When is the best time to
visit the Drakensberg, in summer or winter?
The weather in Kwazulu
Natal is generally warm throughout the year. The Drakensberg
has with minimum temperatures of about 5 degrees in the winter at night with
average day temps of 20 degrees. The winter months are drier and therefore
a good time to view game because there is no tall grass making it easier to
see into the bush. For the lower laying areas the best weather is between
April to August which is warm with low humidity as opposed to the summer months
which can become very hot between December and March. Watch out for December
till early January. All schools in South Africa are on holiday and you may
find it difficult if you have not pre-booked accommodation.
Is Malaria a problem?
The Drakensberg has no malaria. Hluhluwe
and St Lucia are regarded as a low risk malaria area and it is only in the
summer months between November through end March that one should take extra
precautions against malaria. We suggest
that you consult your general practitioner to prescribe the recommended prophylactics
to suit you. Make sure you bring a anti mozi spray or lotion to put
on in the evenings when most mosquito activity occurs.
Do I need a four wheel drive
vehicle?
The roads from Durban
and Johannesburg
are exceptional, safe and well maintained. You don't really need a 4x4 unless
you are thinking about going to Lesotho
or driving specific 4x4 trails.
What clothing should we bring?
Defiantly bring at least one warm jacket like a fleece or wind breaker and
a light weight rain coat. Sandals are a
good item to have and a good pair of light weight walking shoes ( heavy
duty hiking boots are not necessary ). As far as clothing is concerned
bring shorts and t-shirts ( South Africa in general is very casual ) and some long
trousers and long sleeve light weight shirts for the evenings. Sunglasses
and a wide brim hat are especially recommended in the summer. Binoculars
are a must and don't forget your camera.
Where is the closest airport
for scheduled flights?
Durban or Johannesburg are the closest international airports. The
Drakensberg is 4 hours from Johannesburg and 2 hours from Durban. You can hire a car from either of theses airports
and enjoy a scenic drive to the mountains.
We have eight days to see the
best of Kwazulu - Natal, can you recommend an itinerary for us?
The best aspects of our province have to be the majestic Drakensberg
mountains, the magnificent beaches and warm Indian Ocean and the beauty
and diversity of the Zululand bushveld and St Lucia lakes. There is also
the rich cultural and fascinating history of the Battlefields area of
Isandhlwana and Rorke's Drift which is definitely worth a day for history
buffs.
Do South Africans like sport?
Yes South Africans are fanatical about most sports see South
African Sport article
Who needs to be contacted if you
get into trouble in the Drakensberg Mountains?
The Drakensberg Mountain Rescue
Unit
Is the Drakensberg a good
conference venue?
The Drakensberg and the Natal Midlands offers a wide range of
conference venues most also cater for accommodation. See our page on Drakensberg
conference venues. See our page on team
building in the Drakensberg