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Okhahlamba is a popular tourist destination, known as the gateway to the Central and Northern Drakensberg. Okhahlamba attracts both local and international tourists.
The Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa or uKhahlamba (the Barrier of Spears) is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous wonderland and world heritage site, making it a tourism Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts.
H home to the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, and the second highest falls in the world – The Tugela Falls. The Ezemvelo Royal Natal National Park is a renowned hiking area, rich in natural beauty.
It offers hikes to suite all various needs, and has attractive picnic areas for families to enjoy spending time in nature. Cultural Tourism is an ever increasing industry, and the Drakensberg has amassed a wealth of cultural heritage throughout the history of South Africa. The area offers cultural tourists the opportunity to explore bushman paintings, and the Mnweni Cultural Village. The Arts and Crafts industry compliments the cultural tourism industry.
Tourists can explore Thandanani, which is a co-operative of local crafts people selling a variety of crafts that are typical of this area. Tourists can indulge in serene fishing experiences, travel to local game reserves to catch glimpses of wildlife, or go bird watching. Tourists can also experience guided tours of Eskom’s Drakensberg Pumped Storage Scheme (Tuva) – free of charge. There is also a range of exciting activities in the area to provide an adrenalin fix to adventure enthusiasts.
Tourists have a wide array of accommodation choices to choose from, and these include: camp sites, 5 star hotels, B&B`s, bush lodges, resorts, spas as well as cultural stays in local Zulu villages.
Places of Interest
Amphitheatre Golf Club
The gorgeous aesthetics of the Amphitheatre Golf Club belie the challenging nature of this special course.
Drakensberg Amphitheatre
The Amphitheatre is a dramatic cliff face that measures more than five kilometres (3.1 miles) in length.
Middledale Pass
The Middledale Pass lies on the tarred S1101 linking Bergville, in KwaZulu-Natal with Swinburne, in the Free State.
Mike's Pass
Mike's Pass is a demanding gravel 4X4 pass high in the mountains near Bergville. The reward for the drive, or ride
Oliviershoek Pass
The Oliviershoek Pass, on the R74 from Bergville, is often used as an alternative route to Van Reenen’s Pass.
Royal Natal National Park
The Royal Natal National Park was proclaimed in 1916, and contains some of the most spectacular scenery in South Africa.
Rugged Glen Nature Reserve
Adjacent to the northern reaches of the of the Royal Natal National Park, Rugged Glen Nature Reserve is part of the Drakensberg uKhahlamba Park
Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve
Lying virtually at the foot of the rugged Spioenkop Mountain, the dam was the site of one of the most bloody battles to ensue during the Anglo-Boer War...
"Tourists can indulge in serene fishing experiences, travel to local game reserves to catch glimpses of wildlife, or go bird watching..."
Things to do
Drakensberg Canopy Tour
Situated in an indigenous forest of the Central Drakensberg, in the shadow of the towering Cathkin Peak, the Drakensberg Canopy Tour® awaits you...
Phansi-Phezulu Horse Trails
Grooms take groups of up to ten riders on a 2 hour trail that starts by descending into a verdant river valley where the trail meanders with the bubbling Putrill...
Half or Full Day Horse Rides
The more adventurous rider may enjoy a longer equine experience to see bushman paintings or to visit a Sangoma (Traditional Zulu Healer). The Zulu Cultural Trail...
Tower of Pizza
Located on an old, rustic farmhouse with a grain silo as its landmark, Tower of Pizza has been making people happy with their delicious pizzas for years...
Sandford Park restaurant
In its tranquil setting of rose gardens and manicured lawns, the Sandford Park restaurant is an invitation to leave all your worries behind and simply sink into the...
Cathedral Peak
Hike
Start: Cathedral Peak Hotel Finish: Cathedral Peak Hotel Duration: 19 km, 12+ hours (one very long day, if you make an early start) Fitness: this is an arduous...
Amphitheatre
Heritage Trail
Start: there are numerous entrances, but Witsieshoek is one of them; Finish: Royal Natal National Park; Duration: 25 - 30 km over three days; Fitness: average...
Fairy Glen and
the Grotto Hike
Start: Mahai campsite Finish: Mahai campsite Duration: 10 km, roughly 5 hours Fitness: moderate This hike can be divided into two separate walks, or
Up The Tugela River (Gorge) to the Tunnel
Start: Mahai camp site Finish: Mahai camp site Duration: 23 km, there-and-back hike, roughly 7 hours Fitness: moderate, most people can hike this
Icidi Pass
Hike
Start: Mnweni Cultural Centre, Mnweni Valley Finish: Mnweni Cultural Centre, Mnweni Valley Duration: at least 3 days Fitness: extremely difficult;