Durban Drakensberg

The Drakensberg mountain range stretches the entire length of KwaZulu-Natal's western boundary. Hundreds of kilometers of unspoiled escarpment await the tourist who seeks to get away from it all. The Natal Drakensberg is one of South Africa's most outstanding attractions which draws thousands of visitors annually to its scenic beauty, crisp mountain air and clear waters.

The Northern and Central Drakensberg area has some of the most beautiful scenery that can be imagined. The area falls into four valleys, beginning with the Champagne Valley in the Central Berg, through the Cathedral Peak and Didima Valley, then the Royal Natal National Park and Amphitheatre Valley, and finally the Middledale Pass Valley in the Northern Berg. Each of the four valleys has its own kind of beauty and character; all have magnificent mountain views.

Royal Natal National Park
This area of the Drakensberg is particularly well known as a tourist attraction and accommodation area. Situated in the Northern Drakensberg, the most famous feature is the Amphitheatre.
Here the Drakensberg, for the length of 5 kms raises straight up to the sky, to a height of over 3000 feet. It is here that the brave can climb up a chain ladder and view the escarpment from the top.
A further feature of the Drakensberg is the Tugela Falls cascading down 5 drops forming the second highest waterfall in the world. Although the highest waterfall, the Tugela is by no means the only waterfall in the Drakensberg.
Indeed the Drakensberg has many splendid falls of interest. In the 8000 ha of the Royal Natal National Park is situated the Cannibal Cave, where tribal people had to resort to cannibalism whilst hiding from the wrath of Shaka Zulu as he purged the Drakensberg area of his enemies.This area has numerous walks and hikes to challenge the visitor, from easy to day long treks.
Visitors are encouraged to register their presence when challenging this area of the Drakensberg, as the weather can change dangerously quickly.

Cathedral Peak and Didima Valley
The Cathedral Peak Area of the Drakensberg has splendid scenery with the Doreen Falls as an excellent example of a Drakensberg waterfall. Views of the Central Drakensberg can be had by venturing to the top of Mike’s Pass (accessable with a 4x4 vehicle) and a natural feature of breath-taking nature is the Rainbow Gorge, with two enormous boulders forming a wedge, surely only seen in the Drakensberg Mountains.r