Drakensberg Mountain Range

The Drakensberg Mountains area has some of the most beautiful scenery that can be imagined and is a World Heritage Site. It has four valleys, stretching over some 300 km of escarpment and 5000 km² of wilderness area. Each having its own individual beauty and character with magnificent mountain views.

Just to mention a few:

Royal Natal National Park – home to many famous features within 8000 hectares. The ‘Amphitheatre’ rises straight up to the sky, to a height of over 3000 feet for the length of 5 kms. The Tugela Falls cascade down 5 drops forming the second highest waterfall in the world. The Cannibal Cave is where the tribal people had to resort to cannibalism, hiding from King Shaka Zulu. There are many numerous walks and hikes to challenge the ‘fit or not so fit’ to view all this historic beauty. A wide selection of accommodation is offered. Realistically priced self catering cottages, B&B’s or spoil yourself with 5 star Hotels and Resorts.

The Cathkin and Champayne Valley
Cathkin and Champagne Castle have some of the highest peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains (3149m, 3248m 3234m). Cathkin was named after an area around Glasgow, Scotland by the first Scottish settlers in the Drakensberg. Champagne Peak was named after the first climber to reach its peak, taking a bottle of Champagne to celebrate his achievement, accidentally dropping it. (What a wasted bit of spilt fizz and exercise!) Champagne Valley has many different sporting activities and excellent challenging golf courses.

Giant's Castle
This is a haven with beautiful mountain trails, horse riding, fishing, birding and swimming in crystal clear mountain pools. The area is well known for it’s fauna and flora and SAN ROCK ART. Ideal for those who love the outdoor life, maybe need a romantic getaway or are lovers of fine food.

Cathedral Peak
This section of the Drakensberg Park is 32 000 hectares in extent further examples of San Rock Art. It is a hiker’s paradise, hosting a wide selection of plants and animals in the extensive grasslands and forest patches. View the Bearded Vulture and Malachite Sun Birds flashing amongst the proteas, hear noisy baboons barking at intruders in their domain and see Mountain Reedbuck displaying their white tails.

Sani Pass
The Sani Pass is a spectacular mountain road that is a well-known entry point into Lesotho from South Africa. It is the gateway to the ‘Roof of Africa’. Have lunch at the top of Sani Pass at the ‘highest pub’ in Southern Africa. Quad bike up the pass, fly fish in the rippling steams, horse ride or foot hike along the trails – it is all there.

Accommodation in the area ranges from premier hotels to backpackers to chalets at the top of the pass.

Helipads and airstrips are available with prior arrangement.

There are too many beautiful and diversified locations to cover here. Please make enquiries with your particular area of interest, requirements and budget – we can the come back to you with options, costs and availability for the dates required.

E-mail: samantha@airbornesa.co.za