve – Visitor Information
- Address: Giant’s Castle Camp, 6940 South Africa
- Entry Fee: No current information
- Getting there: It is recommended to travel via Escourt!
- Opening times: Oct. – March 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. | April – September 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Packing list: hiking boots, sunscreen, camera, binoculars, water, hat
- Park brochure: Order the Drakensberg Guidebook*
Staying overnight at Giant’s Castle Reserve
Lolambazo Country House
This charming accommodation is just a 10-minute drive from Giant’s Castle Camp. The individual units feature a veranda with mountain views, a kitchen, and a bathroom with a shower. Wi-Fi, BBQ facilities, parking, and a garden are also available.
Book a cottage here*
Giant’s Castle Resort
The Giant’s Castle Resort/Camp is located amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of the Drakensberg. Various self-catering chalets await you on site. This accommodation is a great starting point for your hikes.
Book through KZN Wildlife
Southern Drakensberg
Sani Pass Lesotho
One of the most famous mountain passes in South Africa is the Sani Pass, which connects the KwaZulu-Natal province with the Kingdom of Lesotho. The road is famous for its breathtaking scenery but also for its challenging driving conditions. It winds through the Drakensberg and reaches an altitude of over 2,800 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest mountain passes in Africa.
The Sani Pass Road is approximately 33 kilometers long and is only paved for the first few kilometers. After reaching the border post (Sani Pass Border Control) at an altitude of 1,900 m, the road becomes particularly steep and bumpy. The last 8 kilometers to the finish are tough: a 1,000 meter elevation gain, sharp bends, and steep climbs. This section of the route is only permitted for off-road vehicles. Your vehicle should, above all, have ground clearance and plenty of power.
Once you reach the top, not only a spectacular view awaits you, but also Africa’s highest pub (Sani Mountain Lodge), which is located directly on the edge of the highlands leading to the Sani Pass. Here you can enjoy beer, coffee, tea, and small meals. Many visitors take the opportunity to visit the traditional Basotho villages afterwards.
Powered by GetYourGuide
Accommodation around the Sani Pass
Sani Lodge & Backpackers
The Sani Lodge & Backpackers awaits you with a beautiful pool, a restaurant, a bar, a small gallery, and a shop. The rooms and chalets are simply but comfortably furnished. The lodge is the perfect starting point for tours over the Sani Pass.
Book a room here*
Sani Valley Nature Lodge
These beautiful accommodations are located around a private lake in a prime location near the Sani Pass. Various chalets await you, each individually furnished and offering a great view of the Drakensberg. Look forward to a beautiful wooden terrace with lake and mountain views.
Book a cottage here*
Mkomazana Mountain Cottages
These rustic cabins are also an excellent starting point for a tour over the Sani Pass. The spacious chaletsLets and holiday homes are situated in an idyllic location and feature a veranda, a kitchen, bedroom, living area, and bathroom.
Book a chalet here*
Premier Resort Sani Pass
The resort awaits you with beautiful views of the southern Drakensberg. Here you can, among other things, take part in tours to the Sani Pass or drive yourself. The accommodations are equipped with a terrace, sleeping area, seating area, and bathroom. The restaurant offers regional and international dishes.
Book a room here*
Midlands Meander
The Midlands Meander in South Africa are known for their picturesque landscapes, handmade products, numerous farms, and culinary delights. We were keen to check out this region and were pleasantly surprised. A wealth of activities await you here, including great cafes and restaurants, unique handicrafts, countless galleries, and a beautiful hilly landscape.
But action and adrenaline are also guaranteed. Adventure sports such as whitewater rafting, paragliding, and horseback riding are offered locally. The Midlands Meander region is an oasis for art lovers and anyone who appreciates local, handmade products and, above all, peace and tranquility. We spent a few days there and took a closer look at the region.
Best time to visit the Drakensberg
The best time to visit the Drakensberg depends on your individual preferences and planned activities. Generally speaking, the Drakensberg can be visited year-round, as each season has its own charm.
Spring (April, May) and autumn (September, October) are particularly suitable for hiking, with clear, sunny days and low humidity. While summer can be humid and rainy, winter can bring snowfall in the mountains. Generally, however, you can expect drastic weather changes in the high mountains throughout the year.
Spring (September to November): Spring is an excellent time to visit the Drakensberg. Temperatures are mild, and the landscape is lush green and partially covered with flowers after the winter.
Summer (December to February): Summer is the warmest season in the Drakensberg. The days can be hot and humid. Heavy showers and thunderstorms are also common during this time of year. However, this leads to lush vegetation and many flowering plants.
Autumn (March to May): Autumn is a pleasant season with mild temperatures. The landscape takes on autumnal colors. The autumn months are often dry and less rainy than the summer.
Winter (June to August): Winter in the Drakensberg is dry and pleasantly warm during the day, with temperatures reaching up to 20°C. The higher you go, however, the colder it gets. At higher altitudes, snowfall occasionally occurs.
Book tours for the Drakensberg
Guided and accompanied hikes and tours are available. The Amphitheatre Backpackers Lodge offers various excursions, for example to the Tugela Falls or to Lesotho. Other accommodations, such as the Cathedral Peak Hotel, also offer guided hikes.
With Active Escapes, you can book multi-day hikes, for example, a 3-day hike to the edge of the Tugela River. If you hike the Amphitheatre Slackpacking Trail, you don’t have to carry your own luggage and you stay in comfortable lodges. Other options include Drakensberg Hiker and All Out Adventures.
Small Drakensberg FAQ
How many days for the Drakensberg? Where are the most beautiful places in the Drakensberg? Do you need a 4×4 for the Drakensberg? How high are the Drakensberg?