Drakensberg

The jagged, green sweep of the Drakensberg range’s tabletop peaks which forms the boundary between South Africa and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, offers some of the country’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. As Southern Africa's highest range, peaking at 3,475 metres the Drakenberg range stretches for more than 1 000km from northeast to southwest across the landscape.

With panoramic views from its higher reaches Drakensberg holidays attract hikers, mountaineers, abseilers, parasailers and skiers to its game reserves and parks. The Zulus know the as uKhahlamba, which means 'barrier of spears'. Whilst this does justice to its dramatic basalt buttresses, the Afrikaans name referring to its resemblance of a dragon's back captures something of the Drakensberg’s otherworldly atmosphere.

The Drakensberg of Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal is snow-capped in winter. Mountaineering is challenging, and some peaks remain unclimbed because of difficult access. The natural tussock steppe is not farmed or developed, and this area is dotted with mountain resorts and camping grounds. The mountains are also home to a large number of threatened and endemic plants such as the protea, cycad, cabbage tree, tree fern, and giant yellowwood, along with flowers including lilies, lion’s tail, helicrysum, erica, agapanthus, watsonia, and the red hot poker. More than 300 bird species recorded here range from the tiny greater double-collared sunbird to large raptors like the eagle, buzzard and vulture.

Expect summer rainfall and generally dry winters in The Drakensberg. As with all mountainous environments, weather extremes are possible and cold fronts lasting several days at a time can roll up from the Cape at any time of year.

Winter- May to end of August

This period is usually associated with snow, sub zero temperatures at night and frost. The days and nights are generally clear. Sunset is at about 17H30 while sunrise is at about 07H00.

Summer- November to March

Summer sees some high daytime temperatures ( average of about 28 degrees Celsius).However, with the warm air comes the massive thunderstoems and rain. The thunderstorms are usually in the afternoon. Nice time to hike( if you like the rain) as the Drakensberg is beautiful and green at this time of the year. The waterfalls are also pretty dramatic due to the high rainfall.

Spring - September and October

Expect high rainfall and moderate temperatures. Quite a nice time of the year as you will be able to see the contrasts is colour from the brown of winter and the green of summer.

Autumn - Mid March to April

This time of the year sees quite stable weather. The rain will be virtually non-existant and the temperatures are still ‘bearable’. And we don’t mean Grylls bearable either. The best time to hike in the Drakensberg for him is different from us humans.