Page 9 - KZN Business Sense 5.2

HOLIDAY IN THE BERG

he uKhahlamba species of mammal, including one finds the Mont-aux- Near Himeville you
Drakensberg Park in the threatened oribi and herds of Sources peak, which is where will find the Sani Pass,
TKwaZulu-Natal (The Zulu eland and black wildebeest as well the Orange River begins its which provides the only The park is
name uKhahlamba meaning as nearly 50 species of reptile and journey to the Atlantic Ocean. road link between
barrier of the spears and the more than 300 bird species. The Here you will also find the KwaZulu-Natal and not only one of the
Afrikaans name Drakensberg site also harbours endangered Thukela River, which gushes Lesotho, and is the
meaning dragon mountains) is a species such as the Cape vulture down the mountain forming only road crossing country’s prime
beautiful series of mountain peaks (Gyps coprotheres) and the bearded the 850m-high Tugela Falls, the the summit of the
that form the border between vulture (Gypaetus barbatus). highest waterfall in Africa and Drakensberg. Sani ecotourist destinations,
KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho. the second highest in the world. Pass road will take
A prime drawcard are the 500
These majestic mountains are a known sites of San rock art, with The central Drakensberg region you to a summit but is also a World
favourite holiday destination for over 40 000 images, many of consists of the Cathedral Peak, altitude of 2876m Heritage Site.
South Africans and international which are believed to be around Champagne Castle, Monks Cowl, where you can stop off
for a beer and a meal at
visitors alike. uKhahlamba 2400 years old. Using mainly Cathkin Peak, Injasuti and Giants the highest pub in Africa
makes a perfect excursion – the orange, yellow, black and white Castle. The Central Drakensberg
mountains are three to four made from mixing natural can be reached from the N3 via the – The Sani Mountain Lodge.
hours of easy driving from materials such as clay, burnt Bergville, Estcourt and Winterton Accommodation rock art or climbing chain
Durban. However, one visit to this wood and ochre oxides, San off ramps between the towns of ladders. There are also many
UNESCO World Heritage Site is artists documented both their Harrismith and Mooi River. The entire Drakensberg area has opportunities for hiking,
not enough to experience the full outer and inner worlds. a wide range of accommodation
magnitude of its grandeur or the The Drakensberg Boys that will suit all ages and pockets, mountain biking, horse
riding, trail running and other
experiences offered. Areas Choir School is situated in the including upmarket hotels, adventure or leisure activities.
lodges, B&B and self-catering
The park is well over 240 000 The ‘Berg’ as is often Champagne Valley and is one of accommodation as well as
the few South African schools
Many of the Drakensberg
hectares in extent, running 200 affectionately called may be whose fame extends around the camping facilities and caves. resorts are family-oriented
kilometres north to south, and divided into the northern, world. During the school term
about 50 kilometres west to east, central and southern sections. visitors to the area may attend Activities offering everything from bingo
to heli-flips, adventure golf
making for one of the biggest In the very north is Royal Natal one of the Wednesday concerts The Berg offers activities for to full golf courses, archery
conservation areas in South Africa. National Park which includes the for an entertaining performance. everyone; whether this may and ziplines to every kind of
world famous ‘Amphitheatre’. be relaxing on a hotel veranda
Diversity The Amphitheatre spans The Southern Drakensberg enjoying the beautiful scenery, racquet game, plus a daily
In addition, the natural diversity approximately five kilometres stretches from Bushman’s Nek swimming and fishing in entertainment programme for
young children. n
comprises over 2 100 plant in length, while extending an to Kamberg, incorporating the natural rock pools and rivers,
species, more than 200 of which estimated 500 metres in height. villages of Underberg, Himeville, clambering up to dramatic
are endemic to the area, over 60 Just beyond the Amphitheatre, Bulwer and surrounding areas. waterfalls or caves with San www.drakensbergexperience.com

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