Drakenstein
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| Drakenstein | |
|---|---|
 Jonkershoek Valley and the Groot Drakenstein Mountains from Stellenbosch. Victoria Peak (1,590 m (5,220 ft)) is the heaviest snow-covered portion in the middle background | |
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Victoria Peak |
| Elevation | 1,590 m (5,220 ft) |
| Listing | List of mountain ranges of South Africa |
| Coordinates | 34°01′S 19°03′E / 34.017°S 19.050°E |
| Geography | |
  Drakenstein | |
| Country | South Africa |
The Drakenstein mountain opposite
Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede tot Drakenstein is part of the Cape Fold Belt and are in the Western Cape province of South Africa
.
History
Both the mountain and the valley at its foot Groot Drakenstein were named in honour of
Hendrik who visited the Cape as Commissioner-General in 1685;[1] Drakenstein (modern spelling usually Drakestein) was the name of his estate in the Netherlands.[2]
Geography
They actually comprise two separate ranges, the Klein Drakenstein and Groot Drakenstein Mountains. The former located just to the east of
R101 route. The latter is much taller and is located south of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, with Victoria Peak (1,590 m (5,220 ft) as its highest point. It is traversed by no mountain passes, but contains the Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve and also holds title of the wettest place in South Africa in the upper reaches of the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, with over 2,000 millimetres (79 in) of precipitation per annum (precise measurement unverified), the reason for the Wemmershoek Dam
to be built in this mountain.
Most vegetation is of the
Cape leopard roaming the mountains and surrounding farms. For the hiking enthusiasts a trail with camping cabins runs all the way to Hermanus
.
See also
References
33°55′S 18°59′E / 33.917°S 18.983°E
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
