Maloti-Drakensberg Park
South Africa ·
Description
The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg range runs for 200 km along the border of South Africa and Lesotho, its dramatic basalt cliffs and sandstone bluffs rising to over 3,400 m. Beyond stunning natural beauty, the range shelters hundreds of caves and rock shelters with San paintings produced over 4,000 years — perhaps the most important rock art gallery in sub-Saharan Africa.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
UNESCO recognized Maloti-Drakensberg for its exceptional natural beauty and biodiversity and for the largest and most concentrated group of rock paintings in Africa south of the Sahara.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
The Central Berg (Champagne Valley), Giant’s Castle or the Northern Berg (Cathedral Peak) each offer great hiking and lodging.
Guided walks at Game Pass Shelter and Main Caves at Giant’s Castle are the most accessible.
Excellent, from gentle walks to tough multi-day routes like the Amphitheatre from the Sentinel car park.
Autumn (April-May) for clear dry weather and spectacular light, though summer is lush and green.
Eland, oribi, baboons and huge raptors including the rare bearded vulture.