Declared a World Heritage Site in 2000, the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is one of great scenic beauty as well as historical and cultural significance due to over 600 examples of San rock paintings found in mountain caves throughout the park. The park covers some 24 000 hectares and incorporates soaring peaks, sandstone cliffs, steep valleys and rushing streams and pools.
The vegetation is varied due to the contrasting altitudes and many endemic plant species are found within the expansive park. Rolling grasslands are home to herds of eland as well as mountain reedbuck, grey rhebuck, grey duiker, klipspringer, bushbuck and oribi - and the occasional leopard. With over 300 recorded species of birds the park is a bird-watching haven - 32 of the species are endemic to Southern Africa. Wattled crane, cape vulture, bearded vulture, orange breasted rockjumper and yellow breasted pipit can all be seen.
Popular areas within the park include the dramatic Amphitheatre in Royal Natal Park in the north, Giants Castle, Cathedral Peak, Kamberg and Lotheni. All of these areas of the park offer accommodation and cater for hiking and camping with many excellent facilities available from rustic self-catering chalets to luxurious lodges- even mountain huts and caves. There are many well laid out trails within the park including easy rambles and more stenuous overnight hikes and rock climbing.
Popular hikes include the magnificent and diverse Giant's Cup Trail at Cobham (3, 4 or 5 nights - max 59.3 kms). For experienced hikers, the Cathedral Peak Trail (10kms, 6-7 hours) leads hikers to the summit of one of the major free-standing peaks in the Drakensberg. The Tugela Gorge hike (2-3 hours, 7kms) at Royal Natal traverses stretches of protea, grassland and forest offering spectacular views from the top of the Tugela Falls.
For those in seek of relaxation through fishing, Kamberg Nature Reserve is the most popular trout fishing venue for novices and experienced anglers alike. River fishing is found at Kamberg, Royal Natal, Injisuthi, Cobham, Garden Castle, Giant's Castle and Lotheni. Dam fishing can be enjoyed at Kamberg, Royal Natal, Highmoor and Lotheni.

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