The Drakensberg is one of the most incredible parts of South Africa. This region is home to the famous Drakensberg mountain range, incredible outdoor adventure and some of the most peaceful, family-friendly attractions and scenery around. So it isn’t hard to see why so many travellers and locals return time and time again to this unique part of SA, which primarily falls under KZN.
This unique region is divided into three parts: North, Central and Southern but in this post, we look at the top ten things to do in the Drakensberg overall:
#1 Enjoy a Horse Ride with Dragon Peaks
Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort is famed for its incredible horse rides. With some 26 or so horses, Lynn Tungay and her team provide riders of all levels with fun, soothing horse ride adventures.
They have a nice selection of level ride options – suitable for everyone from children and novice riders to more experienced riders – and some great specials too.
So if you dream of a magical horse ride in the beautiful Drakensberg, look no further than Dragon Peaks!
For more information on pricing, riding rules and levels, please contact Dragon Peaks directly.
Contact: +27 (036) 4681031, dpp@dragonpeaks.com
Website: dragonpeaks.com
Address: Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort, central Drakensberg, South Africa.
#2 Choose from Several Incredible Hikes
It goes without saying that the Drakensberg, famed for its dramatic, majestic mountain range and towering peaks, is one of the best places in Africa – and indeed the world – to enjoy amazing hikes.
Thankfully, there are a multitude of local hikes to enjoy in this beautiful corner of the world.
Some of the best picks include Rainbow Gorge (easy to moderate); Sugar Loaf (moderate); Giant’s Cup Trail (strenuous) and Amphitheatre Hike (strenuous) to name only a few.
Although permits and day fees vary per hike, you may also need to factor in a local guide for some of the more challenging hikes.
Either way, there are plenty of exciting hikes to enjoy in the dramatic Drakensberg!
For more information on pricing, trail routes and more, please contact a local guide or tourism body directly.
Contact: Various
Website: N/A
Address: Drakensberg, South Africa.
#3 Soar with Drakensberg Canopy Tour
One of the unmissable local attractions in the Drakensberg region is undoubtedly Canopy Tour’s exciting Drakensberg branch and its fun ziplining experience.
Situated within an indigenous forest in central Drakensberg, beneath the shadow of Cathkin Peak, this incredible canopy tour experience promises fun for everyone.
Boasting Africa’s first elevated rock face walkway, cable slides up to 60 metres high and the chance to soar among the trees (which are home some 150 different bird species) – Drakensberg Canopy Tour is unforgettable in so many ways.
For full pricing and tour rules and regulations, please visit their website.
Contact: +27 (083) 661 5691, info@drakensbergcanopytour.co.za
Website: www.canopytour.co.za/locations/drakensberg
Address: Drakensberg Canopy Tour, Cathkin Park, Drakensberg, South Africa.
#4 Pop into Cathedral Peak Wine Estate
In 2007, Cathedral Peak merged their love of farming and wine – and the rest, as they say, is history! Today, this is one of the loveliest wine farms in South Africa, thanks to its stunning location, which sees it nestled under the protective shadow of the Central Drakensberg.
Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and cheese platters, hosting their wedding here and soaking up the tranquil beauty of the Drakensberg from this gorgeous estate.
Their tasting room is open every day, excepting Tuesdays, and tastings start at a very minimal fee of R10 per person.
For more information on wine tastings and functions, please contact the estate directly.
Contact: +27 (063) 075 1123, bookings@cathpeakwines.com
Website: cathpeakwines.com
Address: Cathedral Peak Wine Estate, Winterton, Central Drakensberg, South Africa.
#5 Enjoy a Magical Experience with Drakensberg Ballooning
For those looking for a truly memorable experience in the Drakensberg, look no further than the popular Drakensberg Ballooning.
This hot air balloon company offers panoramic tours that take you high into the sky above KZN, stretching from the Amphitheatre in the north to Giants Castle in the south.
So whether you wish to see things from on high or pop the question in a very special, romantic way – this one is for you.
For more on their amazing tour offerings and pricings, please contact them directly.
Contact: +27 (082) 802 7527, info@drakensbergballooning.com
Website: www.drakensbergballooning.co.za
Address: Drakensberg Bush Lodge and Backpackers, Glen Gray, Winterton, Drakensberg, South Africa.
#6 Brave Dragon Rock Reptile Centre
Found in the heart of Champagne Valley, in the central Berg, this unique reptile- and nature-centre is a fun and fascinating place for most ages to enjoy.
With a wide array of enclosures and interactive experiences, guests can brave meeting and seeing everything from reptiles to spiders and more, as they learn about the importance of preserving and protecting our planet and the creatures who inhabit it.
The centre offers a daily tour; booking is essential. Regrettably, no children under 5 are allowed into the centre.
Contact: +27 (082) 955 1404
Website: www.dragonrockcentre.co.za
Address: Dragon Rock Reptile Centre, Cathkin Park, Drakensberg, South Africa.
#7 Go Fly Fishing at Royal Natal Park
If you love fishing, you are in luck because many of the rivers and dams found in the Drakensberg permit fishing.
One such place is Royal Natal Park, which is situated within uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site.
Here, guests are allowed to fly fish (and only fly fish) – provided they bring their own rods and purchase a fishing permit upon entering the park.
Once you have your permit, you can enjoy incredible fly fishing in one of the most breathtaking parts of the Drakensberg.
For more information or to purchase a permit, please contact the visitors centre directly.
Contact: +27 (036) 438 6310
Website: N/A
Address: Royal Natal National Park, Drakensberg, South Africa.
#8 Enjoy MTB Fun with Cathkin Trails
For MTB lovers, the Drakensberg is understandably one of the more exciting and beautiful places to ride.
Happily, with Cathkin Trails, a local non-profit organisation who are passionate about developing and maintaining MTB trails, this dream can easily become a reality.
There are some 30 kilometres of trails that have been built to date, with more planned for the future.
Riders can choose between daily, weekly or annual membership fees but they must sign the indemnity form and receive a wristband before they can ride on any of the trails.
There are a number of lovely starting points and trails to choose from, as well as many excellent, organised events to keep an eye out for.
For more information on pricing, rules and trails, please visit their website or contact Cathkin Trails directly.
Contact: little.acres@live.co.za
Website: cathkintrails.co.za
Address: Cathkin Trails, R600, Drakensberg, South Africa.
#9 Be Amazed at Falcon Ridge
Falcon Ridge is an amazing bird of prey centre where guests can enjoy seeing mesmerising raptors take to the skies in what is surely an unforgettably special Drakensberg experience.
They host shows where you can see and marvel at the raptors in live action – and also sell some cool merchandise from their curio store, if you wish to take a little something extra home with you.
For more on the show times, pricing and other important information, please contact Falcon Ridge directly.
Contact: +27 (082) 774 6398, robynmcbey@gmail.com
Website: N/A
Address: Falcon Ridge, R600, Winterton, Drakensberg, South Africa.
#10 Explore The Farmers’ Lawn Market
Market lovers among us, rejoice because the Drakensberg now has its first ever permanent artisanal market thanks to the pioneering Farmers’ Lawn Market.
Here, the focus is very much on showcasing and celebrating local produce, in what is a beautiful, relaxed setting.
What more could you want for a fun, vibrant Saturday market experience in the beautiful Drakensberg?
For more on the market and its next Saturday dates, please contact the team directly.
Contact: admin@thefarmerslawn.co.za
Website: N/A
Address: The Farmers’ Lawn Market, Gourton Corner, R600, Winterton, Drakensberg, South Africa.
These are just ten of the best Drakensberg experiences to enjoy!