Month: January 2024

Click on the following link for the Summer 2023/2024 edition of the Drakensberg Times. Drakensberg Times intends to keep the tourism trade aware of the latest developments in Central and Northern Drakensberg. It is also helpful for the general public. Drakensberg News. A Drakensberg Newsletter.

Contents

Drakensberg Hoopoes – are colourful and commonly found in the Lower Drakensberg region. Their plumage, particularly on their heads, resembles the vibrant costumes of courtiers from the Middle Ages;

BergVenture – an outdoor education centre of excellence. The Champagne Valley is a significant centre of adventure tourism in South Africa. This is mainly due to a wide array of adventure services and venues.

Botha’s Shelter is one of Drakensberg’s untouched masterpieces. It is a crucial San Rock Art Site found in the Didima Gorge special conservation area, among the three most significant locations of such art in the Drakensberg.

Mushroom Rock and Mhlonhlo Valley Loop.  Mushroom Rock is a popular hike from the Cathedral Peak Hotel. The loop, which includes the Mhlonhlo Valley Loop, makes it more challenging.

Hiking Safely in the Drakensberg Part 2: Hiking Sanitation. Maintaining proper sanitation while hiking is a crucial aspect often overlooked and can significantly impact an area’s overall experience and hikers’ health.

Site Map

Click on the following link for the Spring 2023 edition of Drakensberg Times. Drakensberg Times intends to keep the tourism trade aware of the latest developments in Central and Northern Drakensberg. It is also useful for the general public. Drakensberg News. A Drakensberg Newsletter.

Contents

Drakensberg Black-Backed Jackals – Did you know that the Drakensberg Black-Backed Jackals, or Canis Mesomalis, are among the oldest canine species? It’s true! Fossil evidence shows that they roamed the earth some two million years ago, making them remarkable survivors with an impressive ability to adapt to their surroundings.;

Malcolm Pearse’s Photo Gallery of San Rock Art.  Visitors can explore the Winterton Museum’s enchanting San Rock Art Photo Gallery. Malcolm Pearse was commissioned to develop this display. It provides valuable insights into the Drakensberg San and their intricate frescoes, along with the meanings behind them. The gallery showcases images of the region’s most significant San Rock Art sites, portraying their rituals, daily life, and spiritual beliefs. Additionally, visitors can purchase a guide or manual to help interpret each image.

When Garden Castle was Giant’s Castle.  Garden Castle, initially called Giant’s Castle, is a prominent peak in the Southern Drakensberg. Captain Alan Gardiner bestowed this name in the mid-1800s. However, it was later altered by Dr Sutherland, the Surveyor General at that time, in 1865. He renamed it Garden Castle to honour his mother’s maiden name.

DrakensbergSagewood or Buddleja salviifolia is easily noted while hiking in the Montane and lower Sub-Alpine vegetation belts of the Drakensberg. This tree, which grows to four to eight metres, is quite common in the region and can be easily spotted at the edges of hiking trails. Its upper leaves are dark green and have a wrinkled and dimpled texture, while the underside is distinctly white. The leaves are elongated and pointed. In addition, the tree bark has a reddish-brown hue, and the young branches are covered in fine hairs.

Grindstone and Cataract Valley Loop. A moderate hike, the Grindstone Cave and Cataract Loop begins at the Injisuthi Camp. Follow the cairns to reach Yellowood Forest and Grindstone Cave.

Hiking Safely in the Drakensberg Part 1: Crossing Rivers.  Crossing a river or swollen stream can be hazardous when hiking in the Drakensberg. Unfortunately, many hikers have lost their lives attempting to cross such obstacles.

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