Drakensberg Mountains or Ukhahlamba in the KwaZulu Natal in South Africa is one of the most marvelous natural wonders in the country. The name Ukhahlamba in Zulu means “Barrier of Spears, and the Drakensberg means “Mountains of the Dragon”, the latter was used by the Voortrekkers of the area. The mountains are dramatic and splendid, with strange rock formations, and grassland areas. The mountains are a sight in themselves; in addition, they house some of the most varied kinds of attractions as well. There are a number of things to see other than the mountains that make this among the most rewarding locations in South Africa.
The UKhahlamba Mountains, as they are referred to in Zulu, are home to a huge number of diverse species of plants, animals, and birds. The region’s grasslands, mountains, and cubby holes provide an assortment of habitats that explains the diversity of the plant, bird, and animal life here. There are many species of flora and fauna that are endemic to this region. The region is also home to a number of threatened or endangered species of plants and birds. There are a total of two hundred and ninety-nine avian species here, one hundred and twenty-two species of animals plus eight species of fish.
Apart from the huge number of animals, plants, and birds, the Drakensberg Mountains are also home to rock art. It is the largest group of rock paintings in Southern Africa, as well as the most concentrated. The rock paintings were done by the San (Bushmen) people who had their home here. The artwork can be found on the walls of caves and on rocks, and these date back to more than two thousand five hundred years ago.
The Drakensberg Mountains are located on the western side of the Kwa Zulu Natal in South Africa and touches the border of the Kingdom of Lesotho. The topography is dramatic in the essence, swiftly rises of over three thousand meters within short distances. The location has a multitude of opportunities for all manner of adventure sports, hikers, mountain cyclists, mountaineers, trekkers have their prayers answered here. A huge number of people come here to engage in these sports. In addition to this, the sheer number of varied species of plants and animals in this area makes for a naturalist’s paradise. The area is extremely popular with bird watchers, as well as fishermen.
