Summer is here in South Africa and that means lazy days spent outdoors enjoying the warm sunshine, long afternoons, and beautiful mountains. While the midday heat means you need to start your hikes early when visiting the Drakensberg, it also means you’ll have the rest of your day free to enjoy some of the other fabulous activities in our area.
Here are just five of the things you can do this summer in the Central Drakensberg:
Boat rides on Bell Park Dam
The Treks, Trips and Trails property overlooks the magnificent Bell Park Dam. Take advantage of the great weather and head over to Cayley Lodge right next door for a pleasure cruise around the dam. Look out for the many magnificent birds of the Drakensberg, experience a different view of the mountains, and hear the legends of the elusive dam crocodiles. You may also decide to rent a kayak, stand up paddle board or pedal boat to explore the dam before enjoying a burger and beer at the Cayley Beach Club.
Go beer tasting with Drakensberg Brewery
What is a summer afternoon without an ice-cold beer in your hand? Head over to the Drakensberg Brewery’s very own brew pub at the Berg Air Lifestyle Centre for a tasting of their small batch craft beers. With a blond ale, pilsner, red ale, and stout, you’re bound to find something that suits your taste. You can also pick and choose from a range of cheeses, cold meets, and preserves and craft your very own tasting platter to accompany your beer.
Splash out at Drakensberg’s very own waterpark
Few people know that the Drakensberg has its very own inflatable floating waterpark. All ages can head over to Cayley Lodge for a day of fun slipping, sliding and bouncing on the water. With your entry fee allowing all day access, you can take a break and relax on the small beach with an ice-cream or cold drink before going out to enjoy some more fun time with the family on the water.
Go white water tubing down the Sterkspruit
Summer brings rain to the Drakensberg which means that our rivers and waterfalls are at the peak. When the water levels are right you can enjoy a fun adventure white water tubing down a section of the Sterkspruit river with the Champagne Castle Adventure Centre. Cool down and have fun as you enjoy zipping over the river’s rapids on an inflatable tube.
Enjoy a braai and a swim at Treks, Trips and Trails
Of course, there’s no better place to enjoy a braai (BBQ) and a swim than the Treks, Trips and Trails. Both our Bergvlei and Bahati cottages are completely self-catering which means that you can enjoy your evening at your own pace. Whether you decide to pick a fresh lemon from the tree for your G&T on our sundowner deck, take a dip in our natural rocky pool, relax with friends and family on your balcony or terrace, or languish around the fire at your boma, there is no better place to enjoy a summer in the Drakensberg!