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| Home / Articles / Culture and Heritage / World Heritage Site - uKhahlamba/ Drakensberg Park: KwaZulu Natal |
| World Heritage Site - uKhahlamba/ Drakensberg Park: KwaZulu Natal |
Picture the greenest rolling grasslands, untouched river valleys, rocky gorges and awesome mountain ranges. No, this is not the sound of music, and Maria Von Trapp won’t be yodelling anytime soon. This is the awe-inspiring Drakensberg Park with its dramatic giant peaks and sandstone cliffs, protects a great number of threatened species. Barrier of Spears in Zulu,the breath-taking site with its many rock shelters and caves also hosts the largest group of San Paintings south of the Sahara, produced over a period of 4,000 years. The paintings represent the spiritual and daily life of the San people who once lived in the region. The quality and diversity of subject matter is excellent.
With no monument to the San people besides their own art, the San are nevertheless recognised as the original inhabitants of practically the entire sub-continent. They embody the essence of the sub-continent's deep past. .
Over 3500 images in 600 sites within the Park are better preserved than in any other region in Southern Africa. The oldest rock painting in the park is approximately 2400 years old.
Amongst diverse scenery is The Amphitheatre at Royal Natal, a rock wall about 1000m high and 5km long! It is ideal for hikes. Home to many plants and animals including bearded vulture and black eagle.
THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA:
Hiking Trails- Monks Cowl is the popular starting point. Giants Castle offers beautiful scenery and is not touristy. Kamberg, South Drakensberg is a definite plus with Bushamn paintings to view.
Fly fishing- Due to abundance of bass and trout, fly fishing in Drakensberg is extremely popular. Kamberg Nature Reserve, try Royal Natal National Park, Cathedral Peak, Injasuti, and Giants Castle , Highmoor Dams for the best spots in Northern Drakensberg. In the South: Lonteni Nature Reserve;Himeville Nature Reserve, Giants Cup wilderness reserve.
4x4 off roading- Amongst the best in SA, taking your driving skills to the limit.Routes up Amajumba and the natural beauty of Tugela Biosphere are good options, and a must is scenic Mike’s Pass.For tougher trails try Sani Pass and Thule Beacon Trail taking you high into the Drakensberg.
Mountain biking- welcome, especially on the stunning Rainbow Gorge. Other attraction include river-rafting, birdwatching, horse-riding, abseiling, mountaneering, quad-biking, tubing, canoeing, adventure camps for children, skiing and golfing.
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| Safari information that may interest you: |
List of World Heritage sites in SA
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