Introduction
The Drakensberg, particularly the Central Drakensberg, has seen some exciting new tourism developments, that ensures that the phrase, “The Drakensberg: So much to do… so little time to do it” is apt. These together with the existing attractions and services of this area, the Northern and Central Drakensberg and surrounding Battlefields and other tourism areas, offer a particularly distinctive
experience for leisure groups, conferences, incentive programmes and the
individual domestic and international tourist.
Specific developments and Drakensberg activities
These developments include the Cathedral Peak Wine Estate, an estate that established in 2008. This exquisite venue which, offers an excellent wine tasting experience only did its first wine pressing some three years ago. Its Pinotage then proceeded to secure a gold award in 2016 and 2017 at the
Stellenbosch Wine Show.
In addition to this beautiful wine estate, the Cathkin Valley now has its own micro-brewery – The Drakensberg Brewery, which is producing a range of exceptional beer types ranging from red Ales, Blonde Ales, Indian Pale Ale, Pilsners and Stout. This brewery, which is open for light lunches and tasting, is a must-visit. Children will love watching the occasional glider, landing at the airstrip where this brewery is based.
Also, to these Drakensberg activities, the Valley is becoming increasingly popular for mountain bikers and trail runners. The community of this area has seen the potential of those sporting pursuits and as a result, established has an extensive mountain biking and trail running trails.
It is also essential to be aware of the fact that the Central Drakensberg has its a walking club, which meets for day hikes every Tuesday.
This Valley also offers a Park Run, a 5km experience from the Waffle Hut near Winterton. Guests are welcome to join this community spirit and engage with locals over waffles and coffee on Saturday morning. The run starts at 08h00.
Special attractions
There are also some precious hidden ‘gems’ in the Valley, which are extraordinary attractions:
“Sandra se Winkel“ Museum on the way to Ardmore Guest Farm is a fascinating trip into the past of frontier life of the Drakensberg. It is a genuine trading store from a by-gone era, and many of the goods in the museum are still in their original packaging.
The Valley continues to offer some exciting must-do activities, including:
- hot air ballooning;
- helicopter flips over the Berg and Battlefields;
- zip lining (Drakensberg Canopy Tours and Dragon Peaks Resort);
- white river rafting;
- Falcon Ridge Bird of Prey Centre and Dragon Rock Reptile and Nature Park;
- horse riding;
- golf (Champagne Sports Resort, Monks Cowl Hotel and Cathedral Peak Hotel); and
- fishing.
“The Drakensberg: so much to do, so little time to do it.”