Plan your trip
GETTING THERE
From Durban take the N3 past Pietermaritzburg and Mooi River. Take the third exit to Estcourt and carry on through Loskop for 28km. Turn left at the Central Drakensberg sign. From Joburg take the N3, exiting right to Bergville/ Winterton and follow the R74.
STAY HERE
The Goodland Cottages is such a find! I loved the decor of Milk Cottage – pops of yellow and antiques mixed with designer touches, such as Scandi-style side tables. There’s Wi-Fi, TV and extras – honey sticks, microwave popcorn, nuts plus a record player with LPs. From R575 pp. 078-8030087, thegoodlandcottages.co.za Champagne Castle Hotel is set at the end of a twisting mountain drive and close to Monks Cowl Nature Reserve. From R1 090 pp sharing, full board. 036-468-1063, champagnecastle.co.za
Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort is good for families, with campgrounds and selfcatering units. For couples, the lakeside suites are best. From R670 pp sharing. 036-468-1031, dragonpeaks.com
Birdsong Cottages offers three options on Bergview ecoestate. Each has a view over the valley and is serviced daily. From R2 300 (sleeps six). 082806-3449, roomsforafrica.com
DO THIS
Watch raptors fly at Falcon Ridge Bird of Prey Centre. There is a daily show (except on Mondays and Fridays) at 10.30am, weather permitting. 082-774-6398 Book a photographic day in the comfy vulture hide at Bergview Estate. You can spend all day here (it’s regularly stocked with carcasses). Winter is best for spotting bearded vultures. From R720 pp. 079-562-5454
Take a walk. Blue Grotto Trail is an easy, two-hour return hike, starting at Drakensberg Sun. Take a costume in summer for a dip in the natural pool. 036-468-1000. Climb the mountains. The Big Five Challenge is for avid hikers and you’ll get a certificate for each peak conquered. Finish all five – Matterhorn, Gatberg, Amphlett, Sterkhorn and Champagne Castle, ranging from 1 995m to 3 377m – and your name goes on the honours roll at Champagne Castle Hotel. Take a helicopter ride for unforgettable views over the Central Drakensberg. Westline Aviation offers several options, from Champagne picnics to 15-minute scenic flights. From R950 pp. 083-652-7493
Soar through the forest on the Drakensberg Canopy Tour. It has a mix of cliff-face and treetop platforms, and the forest is home to more than 150 bird species. R680 pp. 083-661-5691
Attend a concert by the worldrenowned Drakensberg Boys’ Choir, which performs every Wednesday afternoon. R135 pp. 036-468-1012
Savour artisanal chocolates. Tastings are free at Chocolate Memories. Don’t miss the hot chocolate (R18), made from pure cocoa. 072-310-3376
EAT HERE
Dragon’s Restaurant and Pub serves homely food. Join the locals for the Wednesday special. 036-468-1218 Champagne Bistro-Cafe is the newest spot, serving food in an outdoor setting by chef Elsa Buys (winner of TV cooking show Kokkedoor). It’s only open on weekends. 060-331-0284 Drakensberg Brewery opened in July 2017. The tasting board costs R44 (try all the beers) and you can build your own tapas platter for lunch. 060-382-6225 Valley Bakery is popular for breakfast and serves delicious sweet and savoury pastries. I loved the quiche (R35). 036-468-1257