Drakensberg Sun

LOCATION

Near Winterton in the Cathkin Peak area of the Central Drakensberg. Since it’s 2.5 hours from Durban (223km on the N3) and four hours from Joburg (408km on the N3), it’s a good choice for far-flung families and friends to gather for some quality time. And with all that gorgeous, rolling greenery edged by some of the Berg’s most astounding peaks, including Champagne Castle, which at 3 377m is the second highest in South Africa, its location is absolutely its best asset.

SERVICE

To be fair, it was fair. While some staff did deliver that winning combination of friendly efficiency that all guests want, a potentially glorious lunch on the deep verandah was marred by a shift change, which somehow resulted in orders arriving quite sporadically — and one person’s meal being forgotten entirely. It’s a four-star hotel, so that wasn’t ideal. They do offer a porter service, babysitting and room service between 6am and 11pm.

THE EATING

The enormous, dark-wood dining room is the heart of the hotel, and the place to head for buffets, buffets and more buffets. Breakfast is the usual bonanza of eggs and bacon or pancakes or waffles or, go on, just have a bit of everything. You’ll need that energy for all the day’s activities. At dinner, as you’re winding down, the serving trays are filled with roasts and curries and breads and poppadums … and then there’s the dessert trolley — oh my! Suffice it to say no one goes to bed hungry here.

ACTIVITIES

There is so much to do you could spend days without ever leaving the property. We did the tree-top canopy tour, a dreamy morning spent suspending disbelief as we soared over the Blue Grotto forest on lines that get progressively more hairraising as you go. There is also a free sunset cruise on the dam. On the Sunday morning, we took a lazy horse ride off the property and into a forest over the road, blissfully clipping along in dappled shade.

Other activities include trout fishing, mountain biking, canoeing and putt-putt.

FACILITIES

There is a spa, which might be just the way to ease those aches after a strenuous hike. Good news for families is that they pay a lot of attention to kids’ entertainment. As we arrived, there was a man in a porcupine suit dishing out popcorn and lollies to wide-eyed little ones and there’s a games room where they can make candles and play. There is also a kiddie train, a carousel and jungle gym.

BEST TIME TO GO

This is a year-round destination so it just depends what you’re after. In the winter, you should find snow on the mountains, a roaring fire in the foyer and hot chocolate on tap. In summer, enjoy hot hikes to cool mountain ponds or just stick by the hotel’s sparkling pool and sip cocktails from the Grotto Bar.

RATES

The hotel works on a “Best Available” rate system, meaning occupancies drive the rate. As a ballpark, expect to pay from R1 900 per person for dinner, bed and breakfast.

CONTACT

Phone 036 468 1000; e-mail drakensbergsun.reservations@tsogosun.com or visit tsogosunhotels.com .— Sleith was a guest of Tsogo Sun

See a video clip of the canopy tour at sundaytimes.co.za and more photos on the ST Travel Weekly Facebook page.