Africa & Middle East South Africa 13 Top Things to Do in the Drakensberg, South Africa By Jessica Macdonald Jessica Macdonald King's College London Jessica Macdonald lives in South Africa's Eastern Cape province and has been TripSavvy's Africa Expert since 2016. She also covers travel products and has written about everything from camping knives to climbing chalk. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Published on 09/09/21 Shakked Schwartz / Getty Images Sweeping for 700 miles through two countries and five South African provinces, the Drakensberg Mountains are one of Southern Africa’s most impressive geological features. The Drakensberg region is world-famous for its spectacular scenery, which is best enjoyed on one of the area’s many hiking trails. There are trails for all experience levels, ranging from a few hours to several days in length, along with many other activities, from birdwatching and fly fishing to rural museums and San rock art appreciation. Plan your visit with our guide to the best things to do in the Drakensberg. 01 of 13 Visit Royal Natal’s Majestic Amphitheatre EcoPic / Getty Images View Map Address South Africa Get directions Probably the most iconic physical landmark of the entire Drakensberg region, the Amphitheatre is a vast cliff face in the Royal Natal National Park. Stretching for over three miles in length and standing some 4,000 feet tall, it is more than 10 times bigger than the famous South Western face of Yosemite’s El Capitan. For some, admiring the Amphitheatre from ground level is sufficient; for others, a hike to the top of its highest peak (Mont-Aux-Sources) is the best way to appreciate its astonishing beauty. The hike takes roughly five hours and involves climbing two chain ladders. 02 of 13 Climb to the Top of Tugela Falls ilyaska / Getty Images The Amphitheatre is also home to Tugela Falls, the second-tallest waterfall in the world with five free-leaping streams that combine to create a total drop of 3,110 feet. When the waterfall is in full flow (at the end of summer), it is easily visible from the main road into Royal Natal National Park. For a closer view, hike the above route to the top of Mont-Aux-Sources, or opt for the easier Tugela Gorge route, which takes you to the base of the falls. The latter involves a boulder hop, and a small chain ladder begins at the Thendele Camp car park and takes around five hours to complete. 03 of 13 Explore the Kamberg Nature Reserve Trails wildacad / Getty Images View Map Address Highmoor, 3300, South Africa Get directions Phone +27 33 267 7251 Web Visit website Located in the foothills of the central Drakensberg, in a horseshoe-shaped valley on the Mooi River, Kamberg Nature Reserve is a great destination for those in search of short but scenic hiking trails. Many of the routes are centered around the reserve’s abundant San rock art, which spans a period of over 4,000 years and provides an invaluable insight into the lives of Africa’s earliest people. The 2-mile hike to Game Pass Shelter is especially popular, providing access to some of the best-preserved rock art in the Drakensberg. Guides are available from the Rock Art Centre. 04 of 13 Discover More San Rock Art at Main Cave EcoPic / Getty Images View Map Address Gaints Castle Game Reserve, South Africa Get directions For a further look at the ancient artwork of the San, take a trip to Main Cave, located roughly 30 minutes’ walk from the base camp at Giants Castle Nature Reserve. This sandstone shelter contains roughly 500 examples of San art, making it one of the biggest rock art sites in Southern Africa. Paintings include people, sacred eland antelopes, and several human figures with animal heads (thought to represent the belief that San shamans could take animal form to communicate with their ancestors). Regular guided tours are offered from the camp between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. Continue to 5 of 13 below. 05 of 13 Photograph the Vultures at Giants Castle Mitchell Krog / Getty Images If a distant view of the Drakensberg's mighty bearded vultures has you wanting a closer look, book a visit to the exclusive Lammergeyer Hide at Giants Castle. Ideal for birders and wildlife photographers, this spectacular hide is perched high in the mountains, putting you at eye level with the vultures as they come in to feed on bones left out for them. The bearded vultures aren’t the only attraction; endangered Cape vultures, jackal buzzards, and other raptors also frequent the area. To get there requires a 4x4 vehicle, advance booking, and a fee of 260 rands (about $18) per person. 06 of 13 Hike the Giant’s Cup Trail jacobeukman / Getty Images View Map Address South Africa Get directions Web Visit website For serious hikers, the self-guided Giant’s Cup Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It begins at the Sani Pass and winds its way for almost 37 miles through the southern foothills of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its scenic beauty, and the trail is the only multi-day hike in the Drakensberg to provide hutted accommodation for all five nights along the way. All hikers must bring adequate weather protection, food, and water and must complete the Mountain Rescue Register at the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife office in Cobham Nature Reserve before starting. 07 of 13 Challenge Your 4x4 Skills on the Sani Pass steve_is_on_holiday / Getty Images Traversing the mountains between Underberg in KwaZulu-Natal and Mokhotlong in Lesotho, the Sani Pass is the stuff of legend. Renowned as one of the most challenging 4x4 routes in the country, it ascends to over 9,400 feet via a series of hair-raising gravel switchbacks. On the way, marvel at jaw-dropping scenery and keep an eye out for the locally endemic bearded vulture. At the top of the pass, celebrate your survival with a pint in the Highest Pub in Africa, located at Sani Mountain Lodge. 4x4 tours exist for those that don’t want to drive the pass themselves. 08 of 13 Climb to the Top of Cathedral Peak Marieke Peche / Getty Images View Map Address Cathedral Peak, Kokwane, South Africa Get directions Located northeast of the Lesotho border, Cathedral Peak is one of only a handful of free-standing peaks separated from the rest of the escarpment by thousands of years of erosion. Its perfect triangular shape makes it an easily recognizable Drakensberg landmark and acts as a siren call for experienced hikers with a head for heights and excellent fitness. Although it isn’t a technical hike (you won’t need ropes), the journey to the 9,855-foot summit is a challenging one with several precipitous edges. It can be tackled independently or on a guided hike from nearby Cathedral Peak Hotel—allow eight to 10 hours round-trip. Continue to 9 of 13 below. 09 of 13 Book a Tasting at Cathedral Peak Wine Estate GroblerduPreez / Getty Images View Map Address Unnamed Road, Winterton, 3340, South Africa Get directions Phone +27 63 075 1123 Web Visit website If climbing to the summit of Cathedral Peak sounds a little too strenuous, enjoy the view from ground level at the fantastically scenic Cathedral Peak Wine Estate. Founded in 2007 as a small-batch vineyard to produce uniquely South African pinotage and merlot wines, the vineyard now offers all kinds of varietals, from sauvignon blanc to blanc de noir. Wine tastings are offered every day except Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and cost just 10 rands ($.70) per person. To elevate your experience on the mountain-view veranda, opt to pair yours with one of the estate’s artisan cheese platters. 10 of 13 Explore Drakensberg History at Himeville Museum GroblerduPreez / Getty Images View Map Address Arbuckle St, Himeville, 3256, South Africa Get directions Phone +27 78 359 9947 Himeville Museum may be small, but it’s also one of the best-respected rural museums in South Africa. Located close to the start of the Sani Pass, it began life in 1899 as a prison but was converted into a museum in 1976 and recognized as a National Monument two years later. Its exhibits provide a comprehensive overview of Drakensberg's history, from Stone Age fossils and prehistoric San artifacts to displays explaining the arrival of the European settlers and the cause and effect of the Anglo Boer War and both World Wars. The museum is open from 9 a.m., every day except Monday. 11 of 13 Meet the Rehabilitated Raptors of Falcon Ridge Mint Images/ Art Wolfe / Getty Images View Map Address R600, Cathkin Park, 3340, South Africa Get directions Phone +27 82 774 6398 A firm family favorite situated in the Champagne Valley near Cathkin Park, Falcon Ridge is a rehabilitation center for rescued wild and captive birds of prey. Here, visitors can see and photograph iconic African birds, including the African fish eagle, the endangered Cape Vulture, the secretary bird, and the spotted eagle owl at close quarters. The staff are passionate about the birds and their conservation and keep the crowds entertained with stunning aerial displays and informative talks against a magnificent Drakensberg escarpment backdrop. The center is open every week from Tuesday to Thursday. 12 of 13 Attend a Drakensberg Boys Choir Concert Morné van Rooyen / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 View Map Address Winterton, Cathkin Park, 3310, South Africa Get directions Phone +27 36 468 1012 Web Visit website Minutes away from Falcon Ridge in Cathkin Park lies the Drakensberg Boys Choir School, a boarding school that uses choral music to build a truly unique education. Inevitably, the choir is one of the finest and most prestigious school choirs in the world. Public concerts are held every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. and every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. during term time. For many visitors, these high-energy, talent-packed performances are the unexpected highlight of a visit to the Drakensberg, covering everything from classical choral songs to indigenous South African music. Tickets cost 205 rands per adult and 155 rands per child. Continue to 13 of 13 below. 13 of 13 Fish for Trophy Yellowfish at Sterkfontein Dam Westend61 / Getty Images View Map Address Close to Sterkfonten resort, Harrismith, South Africa Get directions Phone +27 58 622 3520 Web Visit website KwaZulu-Natal may boast the lion’s share of Drakensberg attractions, but the Free State’s Sterkfontein Dam is the ultimate destination for avid fishermen. Located just southwest of Harrismith, the dam covers 70 square miles of impossibly clear water (ideal for sight fishing) and is famous for its healthy population of trophy small and largemouth yellowfish. These indigenous Southern African sport fish are much sought-after by fly fishermen for their aggressive fight and beautiful golden color. Fishing is primarily boat-based, with the peak season running from October to January. Consider signing up for a guided fishing trip with Mavungana Flyfishing. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Tell us why! Submit