The vast Drakensberg region is filled with stunning scenery, undulating landscapes, and plenty of activities. It spans five of South Africa’s provinces, as well as Lesotho. This is a continuation from last weeks post, and lists three more great towns in the Drakensberg area.
- Day Four
Where: Estcourt
See: Fort Durnford, Wagendrift Dam, Weenen Game Reserve, New Formosa Nature Reserve
Only 30 minutes away from Mooi River, Estcourt is considered to be the adventure and activity base for the area. It is also an industrial hub of South Africa, with a Nestlé factory producing coffee, MILO and NESQUIK, as well as numerous bacon and processed food factories in the surroundings.
There are several interesting things to see and do here, such as visiting the museum housed inside the historical Fort Durnford; you can also fish or enjoy water sports at the Wagendrift Dam, or visit the Ikukhanya Kwelanga Cultural Village. Those interested can take a short drive to view a variety of game species in the Weenen Game Reserve, or go bird watching at the New Formosa Nature Reserve.
Stay at: Ashtonville Terraces is an elegant home that was built in the 1880s, and is surrounded by a 3-acre subtropical garden in the city centre. It offers a delightful mixture of Victorian and Afro Centricity, reflected in the décor and colour palates of the 6 en-suite rooms.
- Day Five
Where: Winterton
See: Battlefields and historical sites, Marianne Church ruins, Drakensberg Boys’ Choir, Quad Biking
A 45 minute drive from Estcourt will see you safely in Winterton, which is considered to be the entrance to Central Drakensberg and the beautiful Champagne Valley. Within the valley are the incredible Cathedral, Cathkins, and Champagne Peaks that are well worth photographing.
Try to catch a performance by the angelically-voiced Drakensberg Boys’ Choir, who perform Wednesday evenings and also hold weekend concerts here, or head into nature to view waterfalls and scenic beauty in the Champagne Castle and Monk’s Cowl areas (also accessible from Estcourt). A visit to the Waffle Hut Restaurant and Kwazulu Weavers is also worthwhile, as you can pick up some beautiful hand-woven rugs from them. Several Anglo-Boer battle sites are also found in the area.
Stay at: Lilac Lodge, set within the town centre, this charming lodge has a variety of cottages available to suit all travel styles and budgets. There is a communal braai area, play area for children, and a trampoline.
- Day Six
Where: Bergville
See: Woodstock Dam, Spioenkop Nature Reserve, Mont-aux-Sources
A 20 minute drive from Winterton will take you through to the town of Bergville, which is known for its dairy and cattle farms. It is the biggest village in the Northern Drakensberg according to the Central Drakensberg Information Centre.
There are plenty of outdoor-orientated activities to enjoy here, and one of the most popular is horseback rides into the Drakensberg for full or half-day tours – and you’ll have plenty of choice as several local companies offer this. Another great day trip is to the Tower of Pizza, outside of Bergville along the R743 close to the Royal Natal National Park. Apart from offering amazing pizzas, they also provide a variety of activities on-site such as fishing, golf, mountain biking, horse riding, tubing, helicopter flips, paintball, quad biking, and 4×4 routes.
Stay at: Easby Guest House is a beautiful 100 year old homestead which was once occupied by Boer Commandos. It is located just outside of Bergville along the R616 above the Spioenkop dam and Nature Reserve. Here you can expect homey country hospitality, and all the rooms on offer have en-suite bathrooms.
Let us know what your favourite activity is in the Drakensberg.
Main image courtesy of Three Trees at Spioenkop (TravelGround)
