The Maloti Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area folded into the Maloti and the Drakensberg mountains featuring more than 2 500 species of flora, the highest falls in southern Africa, home of the critically endangered bearded vulture, one of the finest outdoor galleries of rock paintings in the world, some of the most important dinosaur remains on earth, kingdoms, natural fortresses, ancestral rituals, mountain pools, hiking, pony trekking, abseiling the Maletsunyane Falls, rock climbing, ice climbing and skiing. To be present amidst such diversity and majesty is to feel more alive than ever. 
The Maloti Drakensberg Transfrontier Consefvation Area straddles the borders of South Africa and Lesotho and includes the Maloti and Drakensberg Mountain ranges. It encompasses the Ukhahlamba World Heritage Site, Golden Gate National Park, Qwa Qwa National Park, Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve in South Africa and Sehlabathebe National Park, Tsehlanyane Nature Reserve, Bokong Nature Reserve and Lets’eng–la–Letsie wetlands in Lesotho. 
To be in the presence of such grandeur is to feel both humbled and blessed... Natural Attractions, Activities, Highlights of Maloti Drakensberg. Click the headings below to view information. The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park was declared a World Heritage Site due to its globally significant biodiversity and cultural heritage – one of the few World Heritage Sites with dual status. A massive natural Amphitheatre to the north, hewn in rock by the weathering of ages. In the centre, Cathedral Peak rising to the heavens. And Giant’s Castle, the majestic, mountainous home of the Drakensberg San rock paintings. In the south, the legendary and precipitous Sani Pass and Rhino Peak, icons of the southern Drakensberg. The imposing peaks of the Drakensberg stand like a barrier of spears (the meaning of the Zulu word uKhahlamba). They are the highest mountains of the Great Escarpment of southern Africa, rising to 3 000 metres or more in places.
The oldest nature reserve in Lesotho, this park is remote and rugged, with an average elevation of 2 400 metres. Sehlabathebe is characterised by impressive sandstone rock formations that project from the grasslands and the mountains. The Orange River, whose source can be found in the highlands of Lesotho, flows through the park on its long journey west to the sea.
When Gondwanaland broke apart nearly 180 million years ago, volcanic eruptions deposited thick layers of liquid basalt over southern Africa. Most of the Kingdom of Lesotho currently stands on this layer of rock, although much of it has eroded. The Maletsunyane Falls, in the Lesotho Highlands, are spectacular. Cutting into the very thick lava layer, they drop a dramatic 196 metres and are considered to be the highest falls in southern Africa.
This spectacular mountain road is a well-known entry point into Lesotho from the southern Drakensberg in South Africa. Aptly called the “Roof of Africa”, it is the highest road in Africa and third highest in the world and peaks at a heady 3 200 metres above sea level. Close to the Sani Pass summit is the highest peak in southern Africa, Thabane Ntlenyana, at 3 482 metres.
Rock Art: The unique and inspiring rock art of the Maloti- Drakensberg makes this region one of the finest outdoor galleries in the world. Stand in awe of the range of colours and skilful techniques of the San painters, rarely seen in rock paintings found elsewhere. The availability of some 45 000 images in 2 000 sites is unrivalled anywhere in the world.
Basotho Nation: The Kingdom of Lesotho is populated mostly by the Basotho people, famous for their beautiful woven blankets and woven cone-shaped grass hats. The blanket is made from thick wool to suit the harsh weather conditions of this mountainous Kingdom. The Basotho hat, known as a Mokorotlo, has become a national symbol. Its shape is said to represent the Qiloane Mountain near Thaba Bosiu, the natural fortress of the founder of the Basotho nation, King Moshoeshoe I, who unified a number of smaller southern Sotho clans at the beginning of the nineteenth century.
The sheer ruggedness of the Maloti-Drakensberg attracts adventurous types to the extreme demands of this beautiful but challenging mountain wilderness. Abseil the Maletsunyane Falls, rock climb in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, ice climb in the Giant’s Castle area and ski at the Tiffindell ski resort and at Afri-Ski Leisure Kingdom in Lesotho.
Pony trekking: A fantastic way to experience the beauty of the Maloti-Drakensberg region. The Kingdom of Lesotho is famous for its sure-footed ponies that will take you deep into the heart of this rugged terrain. Take day trails or overnight rides and experience traditional cultures first-hand through local guides and hosts.
Hiking: An extremely popular activity, the allure of hiking in this mountain range lies in its towering peaks, deep valleys, clear streams, narrow gorges and crystal-clear mountain pools. Take a leisurely valley ramble or embark upon strenuous high-altitude treks and overnight hikes.
Fly-Fishing: The Maloti-Drakensberg Mountains are a fly fisher’s dream. The clean, cold mountain streams and dams ensure ideal conditions for yellowfish and trout.
Bird Watching: From majestic raptors to exquisite little thrushes and pipits, there are over 350 bird species that call the Maloti-Drakensberg home – some of them found nowhere else in the world. This spectacular mountain region contains a multitude of habitats – from high altitude alpine sites to grassy ridges and forested rivers in the foothills – giving rise to a great diversity of birdlife.
The Maloti-Drakensberg is a world of botanical opulence, an Eden of beautiful and rare plants, at least 16 percent of which occur nowhere else in the world. Its wooded valleys, grassy slopes and high summits harbour in excess of 2 500 species of flora. This is more than the native flora of Switzerland or Germany and double that of Britain.
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