Drakensberg Mountains, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

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· Perfect family destination
· Stunning mountain hiking
· Walks to superb Rock art sites at Giants Castle and Kamberg
· Visit Didima Rock Art Centre near Cathedral Peak
· Ardmore Pottery Studio and other arts & craft studios
· Drakensberg Boys Choir
· Horse-riding for beginners and experienced riders
· Site of Mandelas capture
· Midlands Meander arts & crafts route

The Drakensberg mountains are named after the jagged teeth of the mythical beast that locals believe must surely inhabit such an awesome mountain range. The berg, as the locals know the Drakensberg, offers everything - from serious hiking to gentle rambles beside crystal streams and through wooded glades.

Other delights of the Drakensberg mountains are its ancient San rock paintings at Giants Castle and Kamberg nature reserves; the guided 4x4 ascent to the top of Sani Pass in the rugged Kingdom of Lesotho; weekly musical recitals by the world-class Drakensberg Boys Choir, and the arts and craft studios along the Champagne valley.

Choose between staying at one of the traditional mountain resort hotels such as Cathedral Peak or The Cavern or smaller country retreats such as Cleopatra or Montusi. The former often have the prime locations and excellent sporting facilities and so are perfect for keen hikers and families, whilst the country retreats offer an intimacy and tranquility which is hard to beat, and in the case of Cleopatra, some of the best food in the country!

The main pleasure of the Drakensberg mountains is the glorious walking that they offer. If you are staying at one of the traditional mountain resort hotels, they offer daily walks with the hotel guide. These walks area usually varied with gentle walks on some days and full day hikes offered on others. The resort hotels also offer extensive sporting facilities including horse-riding, tennis, bowls, even a nine hole golf course. As such they are perfect for families with active children. 

At the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains lie the Natal Midlands, which offers a more gentle beauty with rolling grasslands and picturesque river valleys. This is home to a number of charming country house retreats such as Hartford House on a horse stud farm or Fordoun Hotel & Spa. Enjoy delicious food, pampering spa treatments as well as visits to unusual craft studios, art galleries, herb farms and charming country pubs on the well-known Midlands Meander route.

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