Activities and tourist attractions in the Drakensberg (see
Activity Pricing)
The Antbear overlooks the Bushman's river,
which rises in the high Drakensberg near Giants
castle and meets the Tugela north east of the
small town of Weenen. It flows through one of
those places on earth where the drama of human
events seems to be etched forever into the landscape.
In the south the huge mountains form the backdrop
to this gigantic natural stage and down on the
plain bisected by rivers and studded by thorn
trees, the red tinge of grass still seems to
hint at the bloody battles that were fought
here. It is an area of huge vistas, a myriad
of vantage points where the landscape rolls
out for as far as the imagination.
Wagondrift Dam and Moor Park
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Wagondrift Dam and Moor Park renowned for brdlife
and spectacular viewsWagondrift dam and Moor
park (8km from the Antbear) are two small conservation
service nature reserves where bushbuck, mountain
reedbuck, black wildebeest, zebra and impala
abound. Moor Park is renowned for its bird life
including a pair of nesting black eagles. A
major feature of the park is the old Boer furrow
trail which visitors can follow.
Rock art at Kamberg
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Kamberg (35km from the Antbear) has inspired
many a dedicated fisherman to rise before dawn,
get to out in the foothills of the Drakensberg
and bag his trout. For anglers interested in
not only catching trout, but also learning about
their lifecycle, Kamberg is a special treat.
The hatchery is right here and visitors are
welcome. For those of us not so interested in
fishing follow the 5km trail passed the waterfall
and chance upon the most exquisite examples
of San rock art that can be seen anywhere.
Giants Castle
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Giants Castle (35km from the Antbear) with
its splendid mountain scenery and towering escarpment
is a mecca for those who love strenuous hiking
trails, as well as those who prefer a leisurely
stroll along the contour path to experience
the peace and silence of the wilderness. This
reserve is famous for its caves and shelters
are rich in San rock art. Another popular attraction
is the Lammergeyer hide where Lammergeyers (an
endangered bird of prey) and Cape Vultures can
be viewed feeding.
Weenen Game Reserve
The Weenen Game Reserve (40km from the Antbear)
is one of those rare safari places without malaria.
At a relatively modest 5000 hectares Weenen
is not like a large game reserve but what it
lacks in size it certainly makes up for in variety.
There are views where the waving grasslands
dotted with flat-topped acacias resemble a miniature
Serengeti, complete with modest assemblages
of zebra, giraffe and rhino. Other areas, cleft
by deep gorges are thickly forested. In the
south an escarpment looks down on to the Bushman's
river meandering in its deep secluded valley
and on the plateau beyond stretches the reserve's
wilderness area which is only accessible by
foot. Weenen Game Reserve also boasts the highest
density of rhino per square kilometer in South
Africa.
Horse trails
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A number of horse trail providers in the area
offer varing horse trail options. There is something
for beginners and experienced alike. Trails
go up into the Drakensberg foothills or even
in a game reserveThese professionally guided
trails take you within meters of towering giraffe
and snorting wildebeest. This is an activity
that novices can also partake in and something
that that seems to make folks come back time
and time again. There are also options for a
sundowner ride and day tips for more experienced
riders.
White Water Rafting
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White water rafting is available on the Tugela
River. (45 km from the Antbear) Half day and
full day tours and even horse ride rafting combinations
are on offer. Or a tamer option is the canoe
safari down the Weenen Canal. The canal starts
at the Bushmans River, passes through the Weenen
Game Reserve, over an old brick aqueduct and
then through picturesque farmland. All rafting
and canal safaris are accompanied by qualified
guides.
Quad Bike trails
 Ride
a quad into facinating Zulu country. Meet at
Mabasos Shebeen. Safe parking. Very cold beer
and friendly people. Thquad trail is about 20
km and can take up to 3 hours one way. It can
be tailored for beginners and advanced rider
skills.
Battlefield tours
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It is difficult to imagine that the scenic
and tranquil landscape of central and northern
KwaZulu-Natal was once the focal point of major
military clashes; where over a span of 70 years,
one historical drama after another unfolded
against the backdrop of the African veld and
the Majestic Drakensberg mountains. The area
boasts the largest concentration of battlefields
in South Africa. But don't let the description
battlefields mislead you into thinking you are
going to spend time in the past. The climate,
the scenery, the cultural diversity, the cuisine
and the hospitality makes your visit a unique
and memorable experience. Spieonkop is one of
the most interesting of the battle sights of
the Anglo Boer War. But there are plenty more
sights that a worth a visit. Take a battlefield
guide and relive this history.
Midlands Meander
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The Midlands craft meander starts just 15 km
from the Antbear. The old world charm and tranquil
countryside has attracted a new breed of people
who have taken residence among the farmers.
These are creative crafters, sculptures, potters,
weavers and leather workers who ply their trade
in quaint old cottages and farmhouses and welcome
the curious. The Midlands is dotted with cozy
country inns just perfect for unhurried lunches
or just tea and home made jam scones.
The Howick Falls
 The
Howick falls (80 km from the Antbear) makes
a worth while day trip. The waterfall falls
some 90 m and the little trail down into the
gorge is wonderful. On the way back why not
stop at La Lampara the most excellent Italian
restaurant in our region.
Tugela Falls
 The
Amphitheater, Oliviershoek pass and the Sterkfontein
dam make a lovely drive in the northern part
of the Drakensberg. For the more adventurous
a visit to the top of the Drakensberg is essential.
The 2½ hour trail to the top of the escarpment
takes you to the edge of the Tugela falls, the
second highest waterfall in the world. It falls
some 950m and in Winter has been known to freeze
solid. The last leg of the trail involves the
climbing of a chain ladder to get to the top.
For those without a head for heights the drive
to the start of the trail is one of the most
beautiful roads that one could imagine.
Karkloof Canopy Tour
 Situated
in the tranquil Natal Midlands, the Karkloof
Canopy Tour offers an unequalled experience
gliding along steel cables between eight canopy
level platforms built high within the Karkloof
forest. Safely harnessed in state of the art
climbing gear and under close supervision of
a professional team of guides, prepare yourself
for a three hour adventure that will take you
amongst the birds, monkeys trees and plants
of this magnificent forest. The slides are up
to 175m long and provide unforgettable rides
and spectacular views of the forest canopy including
a little waterfall.
Sani Pass
 - -
The Southern Drakensberg is as easily reached
from the Antbear as the Northern part. Why not
go on a day trip to the Sani Pass, if you have
a 4x4 then it makes for wonderful driving. The
back roads hug the berg and the lack of other
vehicles along this way is almost suspicious.
Golf
 A
number of golf courses can be found in the area,
both 9 and 18 holes. Boschhoek is only 40 minutes
away and it is a stunning course. The Champagne
Sports Resort is an hour away, with 2 fabulous
championship courses.
Estcourt
Estcourt is the main metropolis here but don't
expect too much. Fort Durnford is worth a quick
visit if you're driving past, it includes the
outdoor museum of a traditional Zulu village.
If you would like to experience a glider flight
over our beautiful area, then this can be arranged
at the Estcourt Aero Club on weekends.
Whichever way you decide to explore our area
your journey will pass through some of the most
inspiring landscape and wildlife areas in South
Africa.
The Drakensberg Boys Choir
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The Drakensberg Boys' Choir School is an internationally
acclaimed choir school, situated in the Drakensberg.
The boys have toured both nationally and internationally.
They perform a wide range of music from classic
choral work to modern arrangement and their
African choral work and gumboot dancing is spell-binding.
They hold weekly concerts on Wednesday at 3.30pm
during term times. Bookings essential
Hot Air Ballooning
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If you don’t mind getting up at 4 in
the morning, this is something special. The
views are incredible. So is the silence. And
it is followed by a champagne breakfast.
Helicopter Flips
 Experience
the mighty Drakensberg from the seat of one
of the helicopters operating in the Central
Drakensberg or from Cathedral Peak Flights vary
in duration from 20 minutes upwards. The scenery
is awe-inspiring and this is an experience never
to be forgotten. You may even land on the little
Berg and enjoy a picnic complete with champagne
before continuing your flight and returning
to base.
Fly Fishing
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Fly fishing in the Drakensberg? If you would
like us to recommend a good guide for a fly
fishing day, we can certainly do so. It costs
about R600 for the day but the guide is worth
every cent. For rivers it is the headwaters
of the Bushman’s River (in the Giant’s
Castle nature reserve) or the Little Mooi (in
the Kamberg Valley). Both in the foothills of
the Central Drakensberg. Dams? Too many to count.
If you have never tried fly-fishing, it is a
fabulous day out in beautiful surroundings.
Hlatikulu Crane Sanctuary
Take
a guided tour around the Hlatikulu Crane Sanctuary.
It’s free. But donations are appreciated.
There are only 200 – 300 Wattled Crane
left (in the world) and they’re working
hard to try and bring these magnificent birds
back from the verge of extinction. This is a
Drakensberg conservation effort that deserves
your support.
Bird of prey display
 Falcon
Ridge is home to a wide variety of raptors,
some of whom have been rehabilitated after suffering
from injuries. Daily shows begin at 10.30 am
(except Fridays) See these magnificent birds
fly and feed off the wing. The show includes
a presentation by the excellent handlers so
you can learn more about these magnificent birds.
During peak holiday season, and weather permitting,
they offer a second show each day.
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