The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is located in the eastern part of South Africa along the border between South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho. The park lies mainly in the KwaZulu-Natal Province and forms part of the long Drankensberg Mountain Range. These mountains stretch across different provinces for instance from the Eastern Cape in the south to Mpumalanga. The protected area covers the central and the northern section of the mountains and this area is known for its deep valleys, steep peaks, flowing rivers and ancient rock art sites.
Previously, the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park was occupied by the San people who were hunter gatherers and used caves for shelter. They created many rock paintings which showed their daily life, beliefs and spiritual rituals. However, as time passed by more groups arrived in the region including the ancestors of the Zulu people who named the mountains “uKhahlamba” meaning Barrier of spears because of the sharp-pointed peaks. Later when Europeans settled in the area they called the range the “Drankensberg” or “Dragon Mountains.”
Over years, when conflicts among the settlers escalated, the San people were pushed out of the region but the rock art remained which is still a reminder of their culture. In the 20th century, conservation efforts were taken so as to protect both the environment and the cultural heritage.
In 2000, the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its biodiversity and cultural history.
Flora in uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
The Vegetation of uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park changes according to seasons, for instance, in spring and summer the slopes are green and full of wildflowers. In the autumn, the trees and shrubs turn red while in winter, the peaks are covered with snow and frost and during this time most plants rest until rain returns. The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park has more than 2500 plant species with over 350 endemic and 500 near endemic. The park’s vegetation changes as you move higher up the mountains. For instance at the lower altitudes, the land is covered by montane grasslands mixed with bushlands and forest patches. The vegetation around these areas features tall and touch grass like red grass, thatching grass and weeping love grass. Within areas covered by grass, there are small forests which grow along rivers and sheltered valleys containing trees like; yellow wood, old wood and tree fuchsia.
As the altitudes increase, the vegetation cover also changes as the mountain slopes are covered by common protea, silver sugar bush, and the Drakensberg sugarbush. These plants perfectly adapt to the windy and cool conditions and they are important to pollinators such as sunbirds, butterflies and bees.
The middle zone of the park features wildflowers, shrubs, and ferns which include red heath, which covers the slopes in red during flowering season. The mountain ferns provide shade. The higher altitudes above 2500 meters the vegetation cover is alpine. This zone features shorter and tight grasses such as mountain fescue, and highveld tussock grass.
Along the rivers and streams within the park the vegetation is green all year around and it features sedges and water plants such as river pumpkin, and blue water lilies. The valleys are covered with tree ferns. The vegetation in uKhahlamba supports animal population and many of these plants are also used as traditional medicine by the San people.
Fauna in uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park hosts a variety of animal species which include large mammals, forest animals, reptiles, amphibians and bird species. Among these animals include mountain reedbuck, eland, grey rhebok, vervet monkeys, and baboons are often seen in the forested areas. Other mammals in the park include; porcupines, mongooses, rock hyraxes, otters, caracals and leopards. The park also hosts over 300 bird species and among them include; bearded vulture, black eagle, cape vulture, peregrine falcon, jackal buzzard, malachite sunbirds, cape canaries, drongos and rock thrushes. The reptiles and amphibians also survive in the park and they include; Drakensberg river frog, rinkhals and berg adder.
Activities in uKhahlamba-Drankensberg Park
Game drives
Game drives in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park are mainly carried out in the lower foothills and the private reserves that surround the park. During game drives, visitors are advised to use 4×4 safari vehicles with popups since most wildlife viewing is available mostly in the border areas where the landscape opens up into grasslands and valleys. The activity is carried out in different regions of the park such as Cathedral Peak, Southern Drakensberg, Giants Castle and near Royal Natal National Park. Some of the animals that can be spotted in these regions include; reedbuck, oribi, grey rhebok, elands, baboons, jackals and many other antelope species. Visitors can also join game drives in the private nature reserves which also host a plenty of animals.
Bird watching
The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park hosts over 300 bird species including the ones that are rare and endangered. Some of these birds include Lammergeier, cape vulture, Ground Woodpecker, Malachite sunbird, Bald Ibis, Yellow billed Duck, Drankensberg Rockjumper, Red knobbed Coot, Gurney’s Sugarbird and various herons. Some of these birds can also be spotted during guided nature walks and hiking. Bird watching in uKhahlamba can be done in mornings or afternoon with the help of the park ranger.
Guided nature walks
Nature walks in uKhahlamba-Drankensberg Park offer visitors an opportunity to explore the park on foot. The park offers guided and self guided walks which takes you through valleys, grasslands, rivers flowing, rocks and forest patches. During nature walks, visitors can observe a wide range of animal and plant species that make Drakensberg unique. Some of the animals that can be spotted along the way include; elands, baboons, dassies and other antelope species. The wildflowers, alpine trees, tall yellowwood trees, butterflies and birds can also be spotted. Many trails can be used and lead to beautiful view points, riverbanks, and waterfalls within the park. The nature walks also offer an opportunity to visitors to learn about the cultural history of the San people. In some regions, guides may point out that the caves and rock shelters of the ancient San people left their rock paintings. Visitors also learn how local plants are used for food, medicine and traditional practices. Nature walks in uKhahlamba are conducted in sectors like Royal Natal, Cathedral Peak, Giants Castle, Kamberg, and Injisuthi.
Mountain climbing
Mountain climbing in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is one of the most exciting and challenging activities offered by the park. The park features cliffs, sharp peaks, deep valleys and rugged terrain which favors both beginners and experienced climbers. The uKhahlamba offers different types of climbing experience as some areas are suitable for simple, non technical climbing and others require technical rock climbing skills with climbing equipment. The most famously used climbing spot is the Amphitheatre in the Royal Natal area. The spot is known for its massive, vertical cliff wall and the Tugela Falls behind it. Experienced climbers choose to go for challenging peaks such as Champagne Castle, Cathedral Peak, Giant’s Castle and Mont-aux-Sources which all offer long climbs.
Guided climbs are also offered to visitors who want safe and well planned adventures. The professional guides are available to help with route selection, safety instructions and equipment. During climbing visitors get an opportunity to learn the geology, plant life and history of the mountains as they ascend. Climbers are always advised to carry warm clothes, enough water, proper shoes and other safety gears because the weather changes in the mountains.
How to access uKhahlamba-Drankensberg Park
The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is easily accessible because of its proximity to the major cities and towns. Most visitors access the park by road and there are several routes that lead to different sections of the park. The park has many main sections including Giants Castle, Kamberg, Sani Pass area, Royal Natal, Injisuthi and Cathedral Peak each with its own entrance gate and access to main roads. For instance, from Durban, the park is 250 to 300 km away which takes around 3 to 4 hrs. Travellers from Johannesburg drive about 350 to 400 km which takes around 4 to 5 hrs. Visitors from Bloemfontein cover about 380 to 420 km taking between 4 to 5 hrs, while those from Pietermaritzburg travel about 200 km taking 2 to 3 hours. From Maseru capital city of Lesotho, the park is about 2 to 3 hours drive depending on the route and border post used. Public transport can be used, however, it doesn’t take you inside the park. Buses and taxes take you to the nearest towns such as Himeville, Underberg, Winterton, Estcourt and Bergville from here visitors hire private transport to the park gates.
The can also be accessed by air as the international travellers can use the closest airport King Shaka International Airport in Durban. From there, visitors can hire cars or tour operators organise their transfer to the park lodges.