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The top 4 flower spots of the
uKhalhamba-Drakensberg National Park
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Hannes du Preez of Phumba Tours shares his experience |
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Around 450 to 650 different species of flowers can be seen in full bloom along the Drakensberg between the months of September to March.
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1: The Royal National Park |
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Particularly the top of the Amphitheatre. This area should be visited during December to March. When the richly coloured splendour of Alpine flowers unfolds most abundantly. Approximately 100 to 200 species can be seen. Most abundant species: Moraea, Erica, Watsonia & Brunsvigia in Nov-Dec, and Nerine during March. Protea lower down the mountain during October to December. The area is accessible from Harrismith or Oliviershoek Pass via the Golden Gate road. Turn off onto the Witsieshoek-Qwa-qwa road and follow the signs to Witsieshoek. This will take you right to base of the sentinel on the top of the Amphitheatre.
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Royal National Park (above) and Giants Castle (right)
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2:Giants Castle
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Probably the best area to visit. Up to 400 Alpine and sub alpine species can be seen during October to March. Most abundant and spectacular species: Protea, Senicio & Watsonia during Nov-Jan / Moraea & Brunsvigia Dec- Jan /and Gladiola and Hesperantha during March. Remarkable the different species of Disa & other orchids during March. The area is accessible on the N3 from Estcourt or from Mooirivier. The reserve is well signposted.
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3:Didima - Mikes pass
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Didima Gorge along this pass is a fine example of a river valley that has incised deep into the mountain range creating a wide diversity of habitats within close proximity. Sub alpine habitats tower above warm temperate ones. Most abundant species : Green Berg Lily, Protea & Watsonia during Jan-Feb / Gladiola during Dec- Jan and Hesperantha during March. Approximately 150 - 250 species can be seen. The area is accessible from the South via the R10 Winterton road as well as from the R 74 Winterton/ Bergville road. From the North on the R 74 Bergville road. Follow the signs to Cathedral Peak. Once there, you will find that Mikes Pass is well signposted.
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Didima in the Cathedral Peak area (above) and The Sani Pass (right)
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4:Sani Pass |
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The jewel of the Southern Berg is excellent for alpine and sub alpine species throughout summer. Best during Nov-Feb. Most abundant and spectacular species: Watsonia, Protea, Giant White Anemone, Agaphantus, Arum lily, Eucomis, Rabbit's Ears & macowania during Oct-Jan / Red-hot Pokers & Gladiola during Feb-Mar. Accessible from the N3 at Howick, take the R617 to Underberg. From Underberg take the turn off to Himeville and from Himeville take the D7 and then follow the sign posts to Sani Pass.
Phumba Tours
Mountain Magic of the Drakensberg and Lesotho Highlands (8 day Tour). This tour is about awakening to the fact that plants may differ with every fold of the mountain, with every change in altitude, drainage and rock type, from one valley or peak to the next, clinging to cracks in rock faces, taking hold in basalt gravels or floating in shallow rock pools on the summit. At the conclusion of the tour you will realize that the smallest flower in the smallest cranny of the precipice is as much part of the unique berg experience as the achievement of scaling its tallest peaks. Please contact: Hannes du Preez at telephone number: 035 753 3677 / 083 469 1181 or on e-mail : hannes@destinationrsa.co.za
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