Klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus)
Photo: Mongo

Winter in the Drakensberg is special, but Spring is spectacular as the mountain wakes from its cold slumber, dressed in brilliant hues of green. There's so much to experience as this season blossoms.

“Happiness? The colour of it must be spring green.” – Frances Mayes

Contents:

• Drakensberg's Klipspringer;
• Wonder Valley Cave Hike;
• Mountain Dragon Books;
• Packing an overnight hiking backpack;
• A Drakensberg birding list;
• Drakensberg Events;
• Weather charts;
• Tourism directory

The Klipspringer, also known as Oreotragus oreotragus, is a small, sturdy antelope found in the High Drakensberg at altitudes above 2000 metres. This antelope has specially adapted hooves that allow it to navigate rocky and steep terrain with remarkable agility. The Klipspringer is nocturnal, which may be why it is not frequently observed in the Drakensberg region. It stands at a height of 43–60 centimeters and weighs between 8 to 18 kilograms. Its coat is thick and coarse, ranging from yellowish-grey to reddish-brown, which provides effective camouflage in its rocky habitat. The antelope's horns are short and spiky. Klipspringers are known to be monogamous and gregarious.

Top of the Mnweni Valley

The Wonder Valley Cave Hike is a delightful overnight hiking option in the Monks Cowl and Injisuthi area. One route begins at Monks Cowl Camp, passing through Blind Man’s Corner, and then onto Carter’s Trail on the second day. This circular route is considered the best option and is easier than ascending the zig-zags from Wonder Valley to the cave.

The distance from Monks Cowl to the cave is 17km, with an overall elevation gain of over 700m. The return distance to Monks Cowl via Wonder Valley and the Carter Trail is 11.3km, with an elevation gain of over 400m. The technicality of the hike is normal, and it is medium to high in terms of strenuousness. There is a low level of scrambling.

It is important to obtain permission from the owners of Wonder Valley to traverse their land. Booking the cave through KZN Wildlife’s Offices at Monks Cowl Camp or Injisuthi is also a possibility.

The cave is quite spacious and can comfortably accommodate up to ten people. The views of Cathkin Peak are spectacular, as are the views down onto the waterfalls and a substantial pool in the valley below the cave.

Click on the above image for a larger version of the route map.

Blue Hyacinth (Squill) - Blou Slangkop

It is a wonderful symbol of a Drakensberg Spring.

Mountain Dragon Books is the culmination of Steven and Tracey's dream. Owning a specialised bookstore was a natural evolution for passionate collectors of rare, pre-owned, and out-of-print books. They have acquired, owned, and traded over 30,000 books, participating in numerous fairs and similar events to secure, sell, and trade their collection.

They have considered establishing a bookshop in venues such as Parys and Clarens, but their love for the Drakensberg and Champagne Valley led them to believe it was the ideal place to start their venture. After visiting the Drakensberg numerous times, they always thought about settling here.

The current bookstore only houses a small portion of their collection, as many of their books are still stored in Johannesburg. They have an online presence through Facebook, a website, and Bob Shop.

The bookstore offers a variety of books relating to fields of interest, such as climbing, mountaineering, San Rock Art, the Anglo-Boer War, and South African towns. Additionally, they offer fascinating antique maps, posters, and paintings.

It is a wonderful experience to visit this bookstore. You will indeed find several books you have been searching for and discuss bibliophilism or the love of books with Steven and Tracey.

When packing a backpack for an overnight multi-day hike, there are several simple tips to consider. Firstly, aim to keep your pack as light as possible by following the rule of thumb that an overnight backpack should not weigh more than twenty percent of your body weight. A good way to reduce weight is mainly to pack dehydrated or freeze-dried food. Also, only pack the necessary clothing required for a trip. For example, multiple jackets are not necessary.

Secondly, pack lighter items, such as a map and compass, at the top of your backpack. Heavier items, like a tent and cooking system, should go in the middle of your pack and against your back. Bulky and lighter items should be packed at the bottom of your pack and the outer section of the middle of your pack.

Keep your backpack neat by packing items as efficiently as possible. Avoid having items like mugs or pots dangling from it. Use waterproof stuff sacks or refuse bags to organize your pack into logical units, such as clothing, food, cooking system, and sleeping unit.

The Drakensberg is a paradise for bird watchers and aspiring ornithologists. This region is home to over 250 bird species, eighteen of which are on Birdlife South Africa’s red list of endangered birds. The critically endangered Drakensberg birds are the Wattle Crane and Bearded Vulture. 

The Drakensberg endangered birds include the Grey Crowned Crane, Martial Eagle, Southern Ground Hornbill, Black Harrier, Secretary Bird and Cape Vulture.

Other Drakensberg birds on the ‘Red Data List’ comprise:

– Verreaux’s (Black)  Eagle;

– Striped Flufftail;

– Half-collared Kingfisher;

– White-bellied Korhaan (Bustard);

– Short-tailed Pipit;

– Yellow-breasted Pipit;

– Drakensberg Rockjumper;

– Gurney’s Sugarbird;

– Black Stork; and

– Ground  Woodpecker

Additionally, several species are either endemic or mainly found here. The Mountain Pipit is endemic. Additionally, six other species (the Bush Blackcap, Drakensberg Rockjumper, Yellow-breasted Pipit, Buff-streaked Chat, Drakensberg Siskin and Rudd’s Lark) are mainly located in this region.

A comprehensive list of birds in the Drakensberg has been created using information from various sources, including the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, Birdlife South Africa, and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. The plan is to update this list regularly as the names of bird species change and provide a link for all future issues of the Drakensberg Times. The table indicates common and notable bird species in the Drakensberg. Click on the following link - Drakensberg Bird List.

Mountain Pipit

Francesco Veronesi Wikimedia Commons

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

21st September: Bass Fishing Competition. 8 Dams Olaf 0834501450 or Ross 0825582974

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

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

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

9th November: LULU-BUGS Family Golf Day in aid of Cerebral Palsy Awareness. Estcourt Golf Club.

Sponsorships, players and donations are welcome. Contact Shane at 0789530721 or Gina at 0823991849

23rd November: The Border Post Trail Run 40km, 20km, 11km and 7km, The Border Post, Oliviershoek Pass

www.kzntrailrunning.co.za

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

2025

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

Ann Gray

19th August 2024

Download the Drakensberg Experience Map

Adventure Operators

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Spioenkop

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Weenen

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Africa Ignite

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Golf got you

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Camping & Caravanning

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Royal Natal Camp

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Bingelela Restaurant / Pizzeria & B&B

Canaan Coffee & Gifts

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Chocolate Memories

Drakensberg Brewery

Farmers Fork

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Kabbo Burger Factory

Mac's Coffee Shop

Pig & Plough

Scrumpy Jack Farmstall

The Coffee Patch

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The Tower of Pizza

Thokozisa Restaurant

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Waffle Hut

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Alpine Heath

Alpine Heath

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ATKV Drakensville Resort

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Craft Shops

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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

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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

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