Giants Castle lies in the Central Drakensberg region of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a World Heritage Site. It is one of KwaZulu Natal’s, and indeed South Africa's, prime ecotourist destinations.
The scenery is breathtaking and worth the visit for its own sake. Here you can savour the ultimate freedom of great open spaces in a world of gigantic peaks and butresses, a world of towering sandstone cliffs and hidden valleys, of priceless virgin forests and crystal clear rivers, of rolling hills and grasslands. The weather is treacherous, especially in summer, so take rainwear and warm clothing at all times.
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Giants Castle
Giants Castle boasts a wealth of recreational opportunities to match the scenic spendour around you. There are magnificently laid out day walks and fabulous rock art sites. From a gentle amble along a self-guided trail or peacefully fly fishing in a river or dam, experiences extend to birdwatching, swimming, riding, photography, painting or simply revelling in the clear mountain air while you take in the breathtaking vistas.
Walking & Swimming
In the Giants Castle Reserve there are a variety of self-guided day walks through the lower parts of the park throughout the year, weather permitting. Detailed maps are available from the camp office. Walks vary from an easy 30 minutes to more grueling 8 or 9 hour hikes. Several deep, clear pools are to be found in Two Dassie stream (2,5 km from the camp office) which runs through the forest and swimming, alone, is a pleasant activity on a hot day. There is also a magnificent pool at Bannerman’s Bridge.
Bushmen Rock Art
Superb stone-age rock art is high among the Giants Castle Reserve's special attractions. Visit the Main Caves Museum for a fascinating insight into the past lifestyle of the Bushmen people. There is a large sandstone cave containing prehistoric Bushman rock art. This is one of the biggest and best preserved painted sites in southern Africa. This cave is an easy 30 minute walk from the camp office and regular guided tours are taken through this unique exhibition from 9:00 to 15:00 daily for a small fee. The park is one of the richest rock painting areas in the world and about 30 000 individually painted images in 520 different rock shelters have been recorded.
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Game Viewing
Eland, the largest antelope in the world, and rarely seen in other South African game reserves, are common here. In addition to other rare species of antelope, baboons and smaller mammals such as black-backed jackal, serval and caracal, rock hyrax (dassie) are found. Best sightings are in the winter months, but game viewing is good throughout the year.
Bearded Vultures
Birding
The renowned vulture restaurant is open in winter for visitors to watch bearded vultures and other endangered species feeding. A hide from which visitors may watch the rare lammergeier and other birds of prey may be reserved, although availability is limited. The vulture hide “feeding season” is May to September, and bookings open in the previous November. Access is by 4x4 vehicle, provided by yourself or by the park. The park is also home to the Black (Verreaux's) Eagle.
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There are over 300 known species of birds. The birding is tremendously rewarding, even on the most casual morning or afternoon stroll. Other special “ticks” include the Cape Vulture, Ground Woodpecker, Yellow Warbler, Broadtailed Warbler, Spotted Prinia and Fairy Flycatcher. Higher up you’ll find the Blue Crane, Orange Breasted Rock Jumper and the Sicklewinged Chat.
Fishing
For the early settlers in the Drakensberg there was just one thing missing from the region – trout! In 1890 the first brown trout were imported from England and a few years later rainbow trout were brought in from America. These fish are now found in all streams and rivers in the Drakensberg, with rainbow being common in the Pholela, Mzimkulu and Mzimvubu rivers, and brown trout dominating the Bushman’s, Mooi and Loteni rivers. Every year more than 6 000 anglers come to test their skills in these waters. The river fishing season is usually limited to September to June, while dams are open throughout the year.
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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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