Champagne Castle

Description

The Champagne Castle is the second highest peak in the Drakensberg mountain range with a height of 3,377m above sea level. It contains a series of subsidiary peaks, namely Cathkin Peak, Sterkhorn, Mount Memory, Mon’s Cowl, and Dragon’s Back. The Cathkin peak, one of the more dominating features of Champagne Castle, is one of the tallest peaks in the region.

In the 1860s, a couple of mountaineers scaled the Cathkin peaks, and ended up having champagne midway through their journey. As they were about to open the bottle, it dropped and smashed on the rocks, christening the mountain unexpectedly. When later naming the peaks, an argument ensued, but eventually they settled on 'Champagne Castle', influenced by the event that accompanied the scaling of the Cathin Peak. Champagne castle may have an inglorious naming, but the scenic beauty of this place still makes it a favourite spot with many visitors.