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Adventures galore in the Drakensberg Mountains
Champagne Castle Adventure Centre, KwaZulu-Natal
Kayaking at Champagne Castle Adventure Centre.
© Champagne Castle Adventure Centre
Did you know?
The Zulu language, IsiZulu, is rich and expressive and abounds with proverbs.
It would be difficult to find a more gorgeous location to get active than the Champagne Castle Adventure Centre in the heart of the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains. The mighty Cathkin Peak overlooks the centre at its foot in the beautiful Cathkin Valley.
The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg National Park, the first site in South Africa to be recognised as both a Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site, is a treasure trove of wonders. Known for its world-famous rock art – the finest in the country – it’s also a mecca for adventure-seekers.
The area is a magnet for hikers and you can take short day walks or choose multi-day trails, but if you’re looking for fun and an adrenalin fix then husband-and-wife Jakes and Cornelia Saiiman and their experienced team at the Champagne Castle Adventure Centre will guide you safely through all kinds of adventures.
If you want to take it easy and don't fancy the extreme stuff, then go white water tubing, fishing, try your hand at archery, swing on the zip line or go canoeing. There are also some great kid-friendly activities at the Kiddies Adventure Park where the family can have a go at tree climbing, paintball target shooting and more.
If you want to push up your adrenalin levels with something more extreme, then go abseiling down the 25m-high Chicken Hill (you'll quickly find out why it is so named), kloofing at Injasuti, or canyoning in Cathkin Valley. In summer, when the rivers have plenty of water, there's also kayaking for both beginners and experts.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Champagne Castle Adventure Centre
Mobile: +27 (0)74 103 3613
Email: info@adventurecentre.co.za
Web: www.adventurecentre.co.za
How to get here
The Champagne Castle Adventure Centre is on the R600 via Winterton, next to the world-famous Drakensberg Boys’ Choir school.
Around the area
Ardmore Ceramic Art Studio, Drakensberg Boys’ Choir, Giant’s Castle Game Reserve, Kamberg Nature Reserve and the Kamberg Rock Art Centre.
What will it cost
Depends on the activity. Prices range between R95 to R450 per person.
What to pack
Sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes or boots for climbing and abseiling. The requisite safety equipment is provided for all activities.
Best buys
Handmade rugs, carpets and candles made on the premises at KwaZulu Weavers & Candles. Ceramics from Ardmore Ceramic Art Studio, although costly, are investment pieces.