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 (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.
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 (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.
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.
Join
"Sengani Horse Trails" for a horse safari (45 km from the Antbear) in the pristine KZN bushveld
at Mtontwana Game Reserve. This bushveld area is malaria free too. These 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 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.
The Spieonkop game reserve (60 km from the Antbear), through
its small size, allows for excellent game viewing throughout the year. This is
also one of the most interesting battle sights of the Anglo Boer War. The nature
reserve surrounds the Spieonkop Dam which reflects a completely different kind
of safari feeling
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 (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.
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.
The Battlefields. 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.
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.
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.
A number of golf courses can be found in the area, both 9
and 18 holes.
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
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 (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.
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 (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.
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.
Join
"Sengani Horse Trails" for a horse safari (45 km from the Antbear) in the pristine KZN bushveld
at Mtontwana Game Reserve. This bushveld area is malaria free too. These 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 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.
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 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.
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.
