The
Mighty Drakensberg Mountains by Phillip Lagerwall
The Drakensberg is a 200 km
long stretch of mountains in South Africa, the majority of this range falls
in the Kwa Zulu Natal province. Translated into English, Drakensberg means
"Dragons Mountain" and its Zulu name ukhalamba, meaning "barrier of spears"
gives a brief description of this truly magical mountain range.
It
is said to have been inhabited since the Stone Age and has captivated the
imagination of every generation and culture, such as the San hunter gatherers
and the Zulus, to have laid eyes on it. The Boers were forced to negotiate
through this mountain range in 1837 during the great trek in order to reach
their "promised land" and they came up with the name Drakensberg.
Towns in the surrounding
area include Bergville, Estcourt, Underberg and Himeville, Mooi River,
Nottingham Road, Rosetta, Winterton, Kokstad, MatatieIe and Swartberg.
In the year 2000 the Ukhalambha-Drakensberg Park was made a world heritage
site and rightly so. It met both the criteria for the natural and cultural
listings and is a rare example of where such awesome displays of nature
are interlaced with a deep and rich history. If one is in the South Africa
it is a definite must see. As for accommodation the Drakensberg has it
all. You can find yourself getting a deep tissue massage at a luxury spa
or sharing a cave with other adventurous hikers. It also has hotels, bed
and breakfast, guest houses, caravan sites, camping grounds and cabins
so what ever your preference you are guaranteed to find it.
Activities
are limitless and this region caters for every walk of life and every age.
Obviously the most popular activity is hiking and walks. Once again the
region caters for all, whether you would like to take a slow amble alongside
one of the hundreds of streams and rivers or maybe spend five days on a
guided hike through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.
Other popular activities include horse riding, quad biking, fly fishing
for trout in a crisp mountain stream, playing on one of the many world
class golf resorts, taking the 4X4 on a trail or simply catching up on
some rest with a good book. The Drakensberg is also home to many game reserves
managed and run by the Kwa Zulu Natal Parks Board where you have the chance
of seeing many varieties of antelope, like Eland and the elusive Bushbuck,
hundreds of species of birdlife and of course the baboon troops that make
these mountains there home. The parks have excellent facilities and you
can buy a pamphlet at reception that gives you a map and list of the trails
in the park. Another major attraction is the bushman caves in various parts
of the range. At Giants castle there is a bushman museum which allows you
to get an insight into the life of the earliest inhabitants of this region
and guided hikes can be taken to view the caves they lived in and the ancient
paintings on the walls of these caves.
This area some how manages
to offer a platter of accommodation, activities and experiences that appeal
to such a wide variety of tastes that it is rare to come away from a holiday
in the region and not have had a wonderful and memorable time.
About the Author - For more
information on the Drakensberg and Drakensberg Holiday Destinations visit
http://www.wti24seven.com
for relevant information and available travel services in the area.
Alpine
Heath Resort (Three Cities Group), Hotel/Self-Catering, Bergville, NORTHERN
DRAKENSBERG Just three hours from both
Johannesburg and Durban, and considered to be one of Southern Africa's
premier conference and holiday venues, Alpine Heath Resort allows you to
relax in the comfort of an exclusive mountain village nestled in the midst
of the Northern Drakensberg. The entertainment capital of the 'Berg,
Alpine Heath offers superb chalet accommodation, fine cuisine, an abundance
of indoor and outdoor activities and state-of-the-art conference facilities.
Fully equipped self-catering chalets.
Bingelela
B & B, NORTHERN DRAKENSBERG Bingelela B & B is situated
on a farm in Northern Drakensberg. Situated as central as can be for your
much needed getaway, overnight stay or gateway to the amazing Northern,
Central or Southern Drakensberg. 10 Free standing cottages provides
comfortable, affordable and homely accommodation. Cottages are serviced
on a daily basis. Our Contemporary Classic Restaurant is well known
in the area and is a favorite meeting point for young and old. Our lovely
Al Fresco setting round the swimming pool ensures a most relaxing and enjoyable
stay for young and old!
Bingelela
Lodge, Bergville, NORTHERN DRAKENSBERG Nestled in the foothills.
Always keen to innovate, hosts Joss & Paula have managed to create
a stylish yet cosy venue in their old farmhouse for both intimate dining
by candlelight and a fun night out with a crowd. Surrounded by huge trees
with a view on the mountains, this is the perfect place for special occasions.
Joss and Paula will treat you to their typical homely hospitality as if
you were family visiting for the holidays. Joss still actively farms and
will gladly share his experience with you. Each unique chalet or
rondawel has en-suite facilities, and free standing between our forests
of tall blue gum trees with a wild asparagus undergrowth.
Drifters
Drakensburg Inn, Lodge, Bergville, NORTHERN DRAKENSBERG National Heritage Site,
this 1000 hectare indigenous farm has to be seen to be believed. Accessible
only by 4x4 or transport provided, this mountain lodge is situated at an
elevation of 1800 meters above sea level and is shadowed by the greater
Drakensberg peaks on the property. Home to a colony of the rare Cape Vulture
and many other indigenous species including Eland, as well as lush indigenous
forests, Bushmen paintings and dramatic waterfalls, the reserve is fantastic
for hiking and exploring. Accommodation is in seven Canadian styled
log cabins, each comprising of two twin-bedded bedrooms sharing a bathroom.
Self-drive clients enjoy a bathroom en-suite.
Little
Switzerland Hotel, Bergville, NORTHERN DRAKENSBERG Little Switzerland Hotel
is an unforgettable experience enhanced by the peace and tranquillity of
the majestic Drakensberg mountains. Savour the breathtaking views,
explore the lush fern-filled forests, seek out the exciting bird life and
delight in this ancient wilderness of flower decked foothills, bubbling
streams and cascading waterfalls, where old mysteries remain and the tiny
San left their priceless legacy of rock art. Undeniably a little bit of
heaven in a very special land. Little Switzerland is very popular
with South Africans as well as a growing fraternity of foreign tourists,
not only for the beautiful views and superb cuisine...
Sandford
Park Country Hotel, NORTHERN DRAKENSBERG Nestled at the foothills
of the uKhahlama - Drakensberg Mountains, now a proclaimed World Heritage
Site - a century old coach house nestles peacefully amid natural springs
and streams. Dating back to 1850, Sandford Park started its life
as a coach house offering food and shelter for pioneers carving a road
between KwaZulu - Natal and the Transvaal. A Battle ground of fierce and
bloody conflicts between Boer and British troops for control of land and
water, home for a British garrison sent to relieve the town of Ladysmith,
causing the historical battle of Spioenkop, Sandford survived almost complete
obliteration...
Alpine
Heath Resort (Three Cities Group), Hotel/Self-Catering, Bergville, NORTHERN
DRAKENSBERG Just three hours from both
Johannesburg and Durban, and considered to be one of Southern Africa's
premier conference and holiday venues, Alpine Heath Resort allows you to
relax in the comfort of an exclusive mountain village nestled in the midst
of the Northern Drakensberg. The entertainment capital of the 'Berg,
Alpine Heath offers superb chalet accommodation, fine cuisine, an abundance
of indoor and outdoor activities and state-of-the-art conference facilities.
Accommodation comprises fully equipped self-catering chalets.
The
Berghouse & Cottages, Self-Catering/B&B, Bergville, NORTHERN
DRAKENSBERG This private destination
on a 1600 acre estate enables you to reunite the mind, body and soul, restore
the essential “you”. Relax and soak up the 270 degree views of the Drakensberg
Escarpment. Our prized feature is the world famous Amphitheatre,
part of a world heritage site. View the second highest waterfall in the
world during the summer; take in the breathtaking sunsets as you sit feet
up, wine glass in hand. Two categories of accommodation await you:
Self Catering: Comfortable, rustic, stone and thatch dwellings. Two cottages,
sleeping 8 people apiece, fully electrified.
Top
Lodge, Self-Catering Cottages, NORTHERN DRAKENSBERG Tucked away high in the
Mont-Aux-Sources district of the Northern Drakensberg Mountains, situated
between and above "the Cavern" and "Alpine Heath" resorts, Top lodge offers
the ultimate getaway destination in a romantic, completely secluded mountain
wildlife sanctuary in beautiful natural surroundings. Our two stone-and-thatch
self-catering cottages, each designed to comfortably accommodate four people,
are charmingly appointed, beautifully comfortable and fully serviced. The
ground floor of the cottages is open-plan comprising lounge and fireplace,
bedroom area fitted with queen-size bed and adjacent bathroom with spacious
shower and hand basin, separate toilet and kitchenette....
Amazian
Mountain River Lodge Drakensberg, Underberg, SOUTHERN
DRAKENSBERG Amazian Mountain River Lodge
is situated at the House of Labyrinths in the Drakensberg. Relax
in the luxury quality four star honeymoon suites complete with spa baths
and underfloor heating, enjoy a de-stress aromatherapy treatment, sip cocktails
and savour the chef's gourmet creations. When your batteries are recharged,
explore the beautiful mountain scenery on horse back or by foot, go on
a guided rock-art tour in the southern Drakensberg World Heritage sites,
or try your hand at wild-trout fishing.
Bramleigh
Manor Country House, Nottingham Road, SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG Bramleigh Manor is a privately
owned and run guesthouse/ B&B in the vicinity of Nottingham RD , Natal
Midlands (Kwazulu Natal). It is surrounded by the outskirts of the Drakensberg
Mountains at an altitude of 1500m above sea level. It takes about
a 4,5 hours drive from Johannesburg or a 1,5 hours drive from Durban to
Bramleigh Manor. Off the beaten track, you will experience the peace
and tranquil environment amidst unspoilt nature. This thatched manor
house has 2 apartment-like suites (fully serviced) with own entrances and
patios overlooking the wonderful garden and the indigenous forest.
Calderwood
Hall, Guest House, SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG Calderwood Hall is a four
star Victorian-style country house nestled in the foothills of the Southern
Drakensberg in KwaZuluNatal, South Africa. Epitomising timeless elegance,
both the drawing and dining rooms have five metre high steel pressed ceilings,
large fire places and large bay windows which overlook the beautiful gardens.
An impressive wooden staircase takes centre stage in the entrance hall
which also boasts a plethora of stained-glass feature windows. Every
meal feels like an occasion, when served in the Calderwood Hall dining
room...
Lythwood
Lodge, SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG Lythwood Lodge, set in the
Natal Midlands on the east coast of South Africa, provides the finest accommodation,
with individualised cuisine and magnificent facilities. Lythwood
Lodge, set in the Natal Midlands on the east coast of South Africa, provides
the finest accommodation, with individualised cuisine and magnificent facilities.
With the very best Africa has to offer, Lythwood Lodge is your premier
South African country lodge. Self Drive, Walking /Hiking, Honeymoon,
Country Lodge, Fishing, Photography, Birding, Cuisine, Golf, Day Excursions.
Lythwood Lodge reflects elegance and opulence in each of our rooms.....
Eagles'
Rock Mountain Retreat, Self-Catering/B&B, Underberg, SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG We welcome you to Eagles’
Rock, our beautiful piece of God’s creation set in the magnificent Southern
Drakensberg Mountains, near Underberg and Himeville. This pristine farming
area is one of South Africa’s premier trout fishing destinations. Our Retreat
is magnificently positioned on a mountain plateau overlooking the Umzimkulu
River and lush farmlands. We also have a rowing boat available on our stocked
dam. Honeymoon in Kestrel or Falcon cottage or bring the whole family
and friends to Lammergeier log cabin or Sparrowhawk cottage. Each cottage
is fully equipped with stove, microwave, fridge, crockery, cutlery and
bedding.
Ekuthuleni
Holiday Accommodation, Self-catering, Underberg, SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG Lying on the banks of the
crystal clear Mzimkulu River with the majestic Southern Drakensberg rising
to 3482m as a backdrop, ekuThuleni offers its guests the perfect setting
to unwind and enjoy pristine nature at its best. The area has been
nominated a World Heritage Site because of its unique fauna and flora and
the richness of its Bushman Rock Art. For nature lovers the mountain
or wilderness hikes will be a memorable experience. Birders will enjoy
rare sightings unique to this area. Of course there are many more activities
at ekuThuleni. Our comfortable self-catering cottages have magnificent
views of the mountains.
Galway
Cottage - 17 The Bend, Self-Catering, Nottingham Road, SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG In summer, green and lush;
sheep grazing, horses galloping. Picnics on the riverbed under the huge
oak trees. Fly fishing at one of the trout dams. In winter, cold
with occasional snow-capped mountains. The fireplace blazing, the underfloor
heating simmering, and the spectacular dark night sky bejewelled with the
brightest stars. A little piece of South African heaven no matter what
time of the year. Galway cottage is situated on the Bend Trout and
Eco Estate, approximately 20 kilometres outside of Nottingham Road on the
well-known Midlands Meander.The cottage consists of two bedrooms on the
ground floor, each with their own full bathrooms, including a slipper bath
and large shower in each...
Ridgedale
Trout Farm, Self-Catering, Underberg, SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG Situated in a beautifully
picturesque area, on the Drakensberg Gardens Road, Ridgedale Trout Farm
offers visitors self-catering accommodation in 8 fully equipped and serviced
cottages, 4 overlooking the trout dam, for. Most of the cottages sleep
2 each, while one 8-sleeper is available for larger groups. For those
seeking seclusion and a little more luxury, Oak Tree Lodge is a stunning,
upmarket guesthouse offering 6 en-suite units on a bed and breakfast basis.
Together, the estate is ideal for company weekends away, with Management
staying at the Lodge, while staff can let their hair down at the Trout
Farm. In this way, up to 34 may be accommodated on a sharing basis.
It
is said to have been inhabited since the Stone Age and has captivated the
imagination of every generation and culture, such as the San hunter gatherers
and the Zulus, to have laid eyes on it. The Boers were forced to negotiate
through this mountain range in 1837 during the great trek in order to reach
their "promised land" and they came up with the name Drakensberg.
