The Central Drakensberg in South Africa is not only a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts but also a playground for adrenaline seekers. Within half an hour of the Treks, Trips and Trails property you can enjoy a wide range of exhilarating activities that go beyond hiking, promising an unforgettable adventure for those who crave an adrenaline rush.
From quad biking the valleys to navigating wild rapids and hanging off the edge of breathtaking cliffs to exploring majestic scenery on horseback, the Central Drakensberg has something to offer every thrill-seeker. Join us as we look at the non-hiking activities that will leave you breathless and craving more in the heart of this natural wonder.
Conquering the cliffs
If you’re up for a vertical challenge, the newly opened Via Ferrata is an absolute must do activity. This self-guided tour will see you navigate a series of cables and bridges cliffside, while looking out over the valleys and mountains of the Central Drakensberg. Although the trail is unguided, ropes, carabiners, helmets and harnesses are supplied to ensure a safe and enjoyable climbing experience while you go along the trail at your own pace.
Taming wild waters
For those who thrive on water-based excitement, you may think that there’s nothing for you in the Drakensberg, landlocked as it is, but you’d be mistaken. The Central Drakensberg Adventure Centre offers a thrilling river tubing adventure while Four Rivers Adventures also offers tubing, white water rafting and kloofing when the waters are high (typically in the summer months). Navigate through rapids, paddle through gorges, swim in crystal-clear pools and feel the rush of adrenaline as you conquer the waters.
Soaring above
From vultures to eagles and everything in between, the Drakensberg is famous for its birds, but if you’re looking for a way to feel like a bird without actually sprouting wings, then a helicopter ride with Westline Aviation is for you. See the Drakensberg from a whole new perspective as you hover above majestic peaks, and marvel at the vastness of the landscape below. It’s a bird’s-eye view that will leave you in awe of the natural beauty of the Drakensberg. Just make sure to keep your camera ready to snap some envy-inducing pictures (and maybe don’t forget to take a selfie or two).
Rev your engine
Quad biking in the Central Drakensberg offers an exhilarating adventure through the valleys at the base of the Drakensberg mountains. Explore the rugged terrain, navigating through meandering trails that showcase the region’s natural beauty, including rocky paths, river crossings and open fields dotted with acacia trees. There are also exciting quad racetracks to test your skills and opportunities to stop for a picnic or a cultural tour of a local community on route. Whether you’re a seasoned rider seeking a new challenge or a novice looking to enjoy the outdoors, quad biking in the Central Drakensberg promises an unforgettable adventure. Leap Adventures, Four Rivers Adventures, and JO-KER Adventures all offer unique quad biking trips to delight and excite.
Swing through the air
Nestled within the lush indigenous forests, the Drakensberg Canopy Tour provides a unique perspective of the region’s natural wonders. Suspended high above the ground, soar from platform to platform, traversing the treetops with awe-inspiring views of the Drakensberg Mountains. The experience seamlessly combines adrenaline-pumping excitement with a deep connection to nature, allowing adventurers to appreciate the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this pristine environment up close. Professional guides ensure safety and share insights into the ecosystem, enhancing the educational aspect of the journey. If you aren’t sure if your nerves can sustain the intense combination of cable slides that rise some 60 metres high, then you could always get your thrills on the short, but exhilarating 300 metre zip line at Four Rivers Adventures.
Letting go for a wild ride
Navigate the scenic lower slopes of the Drakensberg on a thrilling Scootour excursion. These unique non-motorised downhill rides offer an exciting and eco-friendly way to explore the mountains. Glide effortlessly down gentle slopes, through forests and alongside horses and birds, as you soak in the panoramic views, and create memories that will last a lifetime. This is a way to experience the Drakensberg’s natural beauty in a whole new way.
Saddle up
Immerse yourself in the mountains and embark on a horse riding trails that winds through the lush valleys and forests of the Drakensberg with Ushaka Horse Trails or Dragons Peak Horse Trails. The gentle clip-clop of hooves on the trails, the crisp mountain air, and the warm African sun create the perfect day out for anyone with a love of horses. Whether you’re a novice rider or an experienced equestrian, the Central Drakensberg’s horse riding experiences cater to all levels, offering a memorable adventure that combines the thrill of riding with the serenity of nature.
Paint the town
Paintball enthusiasts will find various options to get their thrills in the Drakensberg. Gear up in camouflage and don protective masks, as the excitement builds against the backdrop of towering peaks and expansive valleys. The strategic layout of paintball fields amid the natural obstacles of rocks and trees adds an extra layer of challenge to the game, creating a dynamic environment for your game. The echoes of laughter and the unmistakable pops of paintball markers resonate through the mountain air as friends and foes engage in friendly competition. Whether navigating through dense vegetation or orchestrating strategic manoeuvres from elevated positions, each moment becomes a memorable chapter in a larger-than-life canvas. Paintball battles can be had at Leap Adventures or JO-KER Adventures.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact us now res@trekstripstrails.co.za or give us a call on 036 488 1207 or 083 301 8412 and start planning your thrilling Drakensberg adventure.