One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', boasts 11 official languages, and its inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover the gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches of Cape Town. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or sample some of the world's finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotting the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, its untamed wilderness is astonishing: wildlife roams freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park.
The Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve is located in the Drakensberg Mountains in east-central South Africa, near its border with the northeastern region of Lesotho. This magnificent area is most easily accessed from the town of Winterton and boasts some of the country’s most scenic hiking and rock climbing opportunities. The nature reserve offers a range of trails of varying length and difficulty, including exploring the cave paintings of Ndedema Gorge and a route to the summit of Cathedral Peak itself. This challenging climb rewards hikers with views of some of the Drakensberg’s most prominent peaks, such as Giant’s Castle, the Bell and Cleft Peak. There is a four-star hotel located within the reserve, while day can soak up the incredible scenery along a network of magnificent trails.
Named after the jagged teeth of the mythical beast, the 'berg', as it is affectionally known, offers everything. Its ideal for nature lovers. Walking options range from serious hiking to gentle rambles beside crystal streams and through wooded glades. Other delights are its ancient San rock paintings at Giants Castle and Kamberg, the 4x4 ascent to the top of Sani Pass in the rugged Kingdom of Lesotho (which can be accessed only from the Southern Drakensberg), the world-class Drakensberg Boys Choir and the arts and craft studios along the Champagne Valley.
Much of the Drakensberg is protected as a National Park, the northern part offers an imposing wall of rock that rises 3000 metres. It is known to the Zulus as the Barrier of Spears and to the first European settlers as the Dragon's Mountains, the Drakensberg is a UNESCO World Heritage sites, for the heritage of the San Paintings and its natural beauty.
Nearby the gentle beauty of the Natal Midlands in the foothills also offers unusual craft studios, art galleries, herb farms and charming country pubs, as well as the Mandela Capture site which is now home to a small museum.
