Access the Spring 2025 edition of the Drakensberg Times by clicking the link below. This newsletter is designed to inform the tourism trade about the latest developments in the Central and Northern Drakensberg regions while also serving as a valuable resource for the general public. Explore the Drakensberg News — your trusted source for updates from the Drakensberg.
Access the Winter 2025 edition of the Drakensberg Times by clicking the link below. This newsletter is designed to inform the tourism trade about the latest developments in the Central and Northern Drakensberg regions while also serving as a valuable resource for the general public. Explore the Drakensberg News — your trusted source for updates from the Drakensberg.
Drakensberg’s Common Duiker – Drakensberg’s Common Duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), also known as the grey duiker, is a small antelope throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa;
Bannerman’s Pass and Langalibalele Pass Loop Hike – is one of the most captivating multi-day hiking routes in the Maloti-Drakensberg World Heritage Site;
The Langalibalele Rebellion of 1873 and the Skirmish at Bushman’s River Pass – was a pivotal event in South African history, highlighting the tensions between the British colonial authorities and indigenous African leaders;
World-renowned personalities associated with the Drakensberg include several notable figures—writers, leaders, royals, and musicians—whose lives intersected with the Drakensberg in meaningful ways.;
Dating the Drakensberg’s San Rock Art – Dating San Rock Art can be difficult. San rock art is dated using several scientific methods.
Drakensberg Bird List;
Drakensberg Events;
Weather charts;
Tourism directory
Access the Autumn 2025 edition of the Drakensberg Times by clicking the link below. This newsletter is designed to inform the tourism trade about the latest developments in the Central and Northern Drakensberg regions while also serving as a valuable resource for the general public. Explore the Drakensberg News — your trusted source for updates from the Drakensberg.
Drakensberg Ice Rat – the Drakensberg Ice Rat (Otomys sloggetti) is a Resilient High-Altitude Rodent.;
Gray’s Pass – the Central Drakensberg’s Gray’s Pass Hike is a demanding yet rewarding three-day journey.;
Vertical Rush – is a premier adventure venue in the Central Drakensberg.
Drakensberg’s Endemic Flowers – the Drakensberg mountains, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are home to a stunning diversity of endemic flowers.;
Game Pass Shelter – the Game Pass Shelter and the Kamberg Rock Art Centre are located within the Kamberg Nature Reserve in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Midlands..
Drakensberg Bird List;
Drakensberg Events;
Weather charts;
Tourism directory
Access the Summer 2024/25 edition of the Drakensberg Times by clicking the link below. This newsletter is designed to inform the tourism trade about the latest developments in the Central and Northern Drakensberg regions while also serving as a valuable resource for the general public. Explore the Drakensberg News — your trusted source for updates from the Drakensberg.
Drakensberg’s Dassies – Dassies, also called the rock hyrax (Procavia capensis), is a small herbivore in sub-Saharan Africa ;
The Drakensberg Contour Path – is a popular hiking trail in South Africa, stretching along the slopes of the Drakensberg Mountains from Cathedral Peak to Lotheni in the south.;
Thokozisa Centre – is a lively hub that seamlessly blends shopping, dining, and cultural experiences;
San Rock Art images from eSibayeni – The Didima Gorge, also known as the Ndedema Valley, is one of the richest areas for San rock art in the Drakensberg region.;
Drakensberg’s Chain Ladder Hike and the Tugela Falls – is a thrilling journey through one of South Africa’s most picturesque regions.
Drakensberg Bird List;
Drakensberg Events;
Weather charts;
Tourism directory
Click on the following link for the Spring 2024 edition of the Drakensberg Times. Drakensberg Times intends to keep the tourism trade aware of the latest developments in Central and Northern Drakensberg. It is also helpful for the general public. Drakensberg News. A Drakensberg Newsletter.
Drakensberg’s Klipspringer – also known as Oreotragus oreotragus, is a small, sturdy antelope found in the High Drakensberg ;
Wonder Valley Cave Hike – is a delightful overnight hiking option in the Monks Cowl and Injisuthi area;
Mountain Dragon Books – is the culmination of Steven and Tracey’s dream;
Packing an overnight backpack – when packing a backpack for an overnight multi-day hike, there are several simple tips to consider.;
Drakensberg Bird List;
Drakensberg Events;
Weather charts;
Tourism directory
Click on the following link for the Winter 2024 edition of the Drakensberg Times. Drakensberg Times intends to keep the tourism trade aware of the latest developments in Central and Northern Drakensberg. It is also helpful for the general public. Drakensberg News. A Drakensberg Newsletter.
Drakensberg’s Otters – Otters are one of the Drakensberg’s most significant smaller carnivores.;
The Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) – The Mountain Club of South Africa is the country’s largest association of mountaineers and hikers, established in 1891 in Cape Town.;
Zulu Cave Hike -The Zulu Cave hike is one of the most popular overnight hikes in the Central Drakensberg;
Some Images from Cat Cave – Cat Cave is a protected San rock art site;
Escaping bushfire -When hiking in the Drakensberg during winter, it’s important to be aware of the threat of bushfires;
Drakensberg Events;
Weather charts;
Tourism directory
Click on the following link for the Autumn 2024 edition of the Drakensberg Times. Drakensberg Times intends to keep the tourism trade aware of the latest developments in Central and Northern Drakensberg. It is also helpful for the general public. Drakensberg News. A Drakensberg Newsletter.
Drakensberg’s Dung Beetles – Hikers who explore the Drakensberg range may be fortunate enough to encounter Drakensberg Dung Beetles, also known as Scarabaeidae ;
Grindstone and Marble Baths Loop – The Grindstone Cave and Marble Bath Loop hike is a full-day trail that starts and ends at Injisuthi Camp in the Central Drakensberg;
Sandford Park Country Hotel – Sandford Park Country Hotel is one of the oldest inns in the Drakensberg. Established in 1852, it served as a coach house to provide food and shelter for pioneers travelling between Natal and the Transvaal Republic;
Grindstone Cave’s San Rock Art -Unfortunately, most of the San Rock Art in Grindstone Cave has faded;
Reading the Drakensberg’s weather warning signs – Hiking in the Drakensberg requires careful consideration of the weather. Before embarking on one of the rugged mountain trails, it is essential to check a reputable weather app, such as mountainforecast.com or YR.;
Drakensberg Events;
Weather charts;
Tourism directory
Click on the following link for the Summer 2023/2024 edition of the Drakensberg Times. Drakensberg Times intends to keep the tourism trade aware of the latest developments in Central and Northern Drakensberg. It is also helpful for the general public. Drakensberg News. A Drakensberg Newsletter.
Drakensberg Hoopoes – are colourful and commonly found in the Lower Drakensberg region. Their plumage, particularly on their heads, resembles the vibrant costumes of courtiers from the Middle Ages;
BergVenture – an outdoor education centre of excellence. The Champagne Valley is a significant centre of adventure tourism in South Africa. This is mainly due to a wide array of adventure services and venues.
Botha’s Shelter is one of Drakensberg’s untouched masterpieces. It is a crucial San Rock Art Site found in the Didima Gorge special conservation area, among the three most significant locations of such art in the Drakensberg.
Mushroom Rock and Mhlonhlo Valley Loop. Mushroom Rock is a popular hike from the Cathedral Peak Hotel. The loop, which includes the Mhlonhlo Valley Loop, makes it more challenging.
Hiking Safely in the Drakensberg Part 2: Hiking Sanitation. Maintaining proper sanitation while hiking is a crucial aspect often overlooked and can significantly impact an area’s overall experience and hikers’ health.
Click on the following link for the Spring 2023 edition of Drakensberg Times. Drakensberg Times intends to keep the tourism trade aware of the latest developments in Central and Northern Drakensberg. It is also useful for the general public. Drakensberg News. A Drakensberg Newsletter.
Drakensberg Black-Backed Jackals – Did you know that the Drakensberg Black-Backed Jackals, or Canis Mesomalis, are among the oldest canine species? It’s true! Fossil evidence shows that they roamed the earth some two million years ago, making them remarkable survivors with an impressive ability to adapt to their surroundings.;
Malcolm Pearse’s Photo Gallery of San Rock Art. Visitors can explore the Winterton Museum’s enchanting San Rock Art Photo Gallery. Malcolm Pearse was commissioned to develop this display. It provides valuable insights into the Drakensberg San and their intricate frescoes, along with the meanings behind them. The gallery showcases images of the region’s most significant San Rock Art sites, portraying their rituals, daily life, and spiritual beliefs. Additionally, visitors can purchase a guide or manual to help interpret each image.
When Garden Castle was Giant’s Castle. Garden Castle, initially called Giant’s Castle, is a prominent peak in the Southern Drakensberg. Captain Alan Gardiner bestowed this name in the mid-1800s. However, it was later altered by Dr Sutherland, the Surveyor General at that time, in 1865. He renamed it Garden Castle to honour his mother’s maiden name.
DrakensbergSagewood or Buddleja salviifolia is easily noted while hiking in the Montane and lower Sub-Alpine vegetation belts of the Drakensberg. This tree, which grows to four to eight metres, is quite common in the region and can be easily spotted at the edges of hiking trails. Its upper leaves are dark green and have a wrinkled and dimpled texture, while the underside is distinctly white. The leaves are elongated and pointed. In addition, the tree bark has a reddish-brown hue, and the young branches are covered in fine hairs.
Grindstone and Cataract Valley Loop. A moderate hike, the Grindstone Cave and Cataract Loop begins at the Injisuthi Camp. Follow the cairns to reach Yellowood Forest and Grindstone Cave.
Hiking Safely in the Drakensberg Part 1: Crossing Rivers. Crossing a river or swollen stream can be hazardous when hiking in the Drakensberg. Unfortunately, many hikers have lost their lives attempting to cross such obstacles.
Click on the following link for the Winter 2023 edition of Drakensberg Times. Drakensberg Times is intended to keep the tourism trade aware of the latest developments in the Central and Northern Drakensberg. It is also useful for the general public. Drakensberg News. A Drakensberg Newsletter.
Drakensberg Porcupines – or Hystrix africaeaustralis are gentle and friendly rodents; however, they won’t hesitate to turn and push their dangerous quills into threatening beings;
Newcastle, doorstep to the Northern Drakensberg. Newcastle is a fascinating gateway to an important portion of the Northern Drakensberg.
When Champagne Castle was Cathkin Peak, Champagne Castle, South Africa’s third-highest peak, was initially and in the late 1800s known as Cathkin Peak.
Tree Fuchsia is usually a small tree of two metres and is common in the Montane vegetation belt of the Drakensberg. However, these trees can reach up to twelve metres and sometimes more.
Carter Trail is a moderate hike that starts at the Champagne Castle Hotel.
The San’s Marauding Bandits. There is a romantic and commonly held notion that Drakensberg’s San was a peaceful and egalitarian community.
