Drakensbergen

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The Drakensbergen is a chain of mountains in South Africa, reaching up to 3482 meters and thus the highest in the country. The mountain range lies in the east of South Africa and extends over a length of 1000 kilometers from the southwest to the northeast, with a bend to the northwest that forms the border between Lesotho and South Africa. On the west side the rivers Oranje and Vaal run and on the east and south side several smaller rivers, including the Tugela.

The mountain range separates the provinces KwaZulu-Natal and Free State. In the winter there is regular snow. Rain and fog occur throughout the year. The highest peak is Thabana Ntlenyana (3482 meters). Other important peaks are Mafadi (3250 meters), Makoaneng (3416 meters), Champagne Castle (3377 meters), Giant's Castle (3315 meters) and Ben Macdhui (3001 meters). All these high peaks lie in the border area with Lesotho that attracts the most tourists. To the north of Lesotho, the mountain range is slowly becoming lower and more accessible. In the sandstone layer are caves, many of which are provided with rock paintings made by the San tribe.

These were the first inhabitants who lived in the Drakensberg-mountains and were totally driven away when the (European) settlers came on the scene. The area served as a background for the film Zulu, many books and countless postcards.

There is virtually no public transport in the Drakensbergen; if you are traveling without a car, it is best to travel to "Thokozisa" where you can take a bus (if you are lucky) or else you can hitchhike (there is also an info center there).

Ikosana lodge - Thokosiza - Winterton: there is sometimes a van driving between the first two mentioned; it may take 15 to 20 minutes (13km) and costs 13R. Between Thokosiza and Winterton you have to be lucky that there is room in the van to pick you up. This ride also takes about 15 to 20 minutes and also costs 13R.

• Name: Inkosana lodge

Price: 125R (camping)

Phone nr. : 036 468 1202

Website: www.inkosana.co.za

Content:

Located on the R600 leading to Monk's Cowl this must be one of the best backpackers places in South Africa. After a long driveway there is the main building with a large public space, dormitories and a very well stocked kitchen. Breakfast and dinner can be provided as well as many activities. There is free WIFI and free coffee and tea. By means of a small walk through the large garden you come to an open place where you can camp.

Here is also the large round natural swimming pool that gives a beautiful view of the mountain in the distance. Here is a second kitchen located which is also fully equipped. A little further are 6 private cabins that you can rent. Edmund and his wife do everything they can to make you feel at home here, which is guaranteed.

From Monk's Cowl in the National Park you can make various walks; you pay the entrance fee (40R) at the "KZN" office and register (let your hostel know where you're going and when you think about being back). Two walks are popular; one takes about 5 to 6 hours (1) and the other takes 3 hours (2).

You almost go left from the house. The start of this hike is uphill and takes you in about an hour to "the Sphinx" which is a small waterfall. Here it is still a lot uphill with beautiful views. Then you reach a large surface where you switch the "Breakfast Stream". In both places you can also pour new water into your waterbottles. If you continue for another half an hour you will arrive at the intersection with Keartland's Pass; you can continue here for half an hour to Blind Man's Corner.

If you want to watch a large mountain range then walk for an hour to Old Eland Fence which you have to walk the same way. You walk back to the earlier intersection and then you go down – here its’ quite steep. After two hours of descent you end up at the intersection with "Nandi waterfalls", after which it will be another half hour

until you are back at the "KZN" house. Write your name down here and how late you came back. This walk is about 12 km long.

The other hike is not to the left but straight to Nandi waterfalls. You keep to the left on the way back and walk along the river to the "Sterkspruit" waterfalls. This walk is mostly flat and is about 8 km long.

TIPS:

• Take headgear because the sun can be deceptively hot;
• Take enough water (you can fill your bottles safely with every stream);
• Take something to eat because you consume a lot of energy;
• Take warm clothes with you - the weather in the mountains can change quickly;
• Take a (mobile) phone and a flashlight to be sure
• Let people know which route you are going to walk;
• If you are anxious, do not walk alone - you can walk "easily" alone here (you won’t get lost so easily) - the route is
• well marked and not too difficult;
• If you are not sure, start early at the day so that people walk behind you and can help you.