Yes, it does snow in South Africa, but The Cavern Drakensberg Resort is a real "Bird of Paradise" in the northern Kwazulu-Natal Drakensberg.
Our final two nights on tour with the van der Lee family from the Netherlands were spent at this resort. With severe winter weather threatening we arrived at this resort and settled into our cozy heated rooms and then enjoyed scrumptious Drakensberg fare alongside a crackling wood fire.
The next morning we awoke to snow falling softly outside, which excited me beyond measure as this was my first proper snowfall. I shot outside to experience it hands-on, throwing snowballs at ..... well everything, and taking photos in their lush garden which provided such an interesting contrast in the snow. My dutch guests were not so impressed at seeing snow in Africa, but used the opportunity to take a rest on their final full day of holiday, and some of them tried out the Spa which overlooks the beautiful Fern Forest.
The snowfall was heavy enough to close all the roads in the area, and no guests were able to come or go until the late afternoon. Fortunately we were staying two nights.
On tour for African Insight - August 2011
Overland tour with the van der Lee family from the Netherlands.
Nationally recognised as a Site of Conservation Significance for conserving rare, endangered and endemic species, it's grasslands are rich in the famous berg flowers, and the forests are home to 70 tree species. The bird list for The Cavern and its surrounding nature reserve totals an impressive 204, boasting 24 endemic species. Eland patrol the hills and adorn the caves in ancient Bushman paintings. Baboons, mountain reedbuck and grey rhebok may also be seen. At night a resident leopard prowls.
The Cavern offers some of the most magnificent trekking and hiking trails, ranging from gentle to adventurous, on their property and the surrounding areas. Horse-trails and Fly-fishing are also very popular. It is a family friendly resort with lots of activities for children.
Scenic drives up the Oliviershoek pass to destinations like the Amphitheatre, Golden Gate National Park, Basotho Cultural Village, Clarens and the "Retiefklip & Voortrekker pas" are all comfortable day trips. The Royal Natal National Park and the Spioenkop Battlefield are also recommended." - brochure
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