Drakensberg Activities

Activities

Drakensberg Activities Guide

The Drakensberg offers a range of activities, from hiking and walking in the mountains, to quad biking, swinging trapeze and rafting. The adrenaline junkie and those looking for peaceful tranquility will both find what they are looking for in the Drakensberg activiites on offer.

4x4 Trails

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There are few 4x4 trails in the Drakensberg. Much of the region falls into conservation areas, and is too fragile for 4x4ing. However, the destinations below fall outside of protected areas, and have established four by four trails in the 'berg. Do not go out into the veld without permission of landowners, you could find yourself in hot water!

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Abseiling

The Drakensberg offers some of the most spectacular scenery, and this makes abseiling incredibly rewarding to fantics who pursue this activity in the 'berg. Abseiling offers great potential to companies wanting to develop team leading skills. The following destinations offer this exhillerating activity.

Links
Drakensville Berg Resort
Dragon Peaks Park

Adventure Activities

The world of adventure can be explored in the sky by taking an exhilerating helicopter ride. Alternatively, there is plenty of adventure to enjoy on terra firma. In particular children will enjoy a circus adventure.

Helicopter Flips

Cathedral Peak Hotel
Champagne Sports Resort

Adrenaline Activities

The Adventure Centre
Mountain Splendour

Battlefields

Andrew Arlington is an expert Battlefield Guide and is located at Three Tree Hill

Birding

The Bearded Vulture and the Cape vulture are just 2 of the protected species that find sanctuary in the Drakensberg World Heritage site. There is some exciting birding to be done in the 'berg. The following destinations offer birding.

Links

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

Canoeing / boating / river rafting

The adventure seeker will often find water sports to be what he is looking for. Especially in the warmer months, pleasure seekers head for the fast flowing streams to take on natures challenges.

Links

Spionkop Lodge
Four Rivers Rafting Adventures

Music in the Mountains

The world renowned Drakensberg Boys Choir School is situated next to the Dragon Peaks Park en route to Monks Cowl Camp.

The choir draws inspiration for its exuberant performances from the beatiful surroundings.

Every Wednesday during term, a concert is held in the school's auditorium. Reservations are essential.

Link: Drakensberg Boys Choir

Fishing

Stocked dams and streams close to the resorts or in the wilderness areas of the KwaZulu-Natal parks board are normally reserved for fly-fishing. Fishing is often limited to resident guests only, but the parks board have made available several excellent trout dams and stretch's of fishable water.

Links
   Cathedral Peak Hotel
   Cavern Drakensberg Resort
   Drakensville Berg Resort
   Dragon Peaks Park
   Tugela River Lodge

Golf

Several excellent golf courses are situated in the Drakensberg. Exceptional views of the main escarpment and the array of birdlife, and abundant flora will make these some of the most memorable rounds you will have.

Links
   Amphitheatre Golf Course - Hlalanathi
   Cathedral Peak Golf Course - Cathedral Peak Hotel
   Champagne Sports Resort - Champagne Valley
   Monks Cowl Country Club - Champagne Valley

Hiking / walking

The Drakensberg summit offers excellent hiking and climbing opportunities. Long passes to the top reward hikers with outstanding views of the valleys hundreds of metres below. Hikers need to be aware that splendid, clear sunny days can quickly turn into a snowy nightmare: take care... and always complete the mountain register before setting off.

Guided hikes are normally available on a daily basis from most hotels, resorts and parks board camps. Hikes will vary from easy strolls of about an hour to visit close by attractions - to more strenuous all day climbs. For the more energetic and fit there is the challenge to make the demanding but exhilarating climb to the top of the main 'berg summit!

The summit landscape is covered with grasses and numerous wildflowers... and crystal streams tumbling down the slopes. Do watch out for summer afternoon thunderstorms with their wild lightning... and even in the summer, be prepared for sudden cold weather. Besides your camera, be sure to take a jersey and raincoat.

Horse Riding

Most 'berg resorts offer horse riding as an attraction and short to half day rides through the foothills are usually available. To enjoy wonderful mountain scenery whilst on horseback adds enormously to the outdoor experience. Enthusiasts may book over-night trips - setting out from Hillside Camp near Giant's Castle.

Links
   Ardmore
   Cathedral Peak Hotel
   Cavern Drakensberg Resort
   Champagne Castle Hotel
   Dragon Peaks Park
   Drakensville Berg Resort
   Inkosana Lodge & Trekking
   Little Switzerland Hotel
   The Northern Horse
   Spionkop Lodge
   The Ledges Guest House
   Tugela River Lodge
   The Nest Hotel
   Ukuthula Bush Camp

Shopping

While the Drakensberg is no shopping meca, and you will not find the stores that are in your local mall, there are several unique and interesting shopping experiences to be enjoyed. Whether it is crafts you are looking for, or fresh farm produce, there is a vendor nearby.

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Tourism Guides