A vast mountain sanctuary bridging two nations and preserving ancient human history

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Spanning over 8,000 square kilometres across Lesotho and South Africa, the Maloti-Drakensberg Park is more than a rugged wilderness. It is a transfrontier peace park protecting rare alpine ecosystems and the world's most extensive collection of San rock art, offering a unique window into both natural and human heritage.

Established on 11 June 2001, the Maloti-Drakensberg Park represents a collaborative conservation effort between the Kingdom of Lesotho and South Africa. The site was created by linking the Sehlabathebe National Park in Lesotho with the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park in the KwaZulu-Natal province. This massive protected area, known as the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation and Development Area, covers approximately 8,113 square kilometres, with 64% of the land situated within Lesotho and 36% in South Africa.

The park is defined by the Drakensberg Mountains, which contain the highest elevations in the sub-region, including Thaba Ntlenyana, a peak reaching 3,482 metres. These high-altitude landscapes support distinct montane and sub-alpine ecosystems. These environments are globally significant for their biodiversity, hosting unique habitats that sustain high levels of plant and animal endemism. Because of these ecological features, the park remains a critical site for ongoing conservation and scientific study.

Beyond its biological importance, the park serves as a monumental archive of human history. It houses the world's largest gallery of rock art, featuring hundreds of individual sites containing thousands of images created by the San people, also known as the Bushmen. These paintings provide a profound connection to the region's past inhabitants. Future expansion plans for the park aim to incorporate additional protected areas, such as the Golden Gate Highlands National Park and the Ts'ehlanyane National Park, further solidifying its status as a premier international conservation landmark.

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