Table of Contents
What type of a mountain is Drakensberg?
A map of South Africa shows the central plateau edged by the Great Escarpment and its relationship to the Cape Fold Mountains to the south. The portion of the Great Escarpment shown in red is known as the Drakensberg….
| Drakensberg | |
|---|---|
| Geology | |
| Type of rock | Basalt and Quartzite |
Where are Drakensberg Mountains?
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.
How are Drakensberg mountains formed?
The Drakensberg Group was formed approximately 182 million years ago during the early Jurassic period. Rifting tectonics in response to the breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana are believed to have been the cause for the formation of the Drakensberg Group.
Why is it called Drakensberg?
The “Drakensberg” – derived from the Afrikaans name, “Drakensberg” meaning “Dragon Mountains” is the name given to the Eastern Portion of the Great Escarpment. Most South Africans speak of the Drakensberg when they are in fact referring to the Great Escarpment (this forms the border between Lesotho and KZN).
Why is Drakensberg important?
The mountains protect rolling grasslands and endemic species, and are critically important in their role as a massive water catchments area. It was for these reasons that the Drakensberg Mountains were declared a World Heritage Site (natural and cultural) in 2000.
What can you do in Drakensberg?
1 – DRIVE THE SANI PASS TO LESOTHO.
Which city is Drakensberg?
With the Drakensberg Mountain Range as its backdrop, and about 180 kilometres from the capital city of KwaZulu-Natal Province, Durban, lies the holiday hotspot of Glengarry. This places it in some of the prettiest countryside of South Africa.
How big is the Drakensberg in South Africa?
The crisp mountain air and the clear sunshine of KwaZulu-Natal also play their part in creating a very special space for visitors to South Africa and locals alike. Within the Drakensberg of KwaZulu-Natal lies the 243 000 hectare mountain region that is also a world heritage site, known as Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park Park.
How did the Drakensberg mountain range get its name?
The Drakensberg forms the eastern section of the Great Escarpment which borders the Central Plateau of Southern Africa. Thanks to its unique formation and distinctive structure, the range’s name translates to Dragon’s Mountains in Afrikaans and Barrier Of Spears in Zulu.
Which is the best way to get to Drakensberg?
Equidistant from Johannesburg and Durban, the pretty little town of Bergville, also known as the gateway to the Northern Drakensberg, lies on Route 74 – the more scenic alternative to the Toll Road. This route takes you via the Oliviershoek Pass, trad…
Where did the name Drakensberge come from in Afrikaans?
The Afrikaans name Drakensberge comes from the name the earliest Dutch settlers to the region gave it. They called them the Drakensbergen, or “Mountains of Dragons”.