Extending from the northwestern border of Kwazulu Natal to the Tugela Region is the spectacular Drakensberg mountain range, originally referred to as the "Dragon Mountains" by early settlers. To the Zulu's living in the east, the rock formation resembled a row of spears and they called it 'Ukhahlamba' (a barrier). Nowadays, it is affectionately known to locals as the 'Berg'.

Its mountains rise as high as 3000m, and host some of the most popular South African Nature Reserves. Well-known names, such as Mount-aux-Sources and the Natal Royal National Park, recently renamed the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, draw the attention of local as well as overseas tourists to enjoy the unique, majestic and breathtaking views.

The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park has also recently been declared the fourth World Heritage Site in South Africa.

The northern Drakensberg is an area of magnificent natural beauty. One such scenic wonder is the Amphitheatre which lies on the eastern edge of the Mount-aux-Sources, a 3000m high plateau and the source of the Tugela River and eight other rivers. In the Tugela River one can see the most spectacular waterfall, the Tugela Falls which is the second highest waterfall in the world.

This large terrain, over 8000ha, can be explored on horseback with horses available for hire and there are more than 30 walks and climbs ranging from 3km's for beginners to over 45km's for the experienced.

The central Drakensberg area includes a solid basalt rock wall maintained at a level of over 3000m for some 35 kilometres ending in a massive corner stone known as Giant's Castle.

Proclaimed almost a century ago, Giant's Castle Game Reserve can be found on the foothills and a series of caves, which contain thousands of Bushman rock painting sites - evidence of the small, primitive San people who practiced a prehistoric life style in the area long ago.

The earliest of these paintings are about 800 years old, and the golden age of the painters was between 400 and 200 years ago. The paintings are mainly of people, their equipment and animals, wild and domestic.

The Southern Drakensberg ranges from Giant's Castle to Kwazulu Natal's southernmost section of the Drakensberg, Bushmans Nek. Bushmans Nek is one of two official entries into Lesotho from Kwazulu Natal and can be made on foot or horseback. Sani Pass, the highest in South Africa is the other and the only road link.

The Drakensberg Mountains are synonymous with rare and exquisite flora - such as cycads. It is also home to a variety of wildlife. Some of the wildlife seen in the Drakensberg includes the eland, the largest of the African antelope, oribi, jackal, baboon and porcupine. The highlight, however, is a trip to the 'vulture hideout' for an unforgettable birdwatching experience.

The main attraction is the rare Bearded Vulture, the largest of Africa's birds of prey with a wing span of nearly 3 metres. Nearly 150 bird species have been recorded including the Black Eagle and the Cape Vulture to name but a few.

The Berg has something to offer hikers, rock climbers, trout fishermen, and other holidaymakers. For the more adventurous there are also many trails which use caves up in the mountains for the overnight stops. A weekend of hiking and climbing, interspersed with dips in the icy pools and rivers, goes a long way to restoring those weary of city life. Hikers and climbers should however note that there are 24 species of snakes in these mountains, many of them dangerous.

The Drakensberg Peaks are: Mount-aux-Sources (3282m), Cathedral Peak (3004m), Cleft Peak (3280m), Cathkin Peak (3181m), Champagne Castle (3377m), Giant's Castle (3314m), Indumeni Peak (3200m), Ndedma Peak (3078m), Organ Pipes (2914m), Gatberg (2408m), Monk's Cowl (3234m), Windsor Castle (3065m), Castle Buttress (3053) and The Sentinel (3165m)