DRAKENSBERG, The Mountain Range of Southern Africa Drakensberg, the main mountain range of Southern Africa. The Drakensberg rises to more than 11,400 feet (3,475 metres) and extends roughly northeast to southwest for 700 miles (1,125 km) parallel to the southeastern coast of South Africa. Rock and cave art several thousands of years old has been found in the range. There are many game reserves and parks. In 2000 uKhahlamba/Drakensberg Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Drakensberg is part of the Great Escarpment and separates the extensive high plateaus of the South African interior from the lower lands along the coast. From its northeastern termination in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, the range extends through Lesotho to Eastern Cape province. The local Zulu name for the eastern face, Quathlamba, meaning “barrier of pointed spears” or “piled-up rocks,” is an accurate physical description of this part of the Drakensberg. Immediately below the steep scarps to the south and east are sandstone terraces with basalt outcrops and deep valleys running to the sea; this is an area of many game reserves and scenic national parks. The Drakensberg of Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal is snowcapped in winter. Mountaineering is challenging, and some peaks remain unclimbed because of difficult access. The natural tussock steppe is not farmed or developed, and this area is dotted with mountain resorts and camping grounds.
Posted on: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 13:22:48 +0000
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