Mafadi

Mafadi is a prominent mountain peak in southern Africa, located on the border between South Africa and Lesotho in the Drakensberg range. It rises to about 3,450 meters (11,319 feet) above sea level, and is commonly cited as the highest point in South Africa. The nearby Lesotho peak Thabana Ntlenyana, at 3,482 meters, is higher but lies entirely within Lesotho.

Geographically, Mafadi is part of the northern Drakensberg and sits near the Tugela River headwaters within the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The terrain is alpine and rugged, featuring scree slopes, rocky ridges, and high-altitude grasslands. Weather can be severe and changeable, with snow possible in winter.

The origin of the name Mafadi is not definitively established in readily available sources; it is the locally used designation for the peak. The peak’s status as South Africa’s highest point contributes to mountaineering interest and highlights the region’s conservation value within the Drakensberg landscape.

Access to Mafadi is typically undertaken as a multi-day trek by experienced hikers. Common approaches come from KwaZulu-Natal and may use base camps in surrounding valleys; routes vary and conditions can be challenging. Because Mafadi lies within protected parkland, visitors should follow park regulations and obtain any required permissions or guide services appropriate to the chosen route and season.