Cathedral Peak, like so much of the Drakensberg, is a haven for hikers, with a selection of trails winding through mountain scenery stands of indigenous trees, gurgling streams and trout pools.
Bordering on the upper Thukela area in the north and east, Lesotho in the west and Monk's Cowl in the south, this section of the
Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park is 32 000 hectares in extent.
Containing the magnificient Didima Valley with its many examples of San Rock art, it is a hikers paradise offering routes that range from a few hours to several days.
For the visitors less inclined to physical activity or whose time is limited, Mike's Pass provides an opportunity to drive to the top of the Little Berg near the head of Didima Gorge for spectacular views of the main escarpment and the surrounding lowlands.
While hiking a wide selection of plants and animals can be seen in the extensive grasslands and forest patches. Overhead the effortless flight of a Bearded vulture (Lammergeyer) while closer at hand Malachite sun birds flash from protea to protea, a noisy troop of baboons bark at the intruders in their domain and a family of Mountain reedbuck display their white tails as they race up a nearby slope.
Various accommodation in the Cathedral Peak areaThe luxurious
Didima Resort at Cathedral Peak has been themed around the art of the San people. The San Art Interpretive Centre provides fascinating insights into the art and culture of the San.
Just 250km from Durban and 400 km from Johannesburg, the famous
Cathedral Peak Hotel is easily accessible to its many visitors from all over South Africa and abroad.
A variety of accommodation options can be found in the
Central Drakensberg - ranging from luxury hotels to selfcatering chalets.
Rock Art CentreDidima also boasts the San Rock Art Interpretive Centre providing fascinating insights into the art and culture of the San, and includes static displays and audio-visual presentations within a reconstructed rock shelter.
A truly mesmerizing experience - not to be missed at any cost.
The Drakensberg Park is one of the most densely painted regions in Africa, if not the entire world, containing some 550 known San rock painting sites, amounting to over 40 000 recorded individual images.
Archaeological evidence has shown the San lived in this area from approximately 8 000 years ago.
Directions
From the N3 in the vacinity of Estcourt take the Winterton /Colenso off-ramp and at Winterton turn left at the Engen service station and follow the signs to Cathedral Peak.
Gate Opening and Closing Times:
Summer: Opening 05h00 Closing 19h00
Winter: Opening 06h00 Closing 18h00
There is a shop that sells curios and limited supplies and a Restaurant, Bar and special Smoking Lounge with DSTV. Pertol may be purchased from the Cathedral Peak Hotel
The nearest towns which have a full range of services are Bergville and Winterton which are both 50 kms away.
