Walking in the Drakensberg

Discover the Drakensberg and explore one of Africa's most dramatic mountain landscapes, where towering basalt cliffs, deep river gorges, thundering waterfalls, and 3000m peaks rise from the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa's Maloti-Drakensberg Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary natural beauty, the Drakensberg also holds one of the world's greatest collections of Bushman rock paintings, some over 2000 years old. Graded from easy to strenuous and suitable for a wide range of abilities, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook describes 75 day walks across 11 distinct areas of the park. Routes range from 1 to 26km (1–16 miles) and can be enjoyed in 1–10 hours, making the Drakensberg accessible to casual strollers and experienced hikers alike. Choose from 75 graded day walks across 11 areas of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park, from gentle riverside strolls in the Royal Natal National Park to challenging summit hikes above Giant's Castle and Cathedral Peak, with routes exploring dramatic cliffs, gorges, waterfalls, and high mountain terrain throughout. Discover the highlights of the Drakensberg, including the Amphitheatre, Thukela Gorge with its world-famous waterfall, Cathedral Peak, Monk's Cowl, Giant's Castle, and the ancient Bushman rock paintings found throughout the park, some dating back over 2000 years. Navigate with confidence using clear route descriptions illustrated with 1:50,000 sketch maps, with safety advice and information on specific challenges, including navigational difficulty, exposure, and chain ladders. Plan your Drakensberg walking trip with practical information on getting there, accommodation, permits, and facilities across all 11 park areas, including the Royal Natal National Park, Injisuthi, Highmoor, Kamberg, Cobham, and Bushman's Nek. Prepare fully for walking in the Drakensberg with detailed guidance on health matters, safety, security, and the particular challenges of mountain weather in KwaZulu-Natal, including summer thunderstorms and winter snow. Experience the best of the region with comprehensive notes on the Drakensberg's geology, mammals, birds, snakes, habitats, and the rich history of the Bushman paintings that make this UNESCO World Heritage Site so remarkable. Explore the wild mountains of KwaZulu-Natal with confidence using this trusted Cicerone guidebook. Immerse yourself in the dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife, and ancient cultural heritage of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park, one of Africa's most extraordinary walking destinations.