Drakensberg

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Drakensberg Packages

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Breathtaking natural beauty and tranquility await you.

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Drakensberg

The Drakensberg is the name given to the eastern portion of the Great Escarpment, which encloses the central Southern African plateau. The Great Escarpment reaches its greatest elevation in this region – 2,000 to 3,482 meters. If any landscape lives up to its airbrushed, publicity-shot alter ego, it is the jagged, green sweep of the Drakensberg’s tabletop peaks. This forms the boundary between South Africa and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, and offers some of the country’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. Within the area is a vast 2430-sq-km sweep of basalt summits and buttresses; this section was formally granted World Heritage status in 2000, and was renamed uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. Today, some of the vistas are recognisably South African, particularly the unforgettable curve of the Amphitheatre in Royal Natal National Park. Drakensberg means ‘Mountain of the Dragons’; the Zulu named it Quathlamba, meaning ‘Battlement of Spears’. The Zulu word is a more accurate description of the sheer escarpment, but the Afrikaans name captures something of the Drakensberg’s otherworldly atmosphere.

Things to do

Boat Cruises

Daily cruises are offered in Wild Horse's 29ft Sea Ray Bow Rider, which can comfortably accommodate up to 16 people. The biggest in its class, the boat is controlled by a state of the art computerised system, and has a fridge, toilet, sophisticated sound system, and tables for snacks and cocktails. Swimming from the boat is a popular past time. The boat can also be chartered for private sundowner cruises and romantic getaways to lesser-known sites on the dam. Charter rates are dependent on the nature and duration of the cruise. Delicious snacks and cocktails are prepared by our chef.

Hiking

Venture out for a day of exhilarating hiking through the nature reserve armed with a delicious picnic basket prepared by our chef. A number of exciting hikes in local conservation areas have been specifically designed by an expert consultant working with Nature Conservation. These hikes are relatively easy, and are planned for optimum enjoyment of the beauty of the environment with its grasslands and abundant wild flowers.

Horse Riding

Explore the reserve on one of Wild Horse's specially bred horses. Well trained and sure-footed, these steeds are suitable for riders of all levels. Guests are accompanied on outrides by a lodge groom. Personal preference dictates the pace of an easier or more rigorous outride, with the option of stopping at a picnic site to enjoy a delicious meal prepared by our chef.

Fly Fishing

Sterkfontein Dam is home to a many different species of fish, including the yellowfish. Fly-fishing for this species is internationally acclaimed, and hundreds of fish are caught in season (generally lasting from October to the end of March). The clarity of the water is so exceptional that sight fishing is the order of the day. To cast a dry fly at a sighted fish in the shallow with a 5wt rod is the pinnacle of fresh water fly fishing.

Game Viewing

The Sterkfontein Nature Reserve is populated by a wide variety of game including zebra, springbok, blesbuck, eland, red hartebeest, duiker, reedbuck, springbuck, jackal and the endangered lechwe.

Bird Watching

The 18,000 ha Sterkfontein Game Reserve is a birder's paradise, with a bird list of 195 species. There have been excellent sightings of both Cape Vulture and Bearded Vulture. In short grassland areas Yellow-breasted Pipit and Amur Falcon have been observed.

Local waterbird species include Little Grebe, Goliath Heron, Egyptian Goose, South African Shelduck, Caspian Tern, African Fish-Eagle and Osprey. In the grassland and open bush areas Common Quail, Grey-winged Francolin, White-bellied Korhaan, Ground Woodpecker, Mountain Wheatear, Buff-streaked Chat, Drakensberg Prinia and Yellow-crowned Bishop are spotted regularly.

The rocky slopes provide habitat for several species such as Red-winged Francolin, Cape Rock-Thrush and, during winter, Malachite Sunbird. Other raptors such as Verreauxs' Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, Black Harrier and Rock Kestrel are common, while Southern Bald Ibis breeds on sandstone krantzes in the reserve and can be seen foraging in grassland. Look out for the rare Rudd's Lark which occurs in short grassland.

Mountain Biking

Explore the diversity of the Sterkfontein Nature Reserve on mountain bike. We are able to put you in touch with an adventure specialist for specific information on trails in the area.

Wellness & Spa

A tailor-made menu specifically created to offer the most popular treatments enjoyed by Wild Horses guests.

Four Star Hotels

Cathedral Peak

Nestled in the unspoiled surroundings of the Drakensberg mountain range (a World Heritage Site) lies Cathedral Peak Hotel, one of South Africa's premier resort hotels. Just 250 kilometers from Durban and 400 kilometers from Johannesburg, the famous Cathedral Peak Hotel is easily accessible to its many visitors from all over South Africa and abroad. Since the hotel first opened to guests in 1939, the van der Riet family has succeeded in offering warm hospitality, combined with exceptional service and value for money.

Montusi Mountain Lodge

Montusi Mountain Lodge offers genuine hospitality in the tranquility of one of the most beautiful settings in Southern Africa. Space, comfort and peace are what you will find when you treat yourself to the natural splendor and peaceful, romantic ambiance of this Northern Drakensberg haven. Situated in the Kwazulu-Natal Northern Drakensberg, halfway between Johannesburg and Durban, Montusi Mountain Lodge is the only upmarket destination in the area with a full and uninterrupted view of the Drakensberg's most famous part, the Amphitheatre escarpment.

Cayley Mountain Resort

Cayley Mountain Resort offers accommodation in Bergview, set in the central Drakensberg with views over the Cathkin Peak and Champagne Castle ranges. The property features a swimming pool, jacuzzi, restaurant, bar and shop/cafe where guests can relax and socialise. The Body Bliss Day Spa will indulge your senses with massages, beauty treatments and a steam room. This modern lifestyle resort offers side by side chalets spread along the ridge. Each unit is fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. There is a seating and/or dining area in most of the units.

Drakensberg Sun Resort

Situated in the heart of the magnificent Drakensberg mountains, the Drakensberg Sun Resort is one of the world’s most scenic holiday destinations. This family-friendly Drakensberg resort is the perfect place from which to explore the region’s many fascinating attractions – or simply to relax and unwind in one of South Africa’s most picturesque settings. The resort offers guests a choice of 78 beautifully furnished en-suite rooms. Accommodation options at the resort include Standard Rooms, Superior Rooms, Executive Rooms, and the luxurious Presidential Suite.

Drakensberg Mountain Retreat

Drakensberg Mountain Retreat is a stunning destination in the Northern Drakensberg only 20 km beyond Sterkfontein Dam. Situated high on a ridge overlooking the magnificent Drakensberg and Maluti Mountains, many have said that the views are unsurpassed. It offers much more than comfortable, affordable country-style accommodation. The spectacular views, vast spaces, wild winds/and horses too! As well as superb walks during which one may come across Cape Eland and other species of game, make it the perfect place to experience the beauty and magnificence of this sought-after region.

Five Star Hotels

Wild Horses Lodge

City dwellers in Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Durban have, at their doorstep, a gem of a hideaway mountain retreat. Occupying pride of place within the Sterkfontein Nature Reserve, Wild Horses Lodge is a Sandstone villa facing the breathtaking expanse of the Sterkfontein Dam and the Platberg Mountains. This Drakensberg Lodge was built with living in mind. Kitchen, lounge, and bar area merge, and regardless of which room you choose to inhabit you are treated to the most magical view. The dining room opens out to an expansive terrace.