This post was written by Janine Avery, who blogs at Five Star Stories
The Drakensberg is the ideal family destination. Wide open spaces, plenty of outdoor activities to
enjoy, and accommodations set up with family in mind, make it a great place to escape, destress and
detach from the devices of the modern world and enjoy quality time resting and reconnecting with
all members of the family.
I recently travelled to the Drakensberg with my husband and nearly two-year-old to discover just
what it is that makes this mountainous location one of South Africa’s favourite family escapes.
Activities for all ages
One of the things we love about the Drakensberg is that there is something for any age to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for an active getaway or a quiet place to relax and destress, you’ll find it in
the Berg.
You can go for a guided quad bike, try your hand at paintball or archery, rent a fishing rod, or get test
your monkey skills on a rope park. Some of the adventurous activities we really loved included
careening down the mountainside on a non-motorised Scootour and testing our balance on the
brand-new cliff walk, or Via Ferrata.
And even though you are in the mountains are also water activities for every age from stand-up
paddle boards to pedal boats, fun on the water inflatable park, and our choice, with a toddler in tow,
leisurely boat cruises on the Bell Park dam in the Central Drakensberg.
Of course, there’s also hiking, golf, bird displays, horse riding, and more. The list goes on.
A chance to reconnect with nature
Our trip to the Drakensberg was just as much about reconnecting with nature as it was about
reconnecting as a family. Most of the resorts and activities here are focused on being
environmentally and sociably responsible, immersing you in the exquisite landscape without taking
anything away from it.
You can pack a backpack and enjoy a short walk as a family, finding natural pools and waterfalls along the way where children can enjoy a day playing in the water. And most of the Drakensberg hotels also have exquisite swimming pools with views of the mountains, where you can simply spend some time relaxing in the sun poolside. Splashing around in the water with our little one made the worries of the daily grind seem a million miles away.
A family ethos
One thing we really loved about the Drakensberg was discovering properties that are truly family-
run. In the Central Berg we stayed at Treks, Trips, and Trails, a large property home to two uniquely
different self-catering lodges and run by the local husband and wife team of Chris and Magda Hern.
As tour guides themselves, Chris and Magda can share a wealth of information about not only the
Berg but the surrounding area, even running fully-fledged trips up into Africa for the more
adventurous. It’s their warm personalities, open hearts, and friendly pooch that create a true home
away from home feeling for us here.
In the northern Drakensberg we were privileged to stay at the Cavern Resort & Spa, a property that
has been owned by the same family for three generations. Their goal has always been to create a
safe space for families to reconnect and destress. And it was a reminder of the simple joys in life.
Around us, it was clear that here strangers had become friends and kids delighted in seeing others
who returned year after year.
Something for everyone
Easily reached on road from both Durban and Johannesburg, and with a wide range of
accommodation options for every budget, the Drakensberg is also incredibly affordable and
accessible. For instance, in the Central Drakensberg we had the luxury of a multi-roomed chalet at
Treks, Trips, and Trails complete with a large kitchen, expansive lawns, a sunset deck, and a pool that
was virtually ours alone, allowing us an escape where we could do what we wanted, when we
wanted – necessary when travelling with little ones.
On the other hand, a place like the Cavern, was perfect for investing in a little bit of rest and
relaxation. With a full board offering that offered all meals, including morning and afternoon tea,
and plenty of organised activities, here our every whim was catered for, allowing us time to simply
sit back and relax. We also had the freedom of a kid’s club on hand where our baby could be in the
capable hands of qualified nannies while we enjoyed a rare peaceful meal.
And at a fraction of the price a getaway overseas would cost its great to know we have this fantastic,
world-class family escape right here on our doorstep in South Africa. If you haven’t been yet, what
are you waiting for?
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