The Drakensberg Mountains
The Drakensberg Mountain Range is one of South Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders, showcasing a selection of the most breath-taking vistas imaginable. It is the highest mountain range in the country, reaching an impressive 3 482 meters above sea level. It also hosts the worlds second highest waterfall namely the Tugela Falls. The Drakensberg Mountains is all about spectacular natural beauty, wilderness areas and some of the best hiking trails in the world.
A cultural heritage of rock art
The Drakensberg Range has between 35,000 and 40,000 works of Bushman rock art. These rock art sites constitute the largest collection of such rock art in the world. There are some 20,000 individual rock paintings that have been recorded at 500 different caves and over-hanging cliff sites between the Drakensberg Royal Natal National Park and Bushman’s Nek. Due to the materials used in their production, these paintings are difficult to date but there is now anthropological evidence, including many hunting implements, that suggest the San people existed in the Drakensberg at least 40,000 years ago, and possibly even as much as 100,000.
The night skies and sounds
The Drakensberg has a reputation as a leading stargazing destination of the world! One of the main reasons for this is because there are two thirds more stars in the Southern hemisphere than in the Northern hemisphere. Another reason is that there is very little man made lighting in the more remote Drakensberg regions making this a premier star gazing destination. Star gazing is much more than the skies. Its the sounds of the night, the call of a lone jackal, the crickets and the perceived silence. Its also about the fascinating African stories of the skies. And Antbear does it best while relaxing in our star gazing hammock camp
Horse trails in the Drakensberg
Taking in the Drakensberg scenery and surrounds on horse-back is a wonderful way to explore the beautiful countryside and experience this region. The sure footed ponies at Antbear Lodge are ideally suited for beginners to experience their first horse trail. Antbear Lodge also uses the gentler horse whispering techniques train or horses.
Hot air ballooning
Hot air ballooning is one of those activities that should be on your bucket list. Add to that hot air ballooning in the Drakensberg Mountains and you have a dream come true. Antbear Lodge offers a hot air balloon launch site directly in front of the lodge. Its an early morning activity and how better to go about things than just falling out of bed, walking over to the lodge, grabbing a cup of coffee and being part of an exciting adventure. The best part is that you come back for breakfast and still have the whole day ahead of you for more Drakensberg eco adventures.
Canopy Tours
Find the adventurous side of you on this 60 metre high canopy tour of the Drakensberg forest! Located in an indigenous forest of the Central Drakensberg, in the shadow of the towering Cathkin Peak, the Drakensberg Canopy Tour® offers you a thrilling unforgettable experience. Come face to face with the forest wildlife as you soar through the trees, living life like a bird.
