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Places to stay in the Drakensberg

Just like the luscious Drakensberg, Cathedral Peak is a sanctuary for hikers, with a wide range of trails that snake through the gorgeous mountain setting with trees, sparkling streams and trout pools. Bordering the upper Thukela region in the north and east, Lesotho in the west and Monk’s Cowl in the south, this portion of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park covers around 32,000 hectares. It contains the majestic Didima Valley, which contains various pieces of San Rock art, and offers routes that range from a couple of hours to a few days, making it a paradise for hikers. When hiking here, you will see a large range of fauna and flora throughout the extensive grasslands and forest areas. The luxury Didima Camp at Cathedral Peak has based its theme on the art of the San folk. The San Art Interpretive Centre provides intriguing insights into both the art and culture of the San.

Accommodation here ranges from self-catering cottages to deluxe chalets, offering something for everyone. The Drakensberg Sun Resort offers spectacular accommodation set in a magnificent green and mountainous backdrop. The rooms here are spacious and comfortable living with a diverse range of room options to pick from. The restaurant overlooks the private lake of the resort and offers an exquisite buffet, as well as an a la carte menu. Light snacks and tasty drinks can be enjoyed whilst relaxing at the Poolside Terrace during the day. The fantastic Champagne Sports Golf Course is also just around a ten minute drive away from here. The rooms all have en-suite facilities, mountain views, air conditioning, DSTV packages, and in-room dining from 07h00 to 22h30 each day.

Giant’s Castle is thought to be the home of the eland, as well as the majestic bearded vulture. One of the main highlights here is the fascinating bushman rock art at Main Caves. This cave is an easy thirty minute walk from the camp’s office and frequent guided tours are embarked upon through this unique exhibition for a small fee. The famous Lammergeyer Hide is open for guests to observe bearded vultures and other endangered bird species from a fantastic sheltered distance. You can also go trout fishing in the streams along the Bushman’s River. The Izimbali restaurant and bar here provides visitors with the option of fully catered meals in its peaceful atmosphere. The chalets and lodges are all equipped with satellite TV.

The Nest is a charming country hotel set amongst the picturesque Drakensberg Mountains. Delightful thatched rondavels and rooms are set amidst 25 acres of tranquil, park-like garden. The Nest offers guests a broad variety of activities, with a swimming pool, tennis courts, mountain bikes, croquet lawn, horse riding, river walks and guided hikes into the mountains, as well as championship bowling greens with professional coaching on offer. The Nest has a wonderful inclusive tariff of all three marvelous meals, as well as morning and afternoon tea or coffee, served on the patio overlooking the Drakensberg mountain range. The region is spectacularly beautiful all through the year. Winter is extremely special, with clear, sunny days and frosty nights warmed by crackling log fires, the opportunity to spot snow on the tops of the mountains, or the chance to watch graceful gliders rising in the warm mountain thermals. The rooms here offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city living, which by choice have no televisions. All rooms come with lovely en-suite bath/showers and toilets, radios, telephones, coffee/tea making facilities. Most of the rooms come with remarkable views of the gorgeous setting as well, making this a prime Drakensberg vacation accommodation spot.

About Bronwyn Paxton

Article by: Bronwyn Paxton
on December 17, 2013
Filed under  Africa Blog • South Africa 
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