The park contains the Tugela Falls, which is often cited as the second-highest waterfall in the world.
It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for both natural and cultural criteria in 2000.
The mountain range acts as a significant climatic barrier, influencing rainfall patterns across the KwaZulu-Natal province.
The basalt layers found here reach up to 1,500 meters in thickness, formed by volcanic activity approximately 180 million years ago.
The park is home to the critically endangered Drakensberg rockjumper, a bird species endemic to this specific mountain range.
Some rock art sites within the park are estimated to be over 4,000 years old.
The park serves as a protected sanctuary for the Oribi, a small antelope species vulnerable to habitat loss.
The Maloti-Drakensberg Park is a transboundary World Heritage site spanning the border between South Africa and Lesotho, recognized for both its natural biodiversity and cultural significance. It encompasses the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park in South Africa and the Sehlabathebe National Park in Lesotho. The landscape features the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, characterized by basaltic plateaus and dramatic sandstone cliffs. It serves as a critical water catchment area for the region, feeding the Tugela and Orange rivers. The park contains the largest concentration of rock art in sub-Saharan Africa, with over 35,000 individual paintings created by the San people. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe eland, mountain reedbuck, and rare avian species like the bearded vulture. The area is defined by its rugged topography, with peaks exceeding 3,000 meters in elevation. Managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the park offers extensive trail networks ranging from short nature walks to multi-day alpine treks. It remains a key site for alpine vegetation conservation and geological research.
The Amphitheatre wall at Royal Natal during sunrise.
Register all overnight hikes at the camp office before departure for safety tracking.
Prepare for rapid weather shifts, as mountain conditions can change from clear skies to thick mist or snow in minutes.
Use high-SPF sunscreen and polarized sunglasses, as UV radiation is significantly higher at these altitudes.
Do not attempt high-altitude mountain passes without proper navigational equipment and knowledge of current weather forecasts.
Higher altitude mountain passes may be closed to traffic and hiking during winter months due to heavy snowfall and ice.
Do not touch, wet, or apply substances to rock art sites as this causes irreversible chemical damage.
