Tallest Mountains in South Africa
South Africa’s topography is defined by the Great Escarpment, a massive geological edge that separates the high central plateau from the coastal lowlands. The highest peaks are found within the Drakensberg range, specifically along the rugged border between South Africa and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. These peaks, often referred to as “The Berg,” are characterized by dramatic basalt cliffs, alpine grasslands, and extreme weather conditions. While many of the highest points in this region technically sit on the international border, they represent the pinnacle of South African mountaineering and offer some of the most striking landscapes in the southern hemisphere.
The following table lists the top 20 highest peaks in South Africa, measured in both meters and feet.
| Rank | Peak Name | Province / Range | Elevation (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mafadi | KZN / Drakensberg | 3,451m |
| 2 | Njesuthi | KZN / Drakensberg | 3,410m |
| 3 | Champagne Castle | KZN / Drakensberg | 3,377m |
| 4 | Lithobolong | KZN / Drakensberg | 3,375m |
| 5 | kaNtuba Peak | KZN / Drakensberg | 3,366m |
| 6 | Trojan Wall | KZN / Drakensberg | 3,354m |
| 7 | kaNtuba Buttress | KZN / Drakensberg | 3,344m |
| 8 | Yodler’s Peak I | KZN / Drakensberg | 3,338m |
| 9 | Pampiring | KZN / Drakensberg | 3,337m |
| 10 | Red Wall Peak | KZN / Drakensberg | 3,337m |
| 11 | Botlolong | KZN / Drakensberg | 3,333m |
| 12 | Popple Peak | KZN / Drakensberg | 3,331m |
| 13 | Ship’s Prow | KZN / Drakensberg | 3,325m |
| 14 | Sehonghong Peak | KZN / Drakensberg | 3,324m |
| 15 | Nkosozana Peak | KZN / Drakensberg | 3,318m |
| 16 | Giant’s Castle | KZN / Drakensberg | 3,315m |
| 17 | Mashai | KZN / Drakensberg | 3,313m |
| 18 | Mohlesi | KZN / Drakensberg | 3,310m |
| 19 | Redi | KZN / Drakensberg | 3,309m |
| 20 | Walker’s Peak | KZN / Drakensberg | 3,306m |