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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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