The
earliest inhabitants of the Drakensberg were Bushmen. These San people lived
in harmony with their environment, taking no more than they needed to
survive. Sadly, violent clashes with white settlers and Nguni tribes brought
their era to an end and all that remains is their remarkable rock craft. Never
touch or deface Bushman art. It's irreplaceable!
Most
Drakensberg resorts offer horse riding as an attraction and short to half
day rides through the foothills are usually available. To enjoy the
wonderful mountain scenery whilst on horseback adds enormously to the
outdoor experience. Enthusiasts may book overnight trips setting out from
Hillside Camp .
Guided
Hikes are normally available on a daily basis from most hotels, resorts and
Natal Nature Conservation Services camps. Hikes will vary from easy strolls
of about an hour to visit local attractions to more strenuous all day
climbs. For the energetic and fit, there is the challenge to make the
demanding but exhilarating climb to the top of the main Drakensberg summit!
Stocked
dams and streams close to the resorts or in the wilderness areas of the
Drakensberg are normally reserved for fly fishing. Fishing is often limited
to resident guests only but the KZN Nature Conservation Services have made
available several excellent trout dams and stretches of fishable river.
Fishing permits are required.
It
is hard to resist the temptation of taking a refreshing swim in a crystal
clear mountain stream. Summer is paradise with many deep plunge pools to be
found in the sandstone bedrock, together with warm rocks to bask on. For the
able and adventurous the larger rivers are great for 'shooting the rapids'
on tyre tubes, but do take care to check the water-course first.
With
180 lesser bird species, bird watchers visiting the Drakensberg will not be
disappointed. From the magnificent Lammergeyer (right), Cape Vulture and
Black Eagle... to the brightly coloured, diminutive lesser double collared
Sunbirds... and vociferous forest and grassland birds, it will be well worth
bringing your binoculars.
The
climate on the summit plateau is harsh and only hardy Helichrysum shrubs and
Alpine grasses are able to survive. Below cave sandstone altitude the
vegetation becomes more prolific and is usually characterized by dense fern
forests with Yellowwoods and other hardwoods - together with expansive
grasslands often covered with Protea trees.
The
Drakensberg is home to a quarter of the mammal species indigenous to
Southern Africa, and the warmer valleys of the Little Drakensberg are where
most will be found. The largest of all antelope, the Eland, is found in the
Injasuti and Cathedral Peak Wilderness Reserves and at Spioenkop. Grey
Rhebuck, Mountain Reedbuck, Serval cat, Jackal, etc. can also be seen.
Many
people come to the Drakensberg simply to escape the hustle, bustle and
stress of city life. Here amongst the hills and mountains one can absorb the
quiet solitude - or share the peaceful sights and sounds of nature with
someone close. Life often takes on a new direction and meaning when observed
from an uncluttered perspective.
Resorts are well situated and often offer self catering chalets and
restaurants. Sites may vary in facilities with some offering electrical
points and private bomas - while others have a more rustic approach. Camping
in Parks Board areas is restricted to the official camp site and caves have
to be booked before hand at the controlling Parks Board office.
The
Drakensberg summit offers excellent hiking and climbing opportunities. Long
passes to the top reward hikers with outstanding views of the valleys
hundreds of meters below. Hikers need to be aware that splendid, clear sunny
days can quickly turn into a snowy nightmare: take care... and always
complete the mountain register before setting off.
The
summit landscape is covered with grasses and numerous wildflowers... and
crystal streams tumbling down the slopes. Do watch out for summer afternoon
thunderstorms with their wild lightning.. and even at this time of the year
be prepared for sudden cold weather. Besides your camera, be sure to take a
jersey and rainjacket.
With
their large grain silos Bergville and Winterton are at the center of a very
important maize and wheat growing area. Often, these crops can be seen under
large overhead irrigation sprayers, along most routes to the Drakensberg.
Dairy and beef are also important farming activities and, with the extensive
maize fields, combine visually to add to the enjoyable scenery.
Entrances
to parks, resorts and roadside view sites are characterized by women
skillfully plaiting and weaving grasses. Using an art passed on from mother
to daughter, the " gashu" (weaving grass) is woven into a variety
of colourful baskets, bowls and mats. Here young boys also compete to sell
their cleverly sculpted clay animals.
If
you're after "eagles" and "birdies", tee off in the
Drakensberg! Tall sandstone cliffs and lush valleys form the backdrop to
rolling fairways and challenging greens. Cathedral Peak, Champagne Valley
and Hlalanathi host nine hole golf courses and eighteen holes can be found
at Champagne Sports Resort in the central Drakensberg.
Drakensberg
holidays are not only made by the wonderful ambience and the spirit of the
mountains but also by the many friends you meet. And what better place than
the local pub where, whilst relating the day's adventures long into the
night, the fish are sure to get larger, the mountains higher, the paths a
tad longer and the snow deeper... all while the dawn gets closer!