Friday, February 16

Drakensberg Holiday !!


We have just returned from a few days in the berg, this is one of the most amazing places in South Africa. Situated along southeast coast of South Africa, Drakensberg mountain range is a challenge for adventure seekers and a heaven for wildlife lovers. Extending from northeast to southwest for around 1,125 km, Drakensberg is part of the Great Escarpment and the main watershed of South Africa. The local Zulu name for Drakensberg is Quathlamba or ‘The Barrier of Spears’, an accurate description for Drakensberg that rises over 3000 metres in height.
You may not want to venture further than one of the four stunningly- situated golf courses. Horse trails and scenic self-drives offer respite for aching feet without missing the unforgettable experience of, say, watching rare birds of prey settling down to dine at a 'Vulture Restaurant'. Or you could cast a line in one of the trout streams and more than likely catch your own lunch...Accommodation caters for all tastes and budgets... from luxury resorts and hotels with ultra-modern conference facilities to guest- houses, B&B establishments, caravan parks and cabins. Out in 'the wild', huts and listed caves await weary hikers.Thousands of trails are marked across the Berg - from short ambles through indigenous fern forests to more strenuous day-long traversing of river and hillside to full-on adventuring in the face of nature.
The place we stayed in is called Little Switzerland, these are self catering (as well as a hotel on the property) and it was just perfect for us - a bowling green, horse riding, pool & a 'giant' jungle gym that most definitely got Miguel's approval & a spa that got mine !!!.

Miguel my little star was so happy - - he had a wonderful time. He was busy non stop - he played, helped papa with building a fire in the fire place even though it was almost 30deg Celsius (86 degree Fahrenheit) !!! In Durban there is no call for fire places as it never gets cold enough so when Chris saw a fire place he had to use it no matter what !!!

We spent Saturday morning going for a horse ride - he rode like a pro - as if he had been riding all his life, he LOVED it - Look at me mommy im big now, I can ride & look for the zebras too!! Riding with one hand & the other shading his eyes, like he was John Wayne outon the range! He would not let me hold him & could only walk next to the horse (but not too close). I then took Miguel for a 'refreshing' swim in one of the pools - he is fearless & is now trying to swim by himself, the problem is that he cant but this does not bother him as he swims away from the step regardless if you are watching him or not!! On Sunday morning I had a special treat - a hot rock massage . . .oooooooohhh!! Lord have Mercy !!! That was sublime !! Afterwards I played putt putt with Miguel, followed by a huge session on the trampoline, another horse ride on his horse that he has now very originally named 'Horsie Ridey' & to end the morning off a session of invisible bowls. I tell you I got some strange looks, it was a close game between Miguel & I but I won in the end - as if any of you had any doubt . . .'long live the bowling queen'!! It was then time to head on home.

Here is a layout that I did of a weekend break we took over Christmas, It is called Zinkwazi & is a place that only locals really know, it is about 1 hour from us up the corth coast of Natal. It has a beautiful beach with a lagoon as well, so it is perfect for Miguel to swim & explore all day long. We are so lucky in that we have the mountains 2 hours away, the beach is 20 minutes away & game parks are about 1 hour away. The only thing we dont have is skiing - that is about 8 hours drive in winter from us to the south.

2 comments:

Carolyn Bender said...

I love these pages Cleo!

Scraps of Bev said...

Cleo what a wonderful place to visit and your journalling has bought it all right here to me in the UK.....just love the photo's thanks for sharing your great trip with us.