Ukhhlamba Darkensberg Park South Africa
WEDNESDAY, 25 AUGUST 2010
There are plentiful attractions in South Africa, drawing millions of tourists each year, more business, trade and cheap flights to South Africa with low cost airlines contributing a big chunk in the capital revenue of the country. Out of the many, our pick is “The Darkenberg Mountains” of South Africa or Ukhahlamba. It is a 200 km long mountainous wonderland and World Heritage Site. Combining sheer natural beauty with a wealth of biological diversity, this 243,000 hectare region known as Ukhahlamba Darkensberg Park has been preserved and venerated for eons since the San people or bushmen roamed these slopes. It is also one of South Africa's prime eco-tourist destinations. It offers scenic beauty, great hiking and a spiritual atmosphere.
The Ukhahlamba Darkensberg park site's diversity of habitats protects a high level of endemic and globally threatened species, especially birds and plants. It is home to aquatic, forest, scrub, fynbos, savannah, mountain grassland and heath plant families. Of the 2153 plant species in the park, a remarkably 98 are endemic or near endemic. The park is also home to 299 recorded bird species- an astonishing 37% of all non-marine avian species in South Africa.
This Darkensberg nature reserve is incredibly scenic and perfect for photography. From the highest peaks and majestic amphitheatre to high altitude grasslands, the Tugela Falls and picturesque foothills, each aspect changes with the seasons and time of day.
The Darkensberg is rich in cultural heritage. This spectacular natural site contains many caves and rock – shelters with the largest and most concentrated group of paintings in Africa south of Sahara, made by the San people over a period of 4000 years. The paintings have a documentary aspect, showing the San interacting with one another and their environment. Hunting scenes are common. The subject-matter changed with the arrival of the settlers from the north and the colonizers from Europe. Some 20 000 paintings in 500 caves and overhangs have been recorded in the park.
A wealth of recreational activities matches with the scenic splendor around you. There are mountains which must be conquered. The fearless may choose to try sheer rock or ice climbing- or they may prefer the adrenaline rush provided by abseiling, white water rafting or taking a helicopter ride to view the Darkensberg mountains from above. There are also magnificently laid out day walks from all the major camps, the self-guided Giants Cup Hiking Trail and mountain biking. Tourists’ fishing is another major activity.
The Ukhahlamba Darkenberg Tourism infrastructure includes a good range of accommodation facilities from country hotels to camping sites.
Source: www.prlog.org
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