The break of winter is no good reason to pause your travel ambitions. The Drakensberg is awe-striking over all four seasons. Join us and find out for yourself…
The Drakensberg in June
You’ve probably packed away your travel bag this winter and decided to hibernate waiting for spring to break to get out into the world again. Not so fast, winter is one of the best times to discover the Drakensberg. Book a weekend accommodation or take some time out during the long-awaited school holidays and set your sights on the captivating wilderness.
Visit the Drakensberg
Named by the Zulu people “uKhahlamba” is a barrier of deep gorges, high peaks and saw-edge ridges, caves with hills of lush yellowwood forests and overflowing waterfalls.
In the winter months, our mountain peaks are covered in light snow, but below over the rolling grasslands where most of the area’s accommodation is found, activity is abuzz. An ideal all-year destination for nature enthusiasts with the plains covered by a blanket of pink, white and deep velvet blossoms.
As an official UNESCO World Heritage site, there is no doubt the area is abound with spectacular natural wonders to view and experience. Additionally, the area is constantly busy with activity from annual calendar events, festivals and adventure competitions.
The month of June is no different and is full of activity. Here are a few events you can watch out for or even participate in this winter.
THE OXPECKER TRAIL RUN
Enjoy a two-day 35.8 km run around Spioenkop Mountain and along the banks of the Tugela River with a breathtaking view of the Drakensberg. It is ideal for every kind of runner. Welcoming runners of all levels and ages, it has grown in popularity with a capacity for 500 runners every year.
DRAKENSBERG POLAR BEAR SWIM
The Drakensberg Polar Bear Swim Challenge is definitely for the wacky adventurer. Swimmers, both young and old, compete for a grand prize by swimming in ice-cold water – no wetsuits allowed. The comics are all staged for a good cause, proceeds from the event go to the SPCA serving the central Drakensberg area.
RIDE THE BERG MTB RACE
This is an epic two-day solo mountain bike stage race. You have over 100 km of world-class single track to challenge your skills while exploring the stunning array of plant life, and awesome beauty of the Drakensberg. A short driving distance from Gauteng, Durban and Bloemfontein it is accessible to a sizeable population of the country’s avid MTB racers.
Discover the Drakensberg through a different vantage point by booking your accommodation at Oaklands Country Manor and setting off on a wondrous adventure.
Keep checking our blog and social updates to find out what the Drakensberg has in store for you all year around.