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The San, a rural tribe, were widespread in South Africa until they were overcome by more aggressive neighbours. It is in the peaks and valleys of the Drakensburg Mountains that their legacy remains - in the narrative paintings that adorn the walls of their mountain shelters. The following pages are an account of a journey that Ingrid and I made in November 2004 | ||
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The Drakensburg Mountain range runs roughly north to south down the east coast of South Africa. It is ancient land pushed up by unimaginable forces about 200 million years ago and now forms the eastern barrier to the Indian Ocean with the mountain kingdom of Lesotho at its central point. First base was at Montusi Mountain Lodge in a vast mountain amphitheatre. Montusi is a wonderful introduction to the 'burg: superb walking/riding terrain with rivers, waterfalls and examples of San rock-shelter painting. A compiritively new addition to tourism is a community project in the Mnweni area where Bushman Rock Art is abundant. There is also a community centre where visitors can hire trained guides or stay overnight. More details on www.sungubala.com/mnweni/ This being November the amphitheatre offered some dramatic thunder storms each afternoon. Two days was hardly adequate to do justice to Montusi but we will be back. Meanwhile we had already booked our next destination at Cleopatra Mountain Lodge where we had a date with our mountain guide, Frans Prins. Go with us - click on THE BULL . | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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alan-chalcraft.co.uk - your comments welcome - mailto: | ||
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