1. Walking and Hiking
Magic Drakensberg! We are the last guest house on the tarred road between the village of Mooi River and the Giant’s Castle nature reserve, where you can walk or hike in remote and dramatically beautiful surroundings. This is a Drakensberg “jewel”. It is a lot less “busy” than the Northern Berg because there are no big resort hotels here. The maps are good and there are dozens of well-marked trails. Something for everyone. R25 entrance fee.
2. Swimming
Giant's Castle also provides magnificent swimming (also marked on the map) in crystal clear rock pools and rivers. Unless you’re very tough, this is a “summer thing only”.
3. Tugela Falls
Visit the Tugela Falls and the Royal Natal National Park. It is only 2 hours away. At 948 metres, it is the second highest waterfall in the world, plunging in 5 distinct leaps to the base of the Amphitheatre. After Table Mountain, the Drakensberg's Amphitheatre is probably the most photographed spot in all South Africa. R25 entrance fee.
4. Bushman Paintings
There are 3500 – 4000 Stone Age paintings in the caves and overhangs in the Drakensberg – irreplaceable treasures, slowly weathering away. South Africa’s three premier outdoor galleries of Bushman Rock Art: Game Pass Shelter in the Kamberg, Battle Cave at Injasuti and Main Caves at Giant’s Castle are all within easy reach (less than 1 hour). And the paintings at Game Pass Shelter are simply outstanding.
A bit of Midlands Meander stuff…?
5. Anglo-Boer War Battlefield Tours
One of the foremost authorities on the Anglo-Boer War is based in Mooi River and he would be happy to share your breakfast with you while he sets the scene and then takes you on a full-day tour of the Colenso and Spioenkop battlefields. This is another great day out in magnificent countryside with a superb raconteur who brings the whole thing to life for you. Cost? About R750 for the day.
6. Golf
If you are a golfer, Boschoek is only 30 minutes away and it is a stunning course. Or you can play at the Mooi River Country Club, only 7 kilometres away. The Champagne Sports Resort is less than an hour away, with 2 fabulous championship courses.
7. Bicycle Through the Karkloof Forest
Experience the countryside on a bicycle. Hire a mountain bike and a guide for a morning, afternoon or a day and explore the forest tracks and waterfalls in the area. R250 – R400.
8. Balloon Safari
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. A balloon safari will set you back about R2000 per person.
9. Eating Out
What about dinner at Hartford House? It is regularly voted one of the top 10 restaurants in the country. A 5-course menu (not counting the canapés and the sorbets) created by young and talented chefs, who are encouraged to be innovative. It is hard to beat at R200 per head.
10. Groundcover Leather Company
When last did you buy something that you knew was going to last 10 years? Buy a pair of handmade shoes at the Groundcover Leather Company and plan on bringing them back in about a decade for new soles.
11. Mooi Loft / Linen Loft
Both the Mooi Loft and the Linen Loft are just down the road. Women love these shops. Outstanding quality and good prices.
12. Karkloof Canopy Tours
If you need an adrenalin jump, or you’re an adventure junky, try a Karkloof Canopy Tour. It’s guaranteed to take 10 years off your life.
13. Culamoya Wind Chimes
Culamoya make precision-tuned wind chimes in all shapes and sizes. You are bound to find one that harmonizes with your soul.
14. Hydros and Day Spas
How about a pamper session? There are 3 spas on the Meander. You can choose between Brookdale, Fordoun and Granny Mouse. (Gentlemen too!).
15. Wine Cellar
Not to be missed! The Wine Cellar is the largest boutique wine cellar in the country.
More Drakensberg stuff…?
16. Fly Fishing
Fly fishing in the Drakensberg? You bet. 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. And we will cook whatever you catch. For rivers it is the headwaters of the Bushman’s River (in the Giant’s Castle nature reserve) or the Big 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.
17. 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.
18. Horse Riding
Perhaps a horse trail through the rivers and forests of the Drakensberg foothills? It costs about R175, starts at about 10 a.m. and ends at about 2 p.m.
19. The Drakensberg’s Sani Pass
2874 metres. And it does most of that in the last 8 kilometres. And you can see the rusting wrecks in the crevasse. Driving the Sani Pass really focuses your mind! But do it soon – they’re going to blacktop the road.
20. Drakensberg Boys’ Choir
If you have the flexibility to be here on a Wednesday afternoon (not in the school holidays) you could take in a Drakensberg Boys' Choir concert. For R75 it really is a sublime experience. You will need tissues. And a jersey for the goosebumps.
Welcome to Halls Country House
Brian & Janette
Home
Midlands Meander Accommodation
&
Drakensberg Accommodation
-------------------------------------------------------------------
...Drakensberg accommodation...
...on the Midlands Meander...
...for information, enquiries or reservations...
phone Janette on +27 (0)33 263 2696
©Halls Country House - Midlands Meander|Drakensberg Accommodation.
Bookmark This Page
