Visiting the Drakensberg has always been a dream of mine, so driving through the rolling hills towards Cathedral Peak Hotel my heart started pounding with extreme excitement. In the distance the tips of the mountains start to appear and you think to yourself “could these mountains I have heard so much about be real”? And yes, they are the most beautiful thing you can ever hope to see.

I was lucky enough to spend two nights at the ever so popular Cathedral Peak Hotel situated at the foothills of the magical Drakensberg Mountains. It was such a breathtaking experience that I’ll definitely be going back.

Cathedral Peak Hotel is the perfect place to kick back, relax and take in the stunning surroundings. Or if adventure is your thing, you can take to the mountains and go exploring. The Van der Riet family opened the doors of the hotel in 1939, offering superb hospitality and service. What makes it even more special is that in 2000 UNESCO named the incredible Drakensberg Mountain Range a World Heritage Site.

They offer a variety of rooms to suit any budget. These range from standard, superior and thatched family rooms to beautiful honeymoon and presidential suites.

Each room is equipped with a TV, a bar fridge, a heater, a fan and tea and coffee making facilities. Every room boasts views of the mountains, and keep your eyes open for the cute deer grazing on the premises.

For more information on accommodation please click here.

You are greeted with big smiles from the staff as soon as you enter the hotel’s large dining room, where a delicious buffet is served at breakfast and dinner.

There is also a comfortable children’s dining room where your little ones can have great fun mingling with other children staying at the hotel. After your meal you can play a round of pool at Harry’s Bar or relax at Albert’s Cocktails Bar, complete with a separate smokers’ lounge, after the day’s activities. The hotel sometimes hosts a quiz night, which is a fun way to meet other hotel guests. Keep an eye on the event board at reception for any activities happening during the time of your stay.

If you need your daily tea (or coffee) fix, tea is served twice daily on the terrace.

Make your special day one to remember and tie the knot with the majestic Drakensberg Mountains as your backdrop. The hotel has a beautiful, quaint stone-and-thatch chapel with a big window behind the pulpit which provides an exquisite view of the mountains.

The hotel offers amazing packages to suit your every need, so for more information please click here.

The hotel prides itself on being a top conference destination, with a choice of 5 fully equipped conference venues seating up to 200 delegates. Some standard features for conferencing include free use of conference rooms with facilities when delegates stay at the hotel, a large refreshment and service area and loads more.

For more information on their conference packages please click here.

There is an extensive range of activities for all ages at the hotel, including hiking, golf, bowls, volleyball, wall climbing, horse riding, quad biking, putt putt and the list does not stop there! Every afternoon a list of guided activities is placed in the reception area and you can fill in your name for the next day.

We decided to do a guided walk which started at 08:00. Our guide, Mxo, was friendly and very accommodating. We ventured through the lush hills towards Doreen Falls where we chilled for a while before we continued on our walk back to the hotel. There are about 15 hiking trails suitable for different fitness levels. You can hike alone at your own risk, but it is recommended that you go with a guide if you are not familiar with the mountains.

There are so many activities available, to find out more please click here.

Cathedral Peak Hotel tops my list of places to stay in South Africa with comfortable accommodation, top hospitality and service, delicious food, breathtaking surroundings and fun activities for everyone. So, take the road less travelled to this remarkable hotel. I’m sure, like me, you will definitely be visiting again.

Thank you to Cathedral Peak Hotel

Photo credit: Perthenia Thomas and Cathedral Peak Hotel