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Maloti-Drakensberg Park
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The Maloti-Drakensberg Park is a spectacular transboundary World Heritage site that unites the Maloti Mountains of Lesotho and the Drakensberg range of South Africa. Expanded in 2013 to include Lesotho's Sehlabathebe National Park, it protects a landscape of unparalleled beauty characterized by sheer basalt cliffs, hidden valleys, and golden sandstone arches. This highland region is the most important water catchment area for Southern Africa, feeding vital river systems. It has exceptional biodiversity, housing over 2,000 plant species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Culturally, the park is irreplaceable for its vast gallery of San rock art, depicting the spiritual beliefs and daily lives of the indigenous people over millennia. It also provides a crucial sanctuary for threatened alpine wildlife, most notably the endangered Cape Vulture and the rare Bearded Vulture.
- Location: Lesotho
- Top sights: uKhahlamba / Drakensberg Park · Maloti-Drakensberg Park
- Nearby: Mokhotlong (26 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 16 | 15 | 14 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 209 | 176 | 119 | 68 | 18 | 12 | 14 | 23 | 36 | 88 | 124 | 179 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The park is usually accessed through multiple established entry points along the border, connecting to main mountain routes. Visitors often start their journey from designated park gates which provide necessary orientation and permits.
Best season
Spring and autumn usually offer mild temperatures and clear visibility for expansive mountain panoramas. The summer months can be very wet, while winter brings extreme cold and sometimes heavy snowfall.
Terrain & paths
This World Heritage site encompasses vast, mountainous expanses with dramatic cliffs, gentle valleys, and a network of marked and unmarked trails. The terrain varies from easily walkable paths to challenging, trackless highlands.
What to bring
Comprehensive trekking gear, including layers for sudden weather changes and reliable rainwear, is of paramount importance. Detailed topographic maps, sun protection, and sufficient provisions are essential for longer treks.
Parking
Secure, designated parking areas are normally available at the main park entrances and visitor centers. It is strongly advised not to leave valuables visible in the car when setting off on multi-day hikes.
Safety
The high altitude can cause altitude sickness in some visitors; slow acclimatization is therefore advisable. Always inform someone of your planned route and be aware of the risk of flash floods in the valleys after heavy rains.
Time needed
A visit requires at least a full day to get a basic impression of the spectacular mountain scenery. However, multi-day trekking tours are the best way to truly experience the pristine nature and wildlife of the park.
Geography
Facts
- UNESCO World Heritage since 2000.
- Total area: 249,000 ha.
- Highest peak: Thabana Ntlenyana (3,482 m).
- Over 600 rock painting sites.
- Habitat for 300 bird species.
- Water catchment for the Orange River.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Maloti-Drakensberg Park (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is the park a World Heritage site?
Yes, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its nature and San rock paintings.
What activities can be done in the park?
Hiking, bird watching, fly fishing, and visiting historic cave paintings.
Are there dangerous animals?
There are snakes like the puff adder; hikers should always stay alert on the trails.
What is the weather like in summer?
Warm, but often with violent afternoon thunderstorms that can develop quickly.
Do I need a permit?
A fee must be paid at the entrances for entry and overnight stays in the park.
Maloti-Drakensberg Park: where is it located?
Maloti-Drakensberg Park is located in Lesotho.
Maloti-Drakensberg Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include uKhahlamba / Drakensberg Park, Maloti-Drakensberg Park.
Maloti-Drakensberg Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
Maloti-Drakensberg Park: why is it worth visiting?
The Maloti-Drakensberg Park is a spectacular transboundary World Heritage site that unites the Maloti Mountains of Lesotho and the Drakensberg range of South Africa.
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Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Mokhotlong Residency
The Mokhotlong Residency served as the most remote outpost of the British administration in Basutoland.
Sani Pass Border
A strategic trade route and high-altitude border crossing connecting Lesotho with South Africa.
Sani Pass Border Post
The border post at the top of Sani Pass is one of the highest in the world.
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Bushman's Nek
A border crossing point used primarily for small-scale trade and the exchange of agricultural goods between communities.
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Matebeng Pass
A challenging mountain pass connecting remote economic communities in the interior of the country.
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Namahali Pass
A historical trade route in the Maloti Mountains still used today for informal economic exchange and livestock movement.
Ramatseliso's Gate
A remote but economically important border crossing in the eastern mountainous region of the country.
Katse Botanical Garden
The highest botanical garden in Africa was established to rescue plants threatened by the Katse Dam.
Nature
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Mount Makheke
Mount Makheke is one of the highest peaks in the eastern highlands of Lesotho.
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Tlokoeng Wetlands
These high-altitude peatlands near Mokhotlong are critical for water regulation.
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Linakeng Wildlife Area
A vast, uninhabited area in eastern Lesotho providing habitat for antelope and rare mountain birds.
Polihali Reservoir
A massive dam project under Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project for water supply and power generation.
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Khubelu Headwaters
This pristine high-altitude valley is the source of the Khubelu River and hosts vital alpine wetlands and specialized bird species.
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Mamoheli Mountain
Mamoheli is a significant peak in the Thaba-Tseka District.
The Sentinel Peak
The Sentinel is a prominent rock tower at the northern tip of the Drakensberg escarpment, marking the border with South Africa.
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Pelaneng Wildlife Area
A remote area in the upper Malibamatso River basin known for its pristine nature.
More places
Black Mountain Pass
Black Mountain Pass, also known as Kotisephola Pass, is one of the highest road links near the South African border.
St James Mokhotlong
St James in Mokhotlong is a historic Anglican church considered the spiritual center of the highlands.
Sani Pass Alpine Zone
The summit plateau of the Sani Pass is a hotspot for alpine biodiversity.
St James Mission
St James is one of Lesotho's highest mission stations, located in the Mokhotlong district.
Mothae Mine
This highland mine is known for producing exceptionally large and valuable Type IIa diamonds.
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Sehonghong Shelter
Sehonghong is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southern Africa, showing occupation for 70,000 years.
Paray Mission
Paray Mission in Thaba-Tseka is a central health and education hub in the highlands.
Paray History
Paray is a major educational and health hub in Thaba-Tseka, developed by Catholic missionaries.