Drakensberg

The Drakensberg is the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, stretching roughly 1,000 kilometers along the eastern edge of South Africa and forming a natural barrier between the central highveld and the lowlands to the east. The range also extends into Lesotho, where its high plateau regions are among the country’s defining features. In Zulu, the range is known as uKhahlamba, meaning Barrier of Spears; the name Drakensberg is Afrikaans for Dragon’s Mountain.

Geology and landscape characterize the Drakensberg by dramatic cliffs, steep escarpments, and high-altitude plateaus. The mountains are primarily composed of sedimentary rocks capped by basalt in some sections, with extensive erosion creating rugged scenery. The highest summits reach about 3,450 to 3,482 meters; Thabana Ntlenyana in Lesotho (3,482 m) is the highest point of the Drakensberg, while Mafadi (3,450 m) on the Lesotho–South Africa border is the highest point in South Africa. Notable features include the Amphitheatre, a prominent cliff face in KwaZulu-Natal.

Ecology and conservation efforts emphasize montane grasslands and forests, hosting a variety of endemic and near-endemic species. The Maloti-Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, spans parts of Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal and protects biodiversity, river systems, and significant San rock art sites. Tugela Falls, located in Royal Natal National Park, is one of Africa’s tallest waterfalls and a notable landmark of the region.

Human use and culture converge around outdoor recreation and heritage. The Drakensberg is a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, and nature study, with trails, alpine scenery, and cultural sites such as San rock art scattered throughout the area. The climate is temperate, with snow occurring at higher elevations in winter.