What makes certain countries so attractive to visits from outsiders? Economics, proximity to other affluent countries, and natural and human-made attractions all play a role.
The vibrant and lively festivals of a country, the thriving nightlife, world-class shopping facilities, and delectable cuisines from top hotels, are all major tourist attractants in every country.
With a great escarpment reaching its greatest elevation in the region, Drakensberg is the name given to the eastern part of a peace-haven in South Africa, my next stop. The region encloses the central Southern African plateau covering a portion of two thousand to three thousand four hundred and eighty-two metres on the ground.
Drakensberg’s history revolves around rich Zulu people known as uKhahlamba meaning “Barrier of Spears” but the real excitement lately ranges from amazing accommodation options to the ultimate adventures and exciting places to explore.
The region is popular for its mountains for hiking, abseiling or rock climbing whiles exploring the trails on a mountain bike. It also forms a semi-circular border between KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and the inland mountain kingdom of Lesotho which also showcases the best, the Northern Drakensberg, Central.
Become a history buff with a visit to the battlefields, museums and other historical sites at the Drakensberg. Or why not make a cultural trip and marvel at some ancient bushman paintings or a performance by the legendary Drakensberg Boys Choir? There are so many exciting tourist attractions in the Drakensberg with great views. A stay at Drakensberg Sun Resort will also offer a variety of cuisines and off peek entertainment for visitors.
One highlight of Drakensberg’s view in South Africa I enjoyed most which I think you must have on your to-do list is the Drakensberg Canopy Tour where you can experience nature like never before as you slide through an indigenous forest of the Central Drakensberg (Photo Above). Set within the magnificent Blue Grotto forest to boost Africa’s first ever elevated rock face tour, you’re led by trained guides on the site that comes with a good mix of both cliff side and treetop levels coupled with 12 cable slides over 2 waterfalls and 14 elevated platforms in a forest up to 65 metres high and 180 metres long. The Drakensberg Canopy Tour allows you to slide through the forest canopy while enjoying a unique birds-eye view of the world around you.
The inspiring nature of the majestic Drakensberg, the ancient indigenous forest, waterfalls and the cascading stream make this an opportunity not to be missed anytime you visit South Africa.
The Drakensberg also houses the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, which is a World Heritage Site that stretches from Underberg in the south to Bergville in the north. The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park contains within it two reserves, the Golden Gate National Park, which takes its name from the way the sun shines spectacularly off its sandstone cliffs, and the Royal Natal National Park which covers the bulk of the region.
The Central Drakensberg also forms a large section of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park. Popular destinations in this region of the Drakensberg include Cathedral Peak, Monks Cowl Reserve, the Giants Castle Game Reserve, the Highmoor and the Kamberg.
If you think my trip to Clarens was extreme and the Drakensberg was better with high mountains, my next stop at Durban will expose you to all the amusement you’re missing in the province! The city with its rich African, Indian and colonial influence.
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