Africa is home to several impressive mountain ranges, each with its own unique characteristics and significance. From the rugged beauty of the Atlas Mountains to the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori, these natural wonders offer breathtaking views and rich biodiversity. This article is devoted to the mountain ranges of South Africa.
The first and foremost line of defense for any place is the ranges that cover it from everywhere! The ranges that are guarding a country are also the ones which are generating the foreign revenue by becoming the hub of tourists: this is one of the most sought after aspects by the visitors traveling to a particular country. When visiting South Africa, one gets the same feeling while witnessing the mountain ranges. This article is devoted to such mountain ranges, which are not only guiding the vast country of South Africa but are also making the place very good to see and visit, generating the foreign exchange and being proved very helpful for the country!
Here are some of the most spectacular mountain ranges in South Africa:
1. Drakensberg Mountains
South Africa’s Drakensberg, meaning “Dragon Mountains,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stretching for more than 600 miles (1,000km) from the Eastern Cape in the south to Mpumalanga in the north, the amazing mountain run features waterways and streams, sheer bluffs, pointed mountain tops and an assortment of endemic widely varied vegetation.
The Drakensberg (Zulu: uKhahlamba, Sotho: Maloti, Afrikaans: Drakensberge) is the eastern portion of the Great Escarpment, which encloses the central Southern African plateau. The Drakensberg escarpment stretches for more than 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) from the Eastern Cape Province in the South, then successively forms, in order from south to north, the border between Lesotho and the Eastern Cape and the border between Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal Province. Thereafter it forms the border between KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State, and next as the border between KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga Province.
Read also: Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority
The escarpment winds north from there, through Mpumalanga, where it includes features such as the Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondavels, and God's Window. It then extends farther north to Hoedspruit in southeastern Limpopo where it is known as 'Klein Drakensberg' by the Afrikaner. From Hoedspruit it extends west to Tzaneen, also in Limpopo Province, where it is known as the Wolkberg Mountains and Iron Crown Mountain. At 2,200 m (7,200 ft) above sea level, the Wolkberg is the highest elevation in Limpopo.
The Afrikaans name Drakensberge comes from the name the earliest Dutch settlers gave to the escarpment, namely Drakensbergen, or Dragons' Mountains. The Great Escarpment is composed of steep rift valley walls formed around a bulging of continental crust during the breakup of southern Gondwana that have since eroded inland from their original positions near the southern African coast, and its entire eastern portion constitutes the Drakensberg.
The Drakensberg terminate in the north near Tzaneen at about the 22° S parallel. The absence of the Great Escarpment for approximately 450 km (280 mi) to the north of Tzaneen (to reappear on the border between Zimbabwe and Mozambique in the Chimanimani Mountains) is due to a failed westerly branch of the main rift that caused Antarctica to start drifting away from southern Africa during the breakup of Gondwana about 150 million years ago.
During the past 20 million years, southern Africa has experienced massive uplifting, especially in the east, with the result that most of the plateau lies above 1,000 m (3,300 ft) despite extensive erosion. The plateau is tilted such that it is highest in the east and slopes gently downward toward the west and south. Typically, the elevation of the edge of the eastern escarpments is in excess of 2,000 m (6,600 ft).
The KwaZulu-Natal - Free State Drakensberg are composed of softer rocks and therefore have a more rounded, softer appearance from below. Generally, the top of the escarpment is almost table-top flat and smooth, even in Lesotho. The "Lesotho Mountains" are formed away from the Drakensberg escarpment by erosion gulleys which turn into deep valleys containing tributaries of the Orange River.
Read also: Discover Thula Thula
The higher parts of Drakensberg have a mildly periglacial environment. Knight and Grab mapped out the distribution of lightning strikes in the Drakensburg and discovered that lightning significantly controls the evolution of the mountain landscapes because it helps to shape the summit areas - the highest areas - with this blasting effect.
The geological composition of Drakensberg (escarpment wall) varies considerably along its more than 1000 km length. The Limpopo and Mpumalanga Drakensberg are capped by an erosion resistant quartzite layer that is part of the Transvaal Supergroup, which also forms the Magaliesberg to the north and northwest of Pretoria. These rocks are more than 2000 million years old.
The Ecca and Beaufort groups are composed of sedimentary rocks that are less erosion resistant than the other rocks that make up the Drakensberg escarpment. Therefore, this portion of escarpment is not so impressive as the Mpumalanga and Lesotho stretches of the Drakensberg.
The highest peak is Thabana Ntlenyana, at 3,482 m (11,424 ft). Other notable peaks include Mafadi (3,450 m (11,319 ft)), Makoaneng at 3,416 metres (11,207 ft), Njesuthi at 3,408 metres (11,181 ft), Champagne Castle at 3,377 metres (11,079 ft), Giant's Castle at 3,315 metres (10,876 ft), Ben Macdhui at 3,001 metres (9,846 ft), and Popple Peak at 3,331 metres (10,928 ft), all of these are in the area bordering on Lesotho, which contains an area popular for hikers, Cathedral Peak.
North of Lesotho the range becomes lower and less rugged until entering Mpumalanga where the quartzite mountains of the Transvaal Drakensberg are loftier and more broken and they form the eastern rim of the Transvaal Basin, the Blyde River Canyon lying within this stretch.
Read also: Traditional South African Bread
These steep slopes are the most southerly high mountains in Africa, and being farther from the equator provide cooler habitats at lower elevations than most mountain ranges on the continent. These mountains also have the world's highest waterfall, the Tugela Falls (Thukela Falls), which has a total drop of 947 m (3,107 ft) (Venezuela's Angel Falls is also a candidate for highest waterfall).
One bird is endemic to the high peaks, the mountain pipit (Anthus hoeschi), and another six species are found mainly here: Bush blackcap (Lioptilus nigricapillus), buff-streaked chat (Oenanthe bifasciata), Rudd's lark (Heteromirafra ruddi), Drakensberg rockjumper (Chaetops aurantius), yellow-breasted pipit (Anthus chloris), and Drakensberg siskin (Serinus symonsi). The endangered Cape vulture and lesser kestrel are two of the birds of prey that hunt in the mountains.
Mammals include klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus), eland (Taurotragus oryx), and mountain reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula). Other endemic species include three frogs found in the mountain streams, Drakensberg river frog (Amietia dracomontana), Phofung river frog (Amietia vertebralis), and Maluti river frog (Amietia umbraculata).
The lower slopes of the Drakensberg support much wildlife, perhaps most importantly the rare southern white rhinoceros (which was nurtured here when facing extinction) and the black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou, which as of 2011 only thrives in protected areas and game reserves). The area is home to large herds of grazing fauna and antelopes such as eland (Taurotragus oryx), reedbuck (Redunca arundinum), mountain reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula), grey rhebok (Pelea capreolus), and even some oribi (Ourebia ourebi). Chacma baboons also are present.
Endemic species include a large number of chameleons and other reptiles.
There are numerous caves in the easily eroded sandstone of Clarens Formation, the layer below the thick, hard basalt layer on the KwaZulu Natal-Lesotho border. Many of these caves have paintings by the San (Bushmen). Some 20,000 individual rock paintings have been recorded at 500 different caves and overhanging sites between the Drakensberg Royal Natal National Park and Bushman's Nek.
The Drakensberg is important for the South African water supply. It forms part of the easternmost part of the Great Escarpment and feeds the Orange River, while serving as South Africa’s main watershed.
The Drakensberg is also home to the largest concentrated group of San rock paintings in southern Africa, which are outstanding in quality and diversity of subject. Dotted along the range are about 600 rock art sites, with thousands of images painted by the nomadic San people, which date back about 4000 years! Other artworks, which are traced to the 19th and 20th Century are accredited to the Bantu.
The Drakensberg region is stunning all year round, with a relatively moderate climate due to its high elevation. As winter creeps in, the peaks are dusted with snow as temperatures average about 20 degrees during the day.
The Drakensberg is home to a variety of antelope, including Eland, Reedbuck, Grey Rhebok, and Oribi. Along with the animal population, the Drakensberg is renowned for its incredible wild flower scene. Over 2000 plant species can be found, with nearly 100 of those being endemic or near-endemic.
The Drakensberg offers its visitors a broad selection of activities, catering to young and old, adventurous spirits and those simply looking for a break from the business of life. Most popular are the hiking trails. The milder hikes include Rainbow Gorge, Injisuthi Battle Cave Walk and Sugar Loaf, which are not only more easy-going, but are also quite affordable, at R30 to R70. Giant’s Cup Trail and the famous Amphitheatre Hike are a lot more work and take roughly seven hours to complete. Icidi Gorge is a 3-day nature experience. Although it is a lot more physically demanding than other treks in the Drakensberg, it pays off with the viewpoints it boasts as well as features you pass, like the silvery Tugela Falls. Mnweni Pass ad Rockeries Pass takes you through the most isolated parts of the Drakensberg, which, for thinking and getting some peace, is ideal.
Who first gave these mountains their Afrikaans or Dutch name Drakensberg, and why, is unknown.
Much of the higher South African parts of the range have been designated as game reserves or wilderness areas. 7% of the Drakensberg alti-montane grasslands and woodlands ecoregion is in protected areas. Of these the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park was listed by UNESCO in 2000 as a World Heritage site.
The Royal Natal National Park, which contains some of the higher peaks, is part of this large park complex. The grassland of the lower slopes has been greatly affected by agriculture, however, especially by overgrazing. Nearly all of the original grassland and forest has disappeared and more protection is needed, although the Giant's Castle reserve is a haven for the eland and also is a breeding ground for the bearded vulture. 5.81% of the Drakensberg montane grasslands, woodlands and forests ecoregion is in protected areas.
Here is a table summarising the key peaks in the Drakensberg Mountains:
| Peak Name | Elevation (m) | Elevation (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Thabana Ntlenyana | 3,482 | 11,424 |
| Mafadi | 3,450 | 11,319 |
| Makoaneng | 3,416 | 11,207 |
| Njesuthi | 3,408 | 11,181 |
| Champagne Castle | 3,377 | 11,079 |
| Giant's Castle | 3,315 | 10,876 |
| Ben Macdhui | 3,001 | 9,846 |
| Popple Peak | 3,331 | 10,928 |
These peaks offer a variety of hiking and climbing experiences, attracting adventurers from around the world.
View of the Drakensberg Mountains
2. Table Mountain
Table Mountain is Cape Town’s most iconic mountain range, providing a stunning backdrop to the city and its many beaches. A five-minute cable car ride to the top grants magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean and the sprawling city.
The Table Mountain range is a protected site within the Table Mountain National Park as it boasts over 2,000 species of indigenous fynbos, magical Afromontane forest and a variety of bird and animal species. The park also lends itself to a variety of outdoor activities, including peaceful nature walks, hiking, abseiling, and paragliding.
View of Table Mountain
Watch this video to explore the beauty of Table Mountain
Welcome to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
3. Magaliesberg Mountains
The Magaliesberg mountains are among the most established on the planet, around multiple times more seasoned than Everest. They stretch for 120km from east Pretoria to Rustenburg in the west, separating the highveld meadows from the bushveld savannah in the north.
The mountain features sheer quartzite cliffs, deep gullies formed by water runoff, some more than 100 meters deep, magnificent kloofs, and perennial waterfalls that flow into sparkling pools.
The mountains are popular with hikers, rock climbers and picnickers who visit the protected site to seek sanctuary from the stress of city life.
View of Magaliesberg Mountains
4. Cederberg Mountains
The Cederberg Mountains and Wilderness area are situated three hours from Cape Town near the town of Clanwilliam. They are known for their dramatic, sandstone formations, and ancient San rock art.
The magnificent Wilderness area encompasses 71,000 hectares of rugged, mountainous terrain, making it a top hiking and rock climbing spot in the Western Cape. Another World Heritage Site, the Cederberg forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom and is covered in mountain fynbos, including the laurel protea, the red disa and the famous rooibos plant from which rooibos tea is produced.
The area is also rich in wildlife. Ecotourism is quite big in the Cederberg, drawing out-of-towners to the region’s many camping sites and chalets.
The area is also popular for hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and fishing, and there are several 4×4 routes for adventure lovers.
View of Cederberg Mountains
5. Amatola Mountains
The Amatola are a range of densely forested mountains situated in the Eastern Cape. The Xhosa people named the range ‘amatole’, meaning ‘calves’, as it resembles a herd of young cattle grazing in the grasslands.
At 1,800 meters above sea level, the Amatola Mountains are famous for their scenic beauty characterized by lush forests, deep ravines, spectacular waterfalls and panoramic views. Nearby towns include King William’s Town, East London, Stutterheim and Hogsback, the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
The Amatola Mountains are home to the Sandile Heritage Route, a tourism initiative that follows the lives of Xhosa kings in the region, and the Amathole Trail - a six-day hiking trail recognized as one of the best in the country.
View of Amatola Mountains
