The Maloti-Drakensberg route, meandering through the Eastern Free State, Eastern Cape Highlands, Drakensberg and Lesotho, covers some of the most beautiful areas in Southern Africa. From climbing dizzying peaks in a World Heritage site to horse-riding past some of the oldest rock art in the world, here are some of the highlights that you simply can’t miss.
1. See the vultures at Giant’s Castle
Vulture at Giant's Castle: photo by Lizet Grobbelaar
The home of the endangered bearded vulture, this glorious mountain peak also boasts some of the best Bushman rock art paintings in South Africa. The panoramic views are so gorgeous that you’ll struggle to concentrate on where your feet go when hiking! This is situated in the uKhahlamba / Drakensberg Park, one of South Africa’s eight UNESCO World Heritage sites (check out the other seven sites here), where you can also check off the next item on our list…
2. Hike at the Amphitheatre
Giant's Castle: photo by Kobus Tollig
This is one of the most impressive cliff-faces on Earth, stretching over a kilometre from its base (have a look at some other gorgeous Amphitheatre photos here.) There are some beautiful hikes one can do here, Gorge Hike being one of the longest with the best views. If you make it to the top of the mountains, you can look over Tugela Falls, the (disputed) second-highest waterfall in the world.
3. Go skiing
Skiing in Africa
Although Africa isn’t exactly known for its skiing possibilities, there are two places where one can do this on the Maloti-Drakensberg route: Afri-Ski in the Maloti mountains, and Tiffendell in the Eastern Cape Highlands. They offer a perfect opportunity to learn to ski or get used to snowy conditions: both are often visited by people who’re training for Kilimanjaro. (Read our tips on tackling your first slope here.)
4. Connect with history at the Thaba-Bosiu National Monument
This sandstone plateau in Lesotho is laden with deep historical importance: it’s a natural fortress from which Moshoeshoe consolidated and defended the Basotho nation in the 1800s. The name, meaning “mountain at night”, references the belief that the plateau grew taller at night, making it even more impenetrable. Read more about the history here.
5. Look for dinosaur eggs in Golden Gate Highlands Park
The Brandwag, Golden Gate Highlands Park. Photo by Scott Ramsay.
One of the best-preserved fossilised clutch of dinosaur eggs was found here in 1978. In addition to being one of the most valuable fossil sites in South Africa, it’s known for its gobsmacking landscapes: horse-riding through the abundant grasslands, watching the sunset glowing on the sandstone rocks, is something you can’t miss if you’re in the area. Read about a visit to the Golden Gate Highlands Park here.
6. Experience the amazing 4×4 mountain passes
Mountains of Lesotho: photo by Sarah Isaacs
Sani Pass is legendary for very good reason, and is a drive that every self-respecting 4×4 enthusiastic should tackle at least once. There are more though: Naude’s Neck Pass in the Eastern Cape is the highest dirt road in South Africa, and the Molimo Nthuse Pass in western Lesotho translates to the “God Help Me” Pass. If that’s not a challenge…
Find out more about the Maloti-Drakensberg route here.
