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Visiting the Drakensberg?
What to Bring
Drakensberg walker or shopper? If you’re here for the Midlands Meander you don’t need anything special other than a wallet full of credit cards. And a big boot. But if it’s the Drakensberg that you’re after, there are a few things you mustn’t forget.
Cold Weather
Our weather is heavily influenced by the proximity of the mountains. That means you can have 4 seasons in one day. You can have blue skies one minute and the place can be shrouded in mist the next. In the summer we get violent afternoon thunderstorms. And it even snows occasionally. So whatever the time of the year, allow for the possibility of cold weather (we’ll have all the fires lit of course) but do remember a tracksuit or similar.
Footwear
By all means pack those stilettos ladies, particularly if it’s a romantic weekend and you want to vamp it up in the bar and the restaurant. But this is a country holiday and you’re going to be doing some walking. Maybe even some serious hiking? A good pair of comfortable walking takkies or boots is a must. A blister on your first day doesn’t make for a great breakaway. If you’re planning on fishing in a dam, gumboots are useful. If you’re taking on the rivers you’ll need waders, or the cold will get to you.
Sun Care
Some of the peaks are 3300 metres above sea level. Even if you’re just planning on day walking at Giant’s Castle, some of the hikes will take you above the 2500 metre contour line. So the air’s thin. Hats and sunscreen (all exposed areas not just your face) are essential.
Cameras & Binoculars
The scenery in the mountains is generally stunning – Giant’s Castle particularly so. But you don’t want to be carrying a load. So unless your special purpose is bird or landscape photography, stick to a small point and shoot.
You also need binos. The views are fabulous. Giant’s Castle is probably the best place in the country to see Eland. For birders it’s a special destination, not so much for a particularly huge diversity of species, but because there are “ticks” you can get here that you won’t get anywhere else. Compacts are easier to carry.
In the Summer - Swimming Costumes
The swimming experience is not to be missed. You’ll find that every Drakensberg destination is richly endowed with rivers, streams, waterfalls and rock pools. In summer, after a few kilometres uphill and down-dale, there’s nothing better than jumping into a crystal clear river or rock pool.
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...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.
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