Activities
The Central Drakensberg offers a wide range of interesting and exciting activities – there is something for everyone, from enjoying a concert or music festival at the world renowned Drakensberg Boys’ Choir to riding the high wire at the Drakensberg Canopy Tour and then a relaxing treatment at one of the spa centres.
Your cottage folder contains details and contacts for all the activities listed below.
HIKING AND TRAILS
There is nothing to beat the thrills of experiencing the true nature of our mountains from the majestic peaks to the crystal clear streams. Various grades of hikes and walks available from the Monks Cowl Station of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park.
Nick Greville – Day and overnight hikes. 0794936434
There are several local walks available from the Drakensberg Sun Hotel, notably, the Grotto which is a lovely waterfall into a swimmable pool, accessed via a couple of hours hike through an indigenous forest area – ideal for that hot day.
Cathkin Trails – MTB and Trail running.
BIRD WATCHING
Falcon Ridge Bird of Prey Centre hold shows daily at 10h00 (weather permitting). Not to be missed! Contact: Greg & Alison McBey on 082 774 6398
Hlatikulu Crane & Wetland Sanctuary. An interesting morning out which can be combined with a visit to the Bushmen paintings at Giant’s Castle
Spionkop Boat Birding and Battlefield tours.
www.spionkop.co.za
DRAKENSBERG BOYS CHOIR SCHOOL
Falcon Ridge Bird of Prey Centre hold shows daily at 10h00 (weather permitting). Not to be missed! Contact: Greg & Alison McBey on 082 774 6398
Hlatikulu Crane & Wetland Sanctuary. An interesting morning out which can be combined with a visit to the Bushmen paintings at Giant’s Castle
Spionkop Boat Birding and Battlefield tours.
www.spionkop.co.za
DRAGON ROCK REPTILE CENTRE
Hear about and handle – if you are brave enough – the residents of the reptile centre. Three tours daily 10h00, 12h00 or 14h00.
Phone to make an appointment 082 955 1404.
ADVENTURE CENTRES
Four Rivers Rafting & Adventures offer white water rafting trips, quad-bikes, abseiling and many related adventure activities.Call 083 785 1693 or www.fourriversadventures.co.za
Scootours – Downhill scooters on steroids leave from Sandra’s se Winkel – 079 499 3522
White Water Tubing – Call 079 499 3522 for details
Cayley Leap – 084 703 9527
DRAKENSBERG CANOPY TOUR
An exciting multiple zipline through the tree tops.
www.drakensbergcanopytour.co.za
Bookings: 0836615691
HORSE-RIDING AND TRAILING
uShaka Horse Trails www.monkscowl.com. Carl 072 664 2993
Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort www.dragonpeaks.com Lyn Tungay 082 575 9213
Cathkin Equestrian Centre Johannes Russouw 083 989 1507
MOUNTAIN-BIKING/ELECTRIC BIKES
Enjoy the local off- road bike trails starting at either the Brewery or Mountain Splendour. Electric bikes can be hired at Mt Splendour.
Mountain Splendour Caravan Park & Eco-Resort www.mountainsplendour.co.za
Mountain Splendour Cycles 082 577 6841
Champagne Castle Adventure Centre www.adventurecentre.co.za
Cathkin MTB & Trail Running www.cathkinpark.co.za
SPORTS
Golf and Bowls
18 hole championship golf course – www.champagnesportsresort.com
9 hole mashie course – www.monkscowlgolfclub.co.za
Bowls – Wednesday & Saturday at The Nest Bowling Club – Bowls available, whites not necessary. Coaching available by appointment. 036 4681068
FISHING
On site bass fishing in our dam.
HELICOPTER SCENIC TOURS
Westline Aviation – available from Dragon Peaks Park and Cathedral Peak Hotel.
HOT-AIR BALLOONING
See the berg from a different perspective!
Bookings: 087 064 6209 / 082 802 7527
RESTAURANTS & COFFEE SHOPS
There is a wide variety of places to eat out from a delicious tea and cakes at the local bakery through ‘pub grub’ at the Monks Cowl Golf Course to the splendid buffets at the several well-known hotels in the area.The local brewery and the Cathedral Peak winery offer tasting and meals.A full list with phone numbers will be in your cottage folder.
Coffee Shops – Valley Bakery, Aweh Ma Adys, The Waffle Hut & Pizzeria, Scrumpilicious, the Chocolate Bar, Macedonia Cheese.
Restaurants – Thokozisa , Gooderson Monks Cowl, Dragons Rest , The Bistro at Bergair, Rusty’s Pub and Grill, Chef’s Junction, The Griller, Drakensberg Sun Hotel, Champagne Castle Hotel, Champagne Sports Resort, Nest Hotel, Champagne Sports Clubhouse.
SPAS AND BEAUTY CENTRES
Champagne Castle Hotel
Champagne Sports Resort
The Nest Hotel
Drakensberg Sun Hotel
Acacia Day Spa
Sibahle Day Spa
BREWERY
Drakensberg Brewery/Restaurant. Open Wednesday to Sundays 10h00 to sunset…
www.drakbrew.co.za
Access point to Cathkin MTB trails.
WINTERTON PARK RUN
08h00 from the Waffle Hut – will resume after Covid restrictions lifted.
www.parkrun.co.za
Diane 083056502157
WINE ESTATE
Cathedral Peak Wine Estate – wine tasting, Griller restaurant, Sales and functions