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 activities on offer.
Treks Trips and Tours
Treks Trips and Tours
4×4 Trails
Much of the region falls into conservation areas, and is too fragile for 4x4ing. However, some land owners outside of the conservation areas have opened their land to 4×4 enthusiasts. This means that you can still enjoy the thrill of 4×4 in the Drakensberg.
Please ensure that you choose an accommodation establishment close to the 4×4 service provider that you choose. Please make bookings to avoid dissapointment.
Under no circumstances should you go off-road without permission of landowners. Some unscrupulous 4×4 users have ensured that many areas are closed to enthusiasts permanently because they failed to get permission!
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Abseiling
The Drakensberg offers some of the most spectacular scenery, and this makes abseiling incredibly rewarding to fanatics who pursue this activity in the ‘berg. Abseiling offers great potential to companies wanting to develop team leading skills. The following destinations offer this exhilarating activity.
Links
Drakensville Berg Resort
Dragon Peaks Park
Adventure Activities
All Out Adventures
The world of adventure can be explored in the sky by taking an exhilarating 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
Drakensberg Birding
Drakensberg Birding
Birding
The conservation area ensures that many species are protected. The biodiversity fosters many environments, which in turn attract a wide variety of birds, which would not be there, except for the fact that these environments are protected.
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
Tugela River Lodge
Tugela River Lodge
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.
Rafting or kayaking are fun activities, popular in the summer months.
Links
Spionkop Lodge
Four Rivers Rafting Adventures
Drakensberg Boys Choir
Drakensberg Boys Choir
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 beautiful 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.
Drakensberg Horse Riding
Drakensberg Horse Riding
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
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 Mecca, 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.
Tourism Guides
Tourism Guides
Tourism Guides
Tourism guides are registered with Tourism KZN.
In the wilder areas a good guide can be well worth the money spent.
Use a registered guide, and be safe in the berg. They can take you to among other places:
1. Historic Bushmen Paintings
2. Ancient Yellowwood Tree 604 years old
3. Early Voortrekkers Yellowwood Sawpits
4. Moonies Natural Pool And other.
Rock Art Interpretation Centre
The Didima Rock Art Centre offers guided tours
External Link: Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
Weddings in the Drakensberg
Weddings in the Drakensberg
Weddings
Wedding Venues
Alpine Heath
Cathedral Peak Hotel
Champagne Sports Resort
Drakensville Berg Resort
Sandford Park Lodge
Spionkop Lodge