Ukhahlamba Drakensberg

Ukhahlamba (Drakensberg) or "The Berg" is a mountainous region in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa.



Understand
The name 'Drakensberg' is derived from the Dutch and means "mountains of the dragon". The mountain range was formed by a lava flow.

By car
The N3 highway (a toll road) is the major road artery through KwaZulu-Natal and connects with Durban to the south and Johannesburg to the north. One of the regional roads leading off the N3 will get you to where you need to be. Please note that many of these regional access roads include sections that are not tarred, and in many cases the roads are in poor condition with potholes. Most of the regional roads go through community villages where many animals and people use the road for foot traffic, so it is advisable not to drive at night.

By plane
There are no major airports in the region. The nearest international airport is in Durban. Pietermaritzburg has a smaller regional airport with daily domestic flights.

By bus

 * Underberg/NUD Express runs door-to-door shuttle service between the Sani Pass lodges, Underberg, Pietermaritzburg, Howick, Kokstad, and Durban.

By car
Most of the roads going into the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg World Heritage Site (UDPWHS - shown in green on the map) end at the reception offices or campsites of the provincial or private tourism facilities. Once you are 'in' the only way around is by foot into the mountains. The one exception is the Sani Pass road from Underberg which goes through the UDPWHS to Mokhotlong in Lesotho.

Do

 * Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Northern Drakensberg
The Northern Drakensberg is generally the warmest area of the berg in Winter, with little to no snow and higher temperatures than Johannesburg.



Southern Drakensberg
The Southern Drakensberg is generally the colder area of the berg in Winter, with often thick snow and cooler temperatures than Johannesburg though spring and summer can be as hot.

Gateway to the Southern Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal is primarily through Underberg and Himeville.
 * Easterly access by road from the N3 is via Exit 99 Howick South onto the R617 via Boston and Bulwer to Underberg and Himeville.
 * Southerly access by road from the N2 is through Kokstad onto the R617 via Sartberg to Underberg and Himeville



Go next

 * Lesotho can be accessed via the Sani Pass and border post. A 4x4 is recommended for Sani Pass.