Four reasons why the Drakensberg and surrounds are the ultimate winter holiday destination.

HHiking trails in the Drakensberg range from gentle half-day hikes to more strenuous multi-day hikes. There are also more challenging hikes that require technical mountaineering.

Popular day hikes in the Drakensberg include Rainbow Gorge (a 5.5km trail starting at Didima Camp near Berville), Lower Injisuthi Cave (a 12km trail starting at Injisuthi Rest Camp) and Sugar Loaf (a four-hour hike starting at The Cavern). More challenging day trails include the Chain Ladders Hike in the northern Drakensberg (an 18km hike starting at Sentinel car park), Cathedral Peak (a 19km trail which is best done with a guide) and Ploughman’s Kop in Royal Natal Park (a tough 7km trail that starts from the Mahai campsite in the Royal Natal Park).

Multi-day hikes include the Mnweni Circuit in northern Drakensberg (two-day hike), the Giant’s Cup Trail in Ukhahlamba Park (five-day hike), Icidi Gorge (three-day hike) and the Bell Traverse (three-day hike).

Stay at cosy accommodation 
Cuddle up on a couch with a cosy blanket and hot chocolate while a hearty meal is cooked in the kitchen and a fire crackles in the lounge. If this sounds like your ultimate experience, then a weekend in the Drakensberg in winter is just for you. 

For a luxurious log cabin, check out Highlands Mountain Retreat (rates from R1 609 per night for a cottage, sleeps two) in the Golden Gate National Park or Green Fire Lodge (rates from R1 250 per person per night, full board) in the northern Drakensberg. For a family retreat check out Cathedral Peak (rates from R1 720 per person per night, full board) and The Cavern (rates from R1 400 per person per night, full board). Top Lodge (rates from R1 100 per night for a cottage, sleeps two) in Bergville offers a welcoming farm stay experience in the middle of nowhere along with Berghouse & cottages (rates from R545 per person per night for self-catering and R935 per person per night for dinner, bed and breakfast).

TThere’s a chance of seeing snow
Drakensberg is one of the few places in South Africa that sees snow (most years). For the best chances to see snow you need to head to Giants Castle in central Drakensberg, Highmoor (the highest Kwazulu-Natal wildlife camp), Underberg and Sani Pass (you will need a 4x4 to drive up Sani Pass), the Golden Gate National Park or Cathedral Peak.

The most likely time to see snow is between July to early August, though there have been years that it has snowed as early as April and carried on until September. 

For a definite chance to see snow, as well as take part in some snow activities, head to the Afriski Mountain Resort located in Lesotho. The ski slopes are only operational in the winter months, so make sure to book ahead to get accommodation. It’s located 75km from the South African border (remember to pack your passport) in the north of Lesotho. Costs vary from R785 for a day pass to R3 600 for a premium three-day package. Gear and equipment are available for rent with varying accommodation options available.  

Fun 4x4 adventures
Spending long durations in the car isn’t always fun in the summer. Car adventures are far more enjoyable on cool winter days.

For thrill-seekers who like to get their off-road vehicles dirty, the Drakensberg offers the perfect playground. Popular off-road routes and passes include Mike’s Pass in Bergville, Sani Pass in Himeville/Lesotho and the Thule Beacon Trail near St Bernard’s Peak. Note that all three of these routes are tough and require prior off-road experience. 

The northern Drakensberg can be reached in a four-hour drive from Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Durban.