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One of the highest and remotest parks in Africa. In the local language Sehlabathebe means 'plateau of the shield'. Rocky sandstone outcrops (notably the Three Bushmen peaks) date back to the Triassic period. Hundreds of caves. Plateau bisected by rivers; many waterfalls and small lakes. Peaks topped with snow in winter. Few animals live here: an occasional eland or grey rhebok, or troop of baboons. Birdlife is prolific, including the Bearded vulture, Jackal buzzards, Rock kestrels, Black eagles, the Bald ibis and the Orange-breasted rock jumper. Excellent trout in Tsoelikana and Leqooa Rivers - and the tiny and very rare Maluti minnow (for many years thought extinct). Known for mountain adders. Superb scenery and bracing air - a hiker's paradise (though be wary of extreme weather changes, particularly sudden thick mists). Trout fishing and horse-riding. More than 130 bushman (San) painting sites. A well-equipped self-catering lodge and small hostel, both with communal facilities. Camping permitted anywhere in the park. Copyright © 2002 Travel Africa. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the permission of the author is prohibited. By David Rogers | 
