uKhahlamba -  'Barrier of Spears'  or The Drakensberg - 'Dragon Mountain'.

Wonderland above the maddening crowd

The Drakensberg has an average altitude of 3000 m (9850 ft) - the highest range south of Kilimanjaro - and spans 200 km (124 ml) over 243 000 ha of land.

One of South Africa`s prime ecotourist destinations. Here you can savour the ultimate freedom of great open spaces in a world of gigantic peaks and buttresses.

This World Heritage Site, has exceptional natural beauty in its soaring basaltic buttresses, incisive dramatic cutbacks and golden sandstone ramparts. Rolling high altitude grasslands, pristine steep-sided river valleys and rocky gorges also contribute to the beauty and the diversity of habitats protects a high level of endemic and globally threatened species, especially birds and plants. 

Hiking and horse riding is a major Drakensberg attraction, with a vast network of trails. Abseiling is available at sites throughout the region, enjoy paragliding, hang-gliding and helicopter or gyrocopter flights for an invigorating bird's eye view of this wilderness wonderland. In summer when the rains have come and the rivers are running high, kayaking and river tubing are favoured activities. uKhahlamba is also renowned for its well-preserved San (Bushman) rock art sites as well as its exceptional wildlife and birdlife.

When to visit

The altitude of the Drakensberg and surrounding Midlands moderates the summer climate, where temperatures rarely climb to 30 degrees C ( 86 F )

Just right -  Autumn ( March - May ) is regarded as the best time to visit with little rain and the lush green mountain slopes change to golden blonde.

Snowy peaks and log fires - Winter days are warm, often above 20 degrees C ( 68 F ) and night temperatures frequently plummet to below zero with snow regularly illuminating the peaks.

Wet and Fresh - Spring through summer (December to February) is characterized by daily thundershowers.

Accommodation - a unique range of ancient cultural heritage, inns and modern luxury is available.

Nambiti Big 5 Private Game Reserve

Nambiti is the only reserve in the Drakensberg area with the Big Five and currently has over 40 other species of game including cheetah, giraffe, hippo, hyena, impala, eland and zebra. The Reserve’s 22 000 acres boasts incredible biodiversity; including savanna, thornveld, riverine bush, acacia trees and extensive grasslands that mirror the plains of central Africa. 

By night in clear conditions, stargazing is truly a magical experience as the sky comes alive. The river offers excellent Yellowtail fishing and there are a number of dams within the reserve that are well-stocked with various fish species.

When to visit - The reserve is completely malaria free and the climate is moderate, which makes it an all year destination. 

Wet and thunderous - Falling in the summer rainfall area ( December - February ), thunderstorms often occur in the late afternoon, these brief but dramatic displays are a quintessential part of the bush experience.

Dry and crisp - The dry winters are the best time to view game as the animals concentrate around water, or warm up in sunny clearings. 

Accommodation - Luxury accommodation in the serenity of the KwaZulu-Natal bush.