Maloti-Drakensberg Park, Natural and cultural heritage site in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and Southern Lesotho.
Maloti-Drakensberg Park spans across two countries and features dramatic mountain ranges, deep valleys, and open grasslands with peaks exceeding 3,400 meters. The landscape includes numerous hiking paths that connect through various access points where visitors can begin their journeys.
UNESCO designated this place as World Heritage in 2000, recognizing its importance for conservation, with major expansions added later to protect additional territories. This international recognition marked a turning point in efforts to preserve the natural and cultural resources found here.
The rock art throughout this land was created by San people over centuries and depicts animals, human figures, and spiritual symbols that reveal how they understood the world. Visitors walking past these galleries can see how deeply connected these communities were to the mountains and wildlife around them.
Several entry points provide access to hiking routes, and nearby towns offer accommodation ranging from basic camping to mountain lodges. Prepare for changing mountain weather and bring proper footwear and equipment for outdoor activities.
This land holds specialized mountain ecosystems that support plant species found nowhere else on Earth. These habitats are essential homes for rare birds like bearded vultures that depend on these high-altitude landscapes.
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