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Adventure activities in the Drakensberg

This is a general guide to a some of the of adventure activities in the Drakensberg that could build that basis for a number of day excursions. Use this "Drakensberg Adventure Activity Guide" to help plan you Drakensberg activities. Please feel free to contact Amakhulu Central Teservations for more adventure activity information about Drakensberg and about accommodation in the Drakensberg.

And there are lots of adventure activities in the Drakensberg to choose from. You could for example meet Horrible Horace, the Whiplash and the Four-Man-Hole - legendary rapids and cascades that form part of the roller coaster ride of white water adventuring in the region. Mix in abseiling, mountaineering and quad biking and you can understand why so many adrenalin enthusiasts regard our Drakensberg rivers, mountains and tracks as the ultimate adventure destination in the World.

The mighty rivers that form high in the Drakensberg offer endless opportunities to the adventure seeker. Rivers that flow and cascade through mountain, grassland and bush, then meander through straight, quiet stretches before bursting back to frenetic life in a series of plunging waterfalls and churning rapids. These are powerful waterways, begging to be tamed by raft, canoe or tube.

Mightiest of them all is the Tugela River; pounding and pummeling its way through the nerve-tingling Tugela Gorge.

There are mountains to be conquered - and they don't come more challenging than the towering peaks of the Drakensberg. The legendary abode of dragons, the Zulu calls it the uKhahlamba - the barrier of spears - and with good reason.

There are numerous stories of man pitted against nature on these precipitous faces. Soaring to 3 500 meters, this majestic and imposing mountain range has challenged the climbing greats.

Perhaps you would like to tame a giant rock face, but you've never tackled a mountain in your life. Why not experience the adrenalin rush of abseiling, which is offered at many of the local resorts. This is an opportunity for the novice or inexperienced to scale giant rock faces under safe and expert instruction.

You may prefer a canoe safari on Wagendrift Dam. Or the thrills and spills of carting and quad bike racing.

For the children there are adventure camps, which offer camels, horse carts, horse riding, obstacle courses, swimming, hiking, climbing and farm activities centered on the care of animals.

Skiing in the Drakensberg is another winter option and although the skiing is not a main reason to come an visit South Africa it can well be a fun activity on the side. 

Golfing in the Drakensberg offers superb golfing facilities in an environment that is unsurpassed 

Canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting, surf paddling – whatever your craft, South Africa offers big, fast rivers, lakes, dams and of course the magnificent Indian Ocean to satisfy your hunger for adventure.

List of Adventure Activities in the Drakensberg

• Drakensberg guided walks & hiking trails.
  Guided Hikes are normally available on a daily basis from most hotels, resorts and Natal Nature Conservation Services camps. Hikes will vary from easy strolls of about an hour to visit local attractions to more strenuous all day climbs. For the energetic and fit, there is the challenge to make the demanding but exhilarating climb to the top of the main Drakensberg summit.
• Drakensberg 4x4 trails.
  Guided 4x4 trails are offered in perhaps the most scenic environment in the world. Passes like Sani Pass and Mikes Pass at Catherderal Peak let you get right onto the Drakensberg escarpment. An adventure that just cannot be missed.
• Drakensberg game viewing.
  Experience the excitement of black and white rhino in Weenen Game Reserve. Or an adventure on horseback through a private game reserve where you can view giraffe to dung beetles while your horse carries you comfortably.
• Horse riding in the Drakensberg
  Most Drakensberg resorts offer horse riding as an attraction and short to half day rides through the foothills are usually available. To enjoy the wonderful mountain scenery whilst on horseback adds enormously to the outdoor experience.
• River swimming & White water rafting
  It is hard to resist the temptation of taking a refreshing swim in a crystal clear mountain stream. Summer is paradise with many deep plunge pools to be found in the sandstone bedrock, together with warm rocks to bask on. For the able and adventurous the larger rivers are great for 'shooting the rapids' on tire tubes and rubber boats.
• Golf
  If you're after "eagles" and "birdies", tee off in the Drakensberg! Tall sandstone cliffs and lush valleys form the backdrop to rolling fairways and challenging greens. Cathedral Peak, Champagne Valley and Hlalanathi host nine hole golf courses and eighteen holes can be found at Champagne Sports Resort in the central Drakensberg.
• Trout fishing
  Stocked dams and streams close to the resorts or in the wilderness areas of the Drakensberg are normally reserved for fly fishing. The KZN Nature Conservation Services have made available several excellent trout dams and stretches of fishable river.

Recommended Drakensberg adventure companies

• Drakensberg Excursions
  Adventure activities near Mooi River in the Kamberg Valley. Trails on sure-footed appaloosas. See the Drakensberg on horse back. Little Mooi River trout fishing for the experienced fisherman and dams stocked regularly. Telephone:(033)2637227
• Four Rivers Adventures
  Adventure activities near Winterton. For a totally new and exciting adventure activity - try River Rafting  in the Central Drakensberg area of Kwa-Zulu Natal. Daily river trips are offered (subject to river conditions) on the four main rivers in the area, Injasuti, Lombargwa, Bushman and Tugela. The Tugela River trip is the most popular ; it includes a Grade 5 rapid, the largest rapid allowed to run commercially world wide. Two-man inflatable rafts and all the equipment, i.e. life jackets, helmets, paddles, etc., are provided by Four Rivers Rafting. All trips take place under the supervision of experienced guides.
  Off road carting in the Central Drakensberg, Kwazulu Natal. There is a track where you can participate in either 6 laps or 12 laps. Our outride is proving to be very popular and takes about half an hour. A longer outride can be arranged. We supply helmets, goggles and waterproof pants. For a great Team Building Experience, or if there is a group or more than 5 people at one time, we can arrange a `Le Mans` type of event which will comprise of racing teams of two or more people doing pit stops, refueling and changing of drivers and much more fun activities. Telephone:(083)7851693/7891963
  
• Major Adventures
  Adventure activities near Underberg in the Southern Drakensberg. Sani Pass Day Trip (4x4) : guided tour up Sani Pass into Lesotho - full day. Overnighting Lesotho (4x4) : guided tour up Sani Pass into Lesotho and overnighting at Molumong or Katse Dam. Wildcoast Trip : tailor made trips to Wildcoast.  Telephone: (033)7011628 email: major-adventures@drakensberg-tourism.com 

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