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uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
Province: Kwazulu Natal
Closest Town/s: Winterton
The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
Truly spectacular landscapes of exceptional beauty and one of the world's greatest collections of rock-art paintings combine to create the unique splendour of the uKhahlamba- Drakensberg Park.
Long regarded as the jewel in South Africa's tourism crown, the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park was inscribed as a combined World Heritage Site in December 2000. This gave due recognition to its universal significance as a crucible of heritage and beauty.
The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is a global treasure being one of the most densely painted rock-art sites in the world, with more than 550 known San rock-art sites and, according to anthropologists, holding some of the best examples in the world with more than 40,000 paintings in all at these sites. These paintings are considered to be unique mainly because they represent the earliest specimens of rock art where colour and dimension were first introduced. It is believed that many more sites are still to be discovered and documented.
For thousands of years, San hunter-gatherers; the indigenous inhabitants of southern Africa; lived in these mountains and skilfully painted the walls of the caves and rock overhangs that were their shelters, with a wealth of paintings that shed light on both the day-to-day and spiritual rituals of their ancient lives.
A visit to the rock-art sites in the company of a local custodian is a must to inspire the modern visitor with a deep sense of history. Some of the later paintings depict the 19th century conflict between the San people, the African cattle-farmers and white settlers; which resulted in the ultimate disappearance of the San population.
Our priceless heritage
One of the best and most accessible displays of rock-art can be found at Giant's Castle Main Caves, a short 2km walk from the rest camp and from where tours are conducted daily. All rock-art in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is protected as even the dust stirred by the movements of visitors can harm these delicate works of art. Visits to sites are strictly controlled and can be arranged through a local custodian who will accompany you. For more information on viewing rock-art sites, contact Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (033) 845 1999.
Soaring peaks and steep-sided rocky gorges form a jagged mountain barrier that spawns a mosaic of high altitude wetlands. From mountain tarns to marshes and an intricate network of streams and rivers; this pristine environment supports a wealth of endemic plant, animal and bird species; including the rare and threatened wattle crane and the bearded vulture, or lammergeyer.
Take a day walk; or even an overnight hike; to enjoy the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park at its best. Explore deep river valleys, indigenous forest thickets and sparkling rock pools, and marvel at the spectacle of the Thukela Falls, the second highest waterfall in the world.
Wander across the rolling, high altitude grasslands; with their starkly contrasting summer and winter colours and vibrant displays of spring flowers on the steep-sided spurs of the Little Berg, and gaze out across the patchwork vistas of the Kingdom of the Zulu far below. Or simply sit back and absorb the majestic scenery from the comfort of your rest camp in the gentle foothills.
Myths and legends
An ancient African legend tells that when going into battle, the Zulu warriors of old would strike their cowhide shields with their spears as a show of force and courage. 'uKhahlamba', describes the thunderous sound of the spears echoing off the mighty cliffs of the mountains. Another colourful legend has it that after a Boer father and son reported seeing a dragon flying above the cloud- shrouded peaks, the mountains became knows as the Drakensberg, or 'Dragon's mountains'.
On offer for the visitor
For both the outdoor enthusiast and those who prefer to enjoy life at a more leisurely pace, the uKhahlamba- Drakensberg Park; and surrounding areas; offer a great variety of activities and facilities. There are day walks to suit all ages and fitness levels, while experienced and well-equipped hikers can explore the solitude of the mountains for days on end.
A broad range of accommodation options is available, from hotels and hutted camps to rustic mountain huts and listed caves, with camping and caravanning facilities on offer. Nature enthusiasts can take advantage of game and plant viewing as well as bird watching opportunities with over 300 bird species inhabiting this area. For those in search of a thrill, test your mountaineering mettle with rock climbing and ice climbing in winter.
Numerous other leisure activities such as golf, horse- riding, abseiling, 4 x 4 trailing, paragliding and trout- fishing are available, the latter in the valleys just beyond the park.
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