Maloti-Drakensberg Park
Location: uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa
Year of Inscription: 2000
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(vii) contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(x) contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park is a stunning mountainous region in South Africa and Lesotho, featuring incredible natural beauty and unique cultural heritage. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, as well as ancient rock art sites that offer a glimpse into the lives and traditions of the indigenous San people.
Prominent Features: uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park is home to a number of unique features that make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike, including:
Drakensberg Mountains: The park is dominated by the Drakensberg mountain range, which is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and unique geological formations.
Rock art sites: The park is home to more than 600 rock art sites, many of which are more than 2,000 years old. These sites offer a glimpse into the lives and traditions of the San people, who once inhabited the region.
Biodiversity: uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including several species of endangered and endemic plants and animals.
History: The Drakensberg region has been inhabited by various groups of people for thousands of years, including the San people, who left behind a rich legacy of rock art that can still be seen in the park today. In more recent history, the region has been home to various European settlers, including missionaries and farmers.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can enjoy a range of activities in uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, including hiking, birdwatching, and visiting the many rock art sites. There are also several family-friendly accommodation options available within the park.
Fun Fact: The Drakensberg Mountains are sometimes called the "Barrier of Spears" due to their towering peaks and jagged cliffs.
Entry Fees: The entry fees for uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park are as follows:
How to Reach It: Transportation options for uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park depend on the specific area you plan to visit. Here is some general information:
By car: uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park is located about 300 km southeast of Johannesburg and can be reached by car via the N3 highway. The park has several access points and visitors can explore the area by driving or hiking.
By public transport: There is no direct public transport to the park, but visitors can take a bus or taxi to nearby towns like Bergville or Winterton and then arrange for private transport to the park.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options within uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, ranging from camping sites and self-catering chalets to luxury lodges and resorts. There are also several towns and villages in the surrounding area that offer a range of accommodation options.
Next Stop: Maloti-Drakensberg Park Lesotho
Year of Inscription: 2000
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(vii) contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(x) contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park is a stunning mountainous region in South Africa and Lesotho, featuring incredible natural beauty and unique cultural heritage. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, as well as ancient rock art sites that offer a glimpse into the lives and traditions of the indigenous San people.
Prominent Features: uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park is home to a number of unique features that make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike, including:
Drakensberg Mountains: The park is dominated by the Drakensberg mountain range, which is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and unique geological formations.
Rock art sites: The park is home to more than 600 rock art sites, many of which are more than 2,000 years old. These sites offer a glimpse into the lives and traditions of the San people, who once inhabited the region.
Biodiversity: uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including several species of endangered and endemic plants and animals.
History: The Drakensberg region has been inhabited by various groups of people for thousands of years, including the San people, who left behind a rich legacy of rock art that can still be seen in the park today. In more recent history, the region has been home to various European settlers, including missionaries and farmers.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can enjoy a range of activities in uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, including hiking, birdwatching, and visiting the many rock art sites. There are also several family-friendly accommodation options available within the park.
Fun Fact: The Drakensberg Mountains are sometimes called the "Barrier of Spears" due to their towering peaks and jagged cliffs.
Entry Fees: The entry fees for uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park are as follows:
- South African citizens and residents: R50 per adult, R25 per child.
- SADC nationals: R100 per adult, R50 per child.
- International visitors: R300 per adult, R150 per child.
How to Reach It: Transportation options for uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park depend on the specific area you plan to visit. Here is some general information:
By car: uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park is located about 300 km southeast of Johannesburg and can be reached by car via the N3 highway. The park has several access points and visitors can explore the area by driving or hiking.
By public transport: There is no direct public transport to the park, but visitors can take a bus or taxi to nearby towns like Bergville or Winterton and then arrange for private transport to the park.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options within uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, ranging from camping sites and self-catering chalets to luxury lodges and resorts. There are also several towns and villages in the surrounding area that offer a range of accommodation options.
Next Stop: Maloti-Drakensberg Park Lesotho