Tourism Guide Africa Travel Guide Tourism Guide Africa June issue | Page 16

T
he Drakensberg (Dutch – Drag-
on Mountains) is the largest
and highest mountain range
in South Africa, described best
by her Zulu name “uKhahlamba” which
means ‘barrier of spears’. The mountains
majestically span five provinces (Kwa-
Zulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga,
Free State and Limpopo) and form the
south eastern international border be-
tween South Africa and Lesotho.
Covering over 1,000 kilometres, the most
well-known, and I dare say, impressive
section of the Drakensberg lies in KwaZu-
lu-Natal. Divided into three parts, North,
Central and South, there are endless de-
lights for all travellers, traditional to mil-
lennial, local to international.
Southern Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal
(KZN) is about 2.5 hours’ drive from Dur-
ban’s King Shaka International Airport
through some of the most amazing coun-
tryside in the world. Note, plan extra travel
time for pictures!
In both scenery and activity, I would de-
scribe the Southern Drakensberg as Mid-
lands country serenity meeting Drakens-
berg outdoor adrenaline. Here are some
of thing to do to find your perfect combi-
nation of both.
TOP THINGS TO DO
in Southern Drakensberg
KZN South Africa
BY MONIQUE VAN DER WALT
PARAGLIDING. This is clearly the adrena-
line category, but has its own blend of se-
renity. On the slopes of Bulwer Mountain,
right at the start of the Southern Drakens-
berg region, is Wildsky Paragliding (Est
1996).
An exquisite trip through Bulwer Biosphere
takes you to a paragliding site near the top
of Bulwer mountain, known as the 1000
(its 1000 feet up into the air from Wildsky).
Staycation in their log cabins, and choose
to jump tandem with an instructor, or com-
plete a full course to learn to paraglide
yourself. Does the thought of it make you
a little queasy? Well, rest a little more easy:
Wildsky Paragliding is owned & operated
by husband & wife team, Hans and Ria, are
incredibly experienced in the field. Hans is
a National Paragliding Instructor of South
Africa, so you’re definitely in safe hands…
wings.
T O U R I S M
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