uKhahlamba Drakensberg

The Drakensberg Escarpment of South Africa is one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes. Known by the Zulus as uKhahlamba, the Barrier of Spears, the escarpment hosts colossal cliffs, jagged ridges and the world’s second highest waterfall, Tugela.
The watershed of the Drakensberg forms a border with the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. The route we backpacked made its way through these rolling hills before emerging at the end of the day to spectacular views. The area is farmed by local Basotho shepherds, usually teenage boys, who look after sheep, goats, cows and donkeys. The Drakensberg is also the source of many of South Africa’s great rivers - rainfall here is critical to communities around the country. In the summer months clouds bubble up in the morning and by the afternoon thunderstorms crash around the surrounding peaks.
This footage was captured on a 9-day unsupported hike through the area with two friends, Hougaard and Steve, and a guide. Our route took us from the Amphitheatre to Rockeries, down Mweni Pass and up Fangs Pass before returning to where we started. With 70% of the oxygen at sea level and 32kg of camping kit, food and camera gear, the hike was challenging but made enjoyable by excellent weather and inspiring scenery.
The track ‘uKhahlamba Drakensberg’ is performed by Insingizi and produced by Kurt Adametz. Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/track/7GebV1...
Come, let's walk up to the mountains
Where the pastures are sweet
The Barrier of Spears, Drakensberg
Let's go there, Drakensberg

[@dominiclester3232]

Super👏👏

[@zweninkabinde2887]

The most beautiful place in the world in my opinion. I know I haven't been to many places in my lifetime, but what could be more beautiful...

[@ggstylz]

Masterpiece!

[@user-br9xu7rz6f]

Природазавораживает!!!!💖💖💖💖

[@spicesjrthesouthafricancul9634]

There's no place like uKhahlamba Drakensberg. The San's artworks, the chain ladder, Tugela Falls. (It really is nature's paradise.)

[@ezy_blnks5467]

Real cool

[@greatbriton8425]

Amazing

[@NicolasAlexanderOtto]

Even better after having seen all these places in person!

[@alexnail]

Almost! Still a few to tick off - Icidi, above the Pinnacles, down in Fangs!

[@ronin-Jedi]

Dankie, I miss home, such a beautiful place, each year I am away my heart tears a little more. I miss my Suid-Afrika.

[@janretiefbaard933]

Pelsier

[@Kashmiran100]

Fantastic.

[@hikingsouthafrica824]

Magnificent!

[@jdwelman5849]

Incredibly well done Alex!!

[@alexnail]

Thanks JD!

[@threetreehilllodge]

Great imagery - well done Alex!!

[@MisterLevius]

absolutely incredible job!

[@allanallaway5218]

very good

[@jorgefalconjr]

What was your favorite part of the hike? I’m looking to hike and photograph Fangs pass

[@alexnail]

Fangs pass is an extremely challenging hike so you should only do it if you are pretty fit and ideally have some experience. You probably want to go with a group unless you really know what you are doing. I’ve only done it once as part of a long hike where we came down Mnweni Pass and then back up Fangs.
The best view in the Drakensberg is certainly the Mbundini Abbey/Fangs Pass

[@ZeroControl]

I love the footage and would like to ask permission to show a few clips in a video I am making about the landscape of Lesotho. My video will be about how The Kingdom in The Sky, was shaped in the ancient past. From a great plateau, into mountains, and valleys, to plains. If ok, just let me know in the comments. Thanks

[@imr44n]

Correction - Now world's highest waterfall

[@alexnail]

Yeah, but it just depends on how you measure and who you ask. It’s a looong way off the biggest single drop which is the only totally consistent way to decide.