The Berg - as it's popularly known – is also known for the world's second-highest waterfall, the Tugela Falls. The falls are located in the Royal Natal National Park (part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park) and are easily viewed after heavy rain from the main road into the park.
Other attractions in the area include the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir, the falconry at Falcon’s Ridge, hiking trails and San rock paintings to name a few.
Apart from the Royal Natal Drakensberg Park, the area has a number of game reserves. The Weenen Game Reserve has a growing reputation as a small but superbly appointed wildlife destination accessible for both day and overnight visitors.
Both black and white rhino have been introduced since the 5 000 hectare reserve was proclaimed in 1974. Other re-introduced game include giraffe, buffalo, red hartebeest, eland, zebra, klipspringer, ostrich, common reedbuck, and roan antelope.
Other species that have decolonised the area include grey duiker, bushbuck, steenbuck, black-backed jackal, hyena and mountain reedbuck. The reserve has more than 251 bird species, making it popular with birders.
Steeped in Anglo Boer War history, the Spioenkop Nature Reserve boasts a rich selection of wildlife including white rhinoceros, giraffe and a variety of plains and bushveld antelope. The Spioenkop Dam also offers opportunities for a variety of watersports.
The Wagendrift Nature Reserve located just outside Estcourt takes its name from a drift through the Bushmans River that was used by transport wagons on their way from Port Natal to the goldfields of the Witwatersrand.
The reserve is a 980 hectare protected area that incorporates Moor Park Reserve and surrounds the Wagendrift dam. The New Formosa Reserve is also located in close proximity to Estcourt and is also known for bird watching. New Formosa also has a number of short hiking trails.
Giant's Castle Game Reserve was named to signify the peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, whose silhouette resembles that of a sleeping giant. Giant's Castle is surrounded by deep valleys, grassy plateaus and craggy mountains, offering panoramic views for hikers and mountain climbers.
Visitors can enjoy fascinating sightings of ancient rock art, created by the historic San people that once inhabited this spectacular area. Another highlight is the reserve’s renowned Vulture Restaurant, where guests can enjoy delicious cuisine while viewing bearded vultures and other endangered species feeding.
The Kwazulu-Natal Midlands is also known for the many battles that have taken place here and offer many opportunities to re-discover the remnants of British, Zulu and Boer clashes. Some of the sites that can be visited in the area include the Battle of Willow Grange, Spioenkop, Winston Churchill’s capture at Frere and Rensburgs Koppie.
Everyone loves a good road trip – and with a country as beautiful as South Africa, it’s easy to see why. Taking to the road is ingrained...