Otter
Pixabay

In winter, the Drakensberg mountains beckon with the allure of a crackling fireplace and a glass of rich red wine. It's a time to wander along the contour path, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of snow-capped peaks. Embrace a Drakensberg winter - an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your heart!

“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” – Aristotle

Contents:

• Drakensberg's Otters;
• The Mountain Club of South Africa;
• Zulu Cave;
• Some images from Cat Cave;
• Escaping bushfire;
• Drakensberg Events;
• Weather charts;
• Tourism directory

Otters are one of the Drakensberg's most significant smaller carnivores. Two species of these beautiful creatures are found in this region: the Cape clawless (otter Aonyx capensis) and the spotted-necked otter (Lutra maculicollis).

David Rowe-Rowe conducted a fascinating study in 2016 to assess the population of these otters along three rivers in the Drakensberg. He ascertained that the densities of clawless otters were between 1 per 2.5 km and 1 per 0.7 km. For spotted-necked otters, densities were between 1 per 5 km and 1 and 0.45 km.

The Cape Clawless Otter's most distinguishing feature is that it does not have claws or webbed feet on its front paws. It is a large brown otter with a white chin, throat, neck, and chest. Their muzzle is short and blunt. Furthermore, they have small ears. Additionally, they have thick tails that taper to a point. It can reach lengths of up to 1.6 metres and weighs up to 15 kilograms. 

Although these otters are mainly solitary, they may reside in adjacent territories of family groups of up to five animals. Each one still possesses its range within that territory and tends to keep to itself unless it searches for a mate. They mark their territories using a pair of anal glands that produce a specific scent. These otters are very territorial over their particular ranges.

These animals are awkward on land but graceful in the water. They spend most of their time swimming and catching food, and they retreat to underground burrows for safety.

Their diet is mainly made up of crabs and frogs. They also catch fish, insects, molluscs and birds.

The Spotted Neck Otter is smaller. They are brown and have a lighter neck and belly. They have distinctive brown spots on their neck. Additionally, they have webbed feet and claws. Their diet is the same as the Cape Clawless Otter.

The Mountain Club of South Africa is the country's largest association of mountaineers and hikers, established in 1891 in Cape Town. Neil Margetts, a member of this association and owner of the South African Outdoor Academy, gave a presentation at the Nest Hotel in April to the Central and Northern Drakensberg community about the benefits of being a member of the club. These benefits include hiking and mountaineering opportunities, training, contributing to conservation efforts, and supporting the club's Mountain Rescue units.

The club has various sections throughout South Africa, including one in the Newcastle area called Amajuba, which is closest to our community. During the April meeting, it was agreed that members of our local hiking forums should consider becoming members of this section. If the membership of the MCSA grows significantly in our area, we could extend that section and potentially establish our own section in the future.

If you're interested in joining, please contact James Seymour at james@cathkinmanagement.com. For more information on this membership drive, you may also find the following link useful: https://mcsa.org.za/.

The Zulu Cave hike is one of the most popular overnight hikes in the Central Drakensberg. It is also a convenient base for hikers who wish to ascend Gatberg or as a stopover for a multi-day hike along the 'Contour Path'.

The hike begins at Monks Cowl. Hikers can then ascend to the Contour Path via the Sphinx or via Keartlands Pass. Head towards Blindman's Corner and then towards Hlatikhulu Nek.

Please refer to the following Map. The turnoff to Zulu Cave from the Contour Path's GPS coordinates is 29° 2,8198' S, 29° 21,2330' E.

Follow the path into Emhlawazini Valley and onto Zulu Cave.

The distance to Zulu Cave is about 13 kilometres; however, the elevation gain is over 900m. Expect to be on the trail for at least six hours before you reach the cave.

Cat Cave is a protected San rock art site. It is not open to the public. KZN Wildlife's Monks Cowl Section is responsible for monitoring this site. Its Honorary Officers assist with this important site.

The following are some images from a recent inspection.

When hiking in the Drakensberg during winter, it's important to be aware of the threat of bushfires. Hikers should be especially cautious in windy conditions, as bushfires can quickly spread across grassland.

If you notice a bushfire, move away from the area as quickly as possible and head towards a road or rocky area. Keep in mind that bushfires tend to burn uphill. It is also difficult to outrun them. It's best to move to the side of the fire and find a break in the flames.

If you can't escape, look for the lowest point in the flames' path, cover your face with a damp cloth or green vegetation, run through the flames, and roll.

In some cases, burning an area in front of you, known as a backburn, may be possible to create a buffer from the oncoming flames.

Winterton Parkrun takes place every Saturday morning from the Waffle Hut starting at 08.00. Cannibal Cave Parkrun takes place in the Northern Drakensberg;

Cathkin Park Walking Group takes place every Tuesday. 8.00 in Winter and 7.00 in Summer. Contact Nick at 0794936424;

Central Drakensberg Hiking Group Saturdays and overnight hikes. Contact James Seymour for details. 0829255508;

Cathkin Park Community Projects Run takes place on the last Friday of the month at 17.00 in Summer and 16.30 in Winter at The Nest;

Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School has a concert on Wednesday afternoons during term times at www.webtickets.co.za or 0364681012

Mountain Music Club occurs on the last Saturday of every month from 5 pm, usually at Mac’s Café, Cedarwood Shopping Centre. Dave: 0724839049.

2024

22nd June: Drakensberg Polar Bear Swim Challenge  Belinda Espag 0797377282

27th July: LOCKK Riders at Winterton Country Club. Contact Jess 0836000258

6th – 7th Sept: The Berg Show. Applications open on 1st March. Contact Joanine 0828564368

6th – 8th Sept: Mont- Aux Sources Ultra Trail at Royal Natal National Park www.quicket.co.za

28th Sept: Run the Berg. www.runtheberg.co.za

18th – 20th Oct: Kudu Canter Trail Run www.entryninja.com

2nd Nov: “Inni Straat” Street Festival. Annali 0825489910

6th – 8th Dec: Christmas in the Berg www.dbchoir.com

 2025

24th Jan: 125th Anniversary of the Battle of Spionkop. Lynette 0825730224

Ann Gray

31st May 2024

Download the Drakensberg Experience Map

Adventure Operators

Active Escape

All Out Adventures

Berg Adventures

Cathkin Trails for Mountain Bikers

Drakensberg Ballooning

Drakensberg Canopy Tours

Drakensberg Hikes

Drakensberg Mountain Bike Trails

Dragon Peaks Resort

Four Rivers Adventures

Hike The Berg

Hot Air Ballooning SA

Leap Adventures

Scootours

The Northern Horse

Ushaka Horse Trails

Westline Aviation

Battlefield Sites

Bloukrans

Colenso

Doornkop Laager site

Elandslaagte

Fort Durnford

Rensburgskop Battlefield

Siege of Ladysmith (various)

Spioenkop

Thukela Heights (Various)

Vaalkrans

Weenen

Willow Grange

Winston Churchill Capture Site

Zaailaager / Saailaager

B&Bs

Alkamia B&B

At Home

Bell Park B&B and S/C

Bingelela Restaurant / Pizzeria & B&B

Cathkin Cottage B&B

Easby B&B

Itumeleng B&B Bergville

Nzima B&B

Tugela Fall B&B

Backpackers

Amphitheatre Backpackers

Drakensberg Bush Lodge

Inkosana Lodge

Booking Agencies & Tour Operators

Africa Ignite

Berg Adventures

Cathkin Booking & Management Services

Cathkin Park Reservations

Golf got you

Ron Gold Historical Tours

Book Stores

Mountain Dragon Books

Camping & Caravanning

Mountain Splendour Eco-Resort

Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort

Monks Cowl Camp

Royal Natal Camp

Injisuthi Camp

Coffee Shops & Restaurants

Bingelela Restaurant / Pizzeria & B&B

Canaan Coffee & Gifts

Champagne Bistro

Chocolate Memories

Drakensberg Brewery

Farmers Fork

Four Rivers

Kabbo Burger Factory

Mac's Coffee Shop

Pig & Plough

Scrumpy Jack Farmstall

The Coffee Patch

The Griller Restaurant

The Salesyard

The Tower of Pizza

Thokozisa Restaurant

Valley Bakery

Waffle Hut

Conference Venues

Alpine Heath

Alpine Heath

ATKV Drakensville Resort

ATKV Drakensville Resort

Cathedral Peak Hotel

Champagne Castle Hotel

Champagne Sport Resort

Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort

Little Switzerland Hotel

Sandford Park Country Hotel

The Nest Hotel

Wits End Mountain Resort

Craft Shops

BergAir

Cedarwood Village Shopping Centre

Chocolate Memories

Farm Friends Farmstall

KwaZulu-Natal Weavers

Sandra's se Winke;

The Oaks Supermarket

The Outspan

Thokozisa 

Estate Agents

Chas Everitt - Pierre de Wet 0645120809

Game Reserves/ Conservation Areas

Kwaggashoek Game Ranch

Slievyre Game Farm

Spionkop Nature Reserve

Weenen Nature Reserve

Zulu Waters Game Reserve 

The Drakensberg World Heritage Site

Golf

Hlalanathi Berg Resort

Champagne Sports Resort

Cathedral Peak Hotel

Monks Cowl Golf Resort

Guest Houses

Ashtonville Terraces Guesthouse

Monte Vista

The Riverhouse

Lodges, Hotels & Resorts

Alpine Heath

Ardmore Guest Farm

Blue Haze Country Lodge

Cathedral Peak Hotel

Champagne Castle Hotel

Champagne Sports Resort

Cheetah Ridge Lodge

Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort

Dragons View Lodge

Esiweni Lodge

Ezulwini Berg Resort

Hlalanathi Berg Resort

Inkungu Lodge

Kwaggashoek Game Ranch

Little Switzerland Hotel

Mackaya Bella Lodge

Monks Cowl Golf Resort

Montusi Mountain Lodge

Sandford Park Country Hotel

Spionkop Lodge

The Cavern Resort & Spa

The Nest Hotel

Museums

Ladysmith

Sandra se Winkel

Winterton

Other Attractions

Cathedral Peak Wine Estate

Dragon Rock Reptile Centre

Drakensberg Boys Choir School

Drakensberg Brewery

Falcon Ridge Raptor Centre

H and D Honey Products

Public San Rock Art Sites

Injisuti Camp, guided tour to Battle Cave

Main Cave, Giants Castle Camp

Road Side Assistance

Tyre Roadside Assistance 0617821591

Self-Catering

Accommodation at Trek Trips & Trails

Alpine Heath

Alpine Heath

Ama Casa Self-catering Cottages

Amphitheatre Backpackers

ATKV Drakensville Resort

Bell Park B&B and S/C

Birdsong Cottages

Celtis cottage

Champagne Cottages

Champagne Lane Resort

Champagne Valley Resort

Dalmore Guest Farm

Didima Camp

Drakensberg Dream Cottages

Drakensberg Hikes

Drakensview S/C

Fernwood Shareblock (Pty) Ltd

Giants Castle Camp

Glenside Farmhouse

Goodhope Country Escape

Graceland Self-Catering Cottages

Highbourne Cottages

Hill Billy Cottages

Ihophe(Turtle Dove)

Ihophe(Turtle Dove)

iKhaya Lodge

Ikhayamalafu Mountain Hideaway

Ikhunzi Cave

Ledges Retreat

Little Acres

Linglela Lodge

Nambiti House

Oak Cottage

Ondini Guest House

Ouma se Opstal

Peak View Cottage

Pumeleni

River Crossing

Rockwood Earth Lodge

Slievyre Game Farm

Sungubala Eco Camp

Swallowfield Rondavels

Tendele/ Royal Natal

Vultures View

Wits End

Spas

Alpine Heath

Champagne Castle Hotel

Champagne Sports Resort

Monks Cowl Golf Resort

Spoilt Green Eco-Spa

The Nest Hotel

To change your subscription, click here.