The finest map and guide to activities and accommodation in the Drakensberg region

This is the internet version of the free Drakensberg Tourist Map. But it is much more than just a map, its a travel guide to accommodation and activities in both the Drakensberg and the Natal Midlands. The aim is to promote this lovely area and to simplify your stay in the Drakensberg. The Drakensberg Tourist Map and this website is paid for by the advertisers on the back of the Drakensberg Tourist Map and we thank them for their assistance.

Maps are something we at the Drakensberg Tourist Map are passionate about. It was the lack of a decent Drakensberg map that made us decide to build this tourist map. What makes our map different is that this is free, it represents the whole Drakensberg, the roads are correct, the map is to scale, the activities available are represented and information about hiking trails in the Drakensberg are given. To boot we have even included a Drakensberg accommodation and activity directory. Download it for free or order it online. Its here to help you get the best experience possible to a tourist destination that is in our minds unsurpassed by any other.

The Drakensberg Mountain Range is a World Heritage Site that stretches over some 300 km of escarpment separating eastern Lesotho and the provinces of KwaZulu Natal and the Orange Free State in South Africa.  It was declared a World Heritage Site in November 2000, and has since been called the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park.  Known to the Zulus as uKhahlamba ( "Barrier of Spears Pointing to the Sky"), and to the Dutch settlers as the Drakensberg ("Dragon Mountain"), the name reflects the multi-cultural history of this 5 000 km2 wilderness area.

The Natal Drakensberg section of the park is especially suitable for hiking due to the excellent weather conditions. Although it experiences extremes in temperature, both hot and cold, this is seldom for more than a few days at a time.  For most of the year the temperatures - especially in the lower berg - require no more clothing than shorts and shirt during the day.  This does not mean, however, that hikers should not go prepared for any weather conditions, regardless of the time of year. There is a vast range of backpacking opportunities, varying from easy lower berg routes along marked or well-defined paths, to multi-day high-altitude traverses which can severely test both your physical strength and navigational skills.  Unless you are planning to visit rock art sites, guides are not required and all you need to find your way around is a good map and your experience as a navigator.

But the Drakensberg offers much more than just hiking. It offers relaxation, horse trails, golf, cultural experiences, canopy tours, abseiling, white water rafting, hot air ballooning, restaurants, quad bikes, arts and crafts, local cheese makers to mention but a few of the other activities available.

Then there are the many great accommodation facilities on offer. The accommodation in the Drakensberg include camping, caravan parks, hotels, backpackers, guest houses, b&bs, holiday resorts and self catering cottages. Its your choice and your kind of accommodation is available.