Safety while staying in the mountains is essential, so before you head out for a berg adventure, here are a few tips and recommendations of places to stay.
Living in the Midlands has many perks, one in particular is the majestic Drakensberg Mountain range, which is just a stone’s throw away for a quick getaway. The berg offers ample places to explore and to stay, whether indoors or outdoors. You’ll never run out of things to do and see while there. But if you want to come face-to-face with the mountains and explore all the nooks and crannies, some mountaineering will be your best bet.
We asked one of our local mountain guides, Gavin Raubenheimer, what he recommends if you want to go on a mini getaway. With over 30 years of experience as a mountain guide and mountaineering instructor, he operates under Peak High Mountaineering, offering guided hikes in the Drakensberg and a range of courses for hikers, aspiring hike leaders, and guides. Additionally, he guides rock climbs and large technical mountain routes throughout Africa. But first, you might be wondering what mountaineering is. “Mountaineering is a term given to a host of mountain skills and activities. From hiking and ice climbing to technical rock climbing high on a mountain face. A trip to the Drakensberg to scale a peak like Monk’s Cowl in the central Berg, will entail hiking, camping, navigation scrambling, technical rock climbing, and abseiling,” explained Gavin.
Where to Stay?
If you’re looking for a camping experience, consider Mahai at Royal Natal National Park or Hermit’s Wood at Garden Castle Nature Reserve in Underberg. Both are Ezemvelo/KZN Wildlife facilities, focusing on sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation. If you prefer the indoors, recommended self-catering cottages include Khotso Lodge in Underberg, Sani Lodge Backpackers in the Southern Drakensberg, or the Amphitheatre Lodge in the Northern Drakensberg.
While there are many more places to choose from, these will immerse you in the mountains and set you up to a getaway adventure. Just be sure to pack all the essentials for safety, fun, and relaxation!
Travel Tips:
- Save the number 0800 005 133 on your cell phone (mountain rescue number)
- Good fitness levels is essential
- Map-reading skills (don’t rely on GPS)
- Suitable outdoor gear and clothing
- Avoid stream water below human habitation
- Summer camping: avoid high, exposed areas at night due to lightning risk
Photo credits: Gavin Raubenheimer and César de Carvalho