Other Activities & Places of Interest

The Old Voortrekker Pass

A wonderful trip from the Lodge is to visit the old Voortrekker Pass, where in 1837 the Voortrekkers under Piet Retief and Gerhard Maritz crossed the Drakensberg Mountains. You can still see and read the graffiti at Kerkenberg where on Piet Retief’s 57th birthday his daughter painted his name. The old pass is still clearly visible and at the top of the pass is the statue of the ‘Barefoot Woman’. The views of the KwaZulu Natal Drakensberg are breathtaking! You are now in the eastern Free State and not far from the Golden Gate National Park and the quaint town of Clarens.

Golf

Cathedral Peak’s challenging 9 hole golf course, set against the magnifiscent backdrop of the Drakensberg has been termed the “thinking golfers” course. Champagne Sports Resort Golf Course boasts 18 holes designed by Hugh Baiocchi set on perfectly manicured grounds and equally spectacular scenery. Monks Cowl Country Club course is 9 holes, with 18 tees. It is generally level and the 5th hole, which crosses the deep gorge at Hattingspruit, is accessed by a swing bridge. All the above courses can be accessed within an hours drive from the lodge.

Retail Therapy

The Champagne Valley offers some of the Drakensberg’s finest crafts, starting with Kwazulu Weavers & Candles, where 100% wool rugs are woven right at the centre. Thokozisa Lifestyle Centre offers a wide range of Zulu curios, San Art, Nguni cow hide products & much more. Further up the valley is Ardmore Ceramic studio which houses the most flamboyant African ceramics that has captured the attention of collectors world-wide & made renown by auctions at Christies in London. Here you can experience & interact with the artists themselves and marvel at these bright, intricately designed works of art!

Drakensberg Boys Choir

The Drakensberg Boys’ Choir is representative of the multi-faceted cultures that make up this wonderful country. They have created a new trend in the international choral scene that transcends the conventional, A unique style of diversity – Bach, Beethoven, Freddy Mercury, African, Jazz, Folk, etc. – whatever the style, they perform it with excellence and aplomb. Concerts are generally held on Wednesday afternoons during school term, so pre-booking is essential.

Hot Air Ballooning

An early morning start to view the world from above in silence as your balloon travels through the sky. Breath taking scenery in this part of the world make for an unforgettable experience. Prior arrangements must be made for these trips.

Relaxation

Simply relax around the pool, on the deck or on the verandah at the Lodge enjoying the space and tranquility.