Drakensberg Cycling

The Drakensberg mountains

‍The Drakensberg Mountains, which rise to 3000 m and extend 180 km along the western edge of KwaZulu Natal is the highest mountain range in Africa, south of Kilimanjaro. The highest peak reaches an altitude of 3482 m. The mountains have the worlds second-highest waterfall, the Tugela Falls (Thukela Falls), which has a total drop of 947 metres.

Magnificent views of towering sandstone cliffs, gigantic peaks, hidden valleys and crystal clear rivers welcome you. Flora and faunaThe Drakensberg nature reserve is home to a huge variety of flora. This is due to the 1500 m rise from the base and the many plateaus, cliffs and valleys, often with their own habitat.

A large portion of the park is grasslands and the lower parts are protea savannah. Six antelope species occur plus the hyrax (klipdassie) and baboons. It includes herds of Eland. There are also mongoose, jackals and otters. However, these animals are shy and not easy to view. There are 200 species of birds including the very special Bearded Vulture and the Black Eagle. Nature reserve 243 000 hectare uKhahlamba Drakensberg nature reserve and World Heritage park.

Rock Art: There are about 600 San rock art sites, together representing 35 000 individual images- one of the highest concentrations in Africa. The oldest rock painting is dating back to 4000 years ago and the recent going back to the nineteenth century.

Mountain biking trails: Exclusive cycling trails that is run and maintained by the local lodges and supported by an Adventure centre. Enjoy beautiful views and flora along the trails and you can expect to encounter some eland, blesbok and zebrasExtensive hiking trails.

The Drakensberg is known as the hiking capital of South Africa. It offers many safe and secure mountain walks and hikes ranging from comfortable to the more strenuous. Some examples are the Cascades and the Tugela Gorge walk.

Photography & other actvities: The area is incredibly scenic and provides the perfect environment for other activities such as bird-watching, horse riding, photography, painting, fishing, rock climbing and swimming in crystal clear rivers.