Drakensberg, South Africa. The highest mountain range in South Africa, meaning the Dragon Mountains in Afrikaans, rises to 3,482 m (11,424 ft) height. Due to its geological history, the mountains are truly unique compared to other mountain ranges. The rock paintings in Drakensberg also provide a lot of interesting discoveries for the scientists, who explore human nature.
The rocky peaks and green valleys are the result of billions of years of formation. The oldest rocks can be observed in Wit Umfolozi, Old Baldy in Valley of 1000 Hills and Kloof Gorge, as well as other sediments from various periods. Over the centuries Drakensberg got covered with soil, which attracted fauna and people – the terrain became liveable.
The Bushmen, also referred as San people, inhabited the area and developed their culture. They expressed their lifestyle as hunters on the rocks. Some paintings are as old as 14 000 years old and other evidence prove that the bushmen might have already lived here 100 000 years ago. This suggests that this art form originated from Africa, not Europe. The San people pictured not only the hunting scenes: mysterious paintings of half people half animals imply religious practices and is a sort of investigation for the scientists, anthropologists and art researchers.
There are plenty of activities to do in Drakensberg. More experienced tourists can climb the peaks or go abseiling, or white water rafting in Orange or Tugela River. Hikers can approach the area by choosing from many trails. You can also have a helicopter tour and see the mountains from above. The rock paintings and archeological sites are open for the tourists. The Drakensberg mountains are a world heritage site and indeed a place to see in your lifetime.
Photo by Marnus van der Merwe
Photo by Aadil Adam
Photo by Carl Smorenburg
Photo by Carl Smorenburg
Photo by Carl Smorenburg
Photo by Carl Smorenburg
Photo by Daleen Loest
Photo by Dom Wills
Photo by Hougaard Malan
Photo by Joseph Szalapski
Photo by Joseph Szalapski
Photo by Cal Redback
Photo by Lionel du Plessis
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
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