Drakensberg Mountains Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Drakensberg Mountains showing landscape views, mist or fog and mountains
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism

Explore caves filled with ancient art, drive South Africa’s highest road, and camp out amid the extraordinary biodiversity and majesty of this vast mountain range.

Spotting wildlife, discovering ancient rock art, mountain biking and climbing sheer basalt cliffs are just a few of the activities awaiting in the Drakensberg Mountains. South Africa’s highest mountain range rises to 11,424 feet (3,482 metres) and is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls, forested slopes and soaring peaks such as Champagne Castle and Devil’s Tooth.

Load up the car and drive to the Royal Natal National Park in Northern Drakensberg. Here you’ll find the Amphitheatre, a 4,000-foot (1,200-metre) wall of sheer basalt that extends for 3 miles (5 kilometres). Climb to the summit by scaling the chain ladders which run up the cliff face, then spend three days exploring this spectacular area by following the Amphitheatre Slackpacking Trail, staying in conveniently located lodges along the way.

Central Drakensberg is the most visited section of the mountain range and contains its highest peaks. Appreciate the views from the comfort of your lodge, or up close with a hike or mountain bike ride. Keep an eye to the skies for rare bird species such as the black eagle and bearded vulture.

Southern Drakensberg is popular for its lakes and rivers and the spectacular Sani Pass. Go for a drive along this mountain road, the highest in the country. The route is not for the faint-hearted and is best traversed by off-road vehicle.

The Drakensberg Mountains have been called the world’s greatest outdoor art gallery. The indigenous San people left behind more than 35,000 paintings in caves and cliff overhangs. The highest concentration of pictures are in the Giant’s Castle area where you’ll see images of antelope, dancing and hunting scenes.

This internationally recognised world heritage area offers plenty of accommodation options, including camping and caravan sites, lodges and rustic mountain inns. The Drakensberg Mountains can be enjoyed year-round, although summer is characterized by frequent thunderstorms and temperatures can plummet during the winter. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions. A clear blue sky can become overcast in a matter of minutes.

The Drakensberg Mountains are a two-hour drive from Durban.

Golden Gate Hotel

Golden Gate Hotel

3 out of 5
Golden Gate National Park, Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State
The price is ₹5,579 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹5,579
₹9,498 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (253 reviews)
Quick stayover in Clarens
"We had a 1 night stay over at the Golden Gate hotel. We initially thought we booked at the hotel but was surprised that we had booked a chalet. The chalet was perfect with its own braai (BBQ) outside and all the amenities required for a proper self catering experience. Would definitely stay there ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Golden Gate Hotel
Little Switzerland Resort

Little Switzerland Resort

4 out of 5
R74 Oliviershoek Pass, Jagersrust, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is ₹7,759 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹7,759
₹8,922 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Jagersrust. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Eskom Drakensberg Visitors Centre and Driekloofdam ...
9/10 Wonderful! (64 reviews)
"The place was well maintained and he service was good. The dinner in the resturant was not good."

Reviewed on 8 Jun 2025

Little Switzerland Resort
Cathedral Peak Hotel

Cathedral Peak Hotel

4 out of 5
1 Cathedral Peak Drive, Giant's Castle Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is ₹15,634 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹15,634
₹19,073 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Giant's Castle Game Reserve. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Cathedral Peak and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (157 reviews)
"Wonderful hotel with friendly attentive staff, excellent food and tremendous access to hiking trails. That we were able to get petrol on the property was such a welcome surprise."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Cathedral Peak Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fairways Self Catering

Fairways Self Catering

3.5 out of 5
Drakensberg Gardens Road, Drakensberg Gardens, KwaZulu-Natal
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Drakensberg Gardens. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa and a golf course.
Fairways Self Catering
Bergview Farm Cottages by First Private Stays

Bergview Farm Cottages by First Private Stays

4 out of 5
Off Bushmans Nek Road, Bergview Farm, Drakensberg Gardens, KwaZulu-Natal
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly cottage in Drakensberg Gardens. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping.
Bergview Farm Cottages by First Private Stays
Windmill Farm

Windmill Farm

3.5 out of 5
Bergville, Northern Drakensberg, Jagersrust, KwaZulu-Natal
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Jagersrust. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Eskom Drakensberg Visitors ...
"The location and views are amazing. the unit is smaller than expected and a bit cramped. The dinning area is outside and during the heavy rain we were unable to use it. Also there are a lot of trucks going past and the unit is close to the road"

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2022

Windmill Farm
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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