Northern Drakensberg
- Royal Natal
- Cathedral Peak
- Bergville
- Ladysmith
- Oliviershoek
- Van Reenen

Central Drakensberg
- Monks Cowl
- Champagne Valley
- Injasuti
- Giants Castle
- Highmoor
- Kamberg
- Winterton
- Estcourt
- Mooi River
- Weenen

Southern Drakensberg
- Lotheni
- Vergelegen
- Sani Pass
- Cobham
- Bushmans Nek
- Drakensberg Gardens
- Underberg
- Himeville

Natal Midlands
- Rosetta
- Nottingham Road
- Balgowan
- Howick
- Lidgetton
- Currys Post
- Karkloof
- Lions River
- Fort Nottingham
- Hilton
- Dargle

Drakensberg Attractions
- Bushman Rock Art
- Hiking Trails
- Hot air ballooning
- Horse trails
- Helicopter & Microlight flights
- Restaurants
- Arts & Crafts
- Drakensberg Boys Choir
- Canopy Tours
- Midlands Meander
- Fly Fishing
- Game Viewing
- Golf
- White Water rafting
- Birding
- Quad Biking
- 4x4 Offroad trails
- Battlefield Tours
- Wine Tasting
- Museums
- Bicycle tours
- Abseiling
- Wellness & Spas

Weddings

Conferences

Drakensberg Links

Cathedral Peak - Northern Drakensberg

Cathedral Peak is situated between Monks Cowl and Royal Natal National Park in the Northern Dakensberg

Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve borders on the upper Thukela area in the north and east, Lesotho in the west and Monks Cowl in the south, this section of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park is 32 000 hectares in extent. Cathedral Peak containing the magnificent 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, Mikes Pass provides an opportunity to drive a 4x4 trail 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 in the Cathedral Peak area, a wide selection of plants and animals can be seen in the extensive grasslands and forest patches characteristic of this part of the Drakensberg.

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. Cathedral Peak now offers an upmarket 140 bed huttted camp themed to the San People and their rock art and a modern interactive interpretive centre which allows visitors a glimpse into the lives of these First People.

Hiking trails at Cathedral Peak

• Blue Pool and Nyosi Grotto
  A easy 2 hrs or 5.5 kms hike
  A short hike in the Cathedral Peak area, starting from the hotel and following the Nyosi River southwards.
• Cathedral Peak Hike
  An extreme 6 to 7 hrs hike - 10km.
  A long arduous hike requiring a high level of fitness. Starts from Cathedral Peak Hotel, up the path to the Cathedral Ridge. Rock scrambling is often necessary due to rock slides on the gully below the peak.
• Contour Path - Cathedral Peak to Ndedema
  A moderate to severe hike of 3 hours or 3.5 kms
  A long hard hike. Starts at Cathedral Peak Hotel, up to contour path below Cathedral range and follow it southwards. Hike passes underneath the main escarpment and back down the Ndedema Gorge.
• Contour Path- Ndedema to Monk's Cowl
  A moderate 2 day hike(27.5 kms)
  A severe hike which starts at the contour path at the upper end of the Ndedema Valley. This is reached via the solar cliffs path in the Cathedral area, or via the Hikes' Pass route up to the contour path. The hike follows the contour path southwards traversing the Mdedela Wilderness area.
• Ganabu Ridge and Baboon Rock
  A severe 6 hr hike(15kms)
  The hike starts on the Cathedral Peak route and then branches off to the right, going down into the Nxwaye valley, up the Ganabu Ridge and down Baboon Rock.
• Mlambonja Pass to Twins Cave
  A severe 6-8 hrs hike (11 kms)
  From Cathedral Peak Hotel the path follows the river past the trout hatchery and up to the top of the little berg above the mlambonja river. The pass is consistently very steep and long.
• Mlambonja Valley (3)
  A moderate 30 mins - 2 hrs hike (1,5 - 5,2 kms)
  There are three hikes, the lower valley 1,5 km, neptunes pool 4,2 km and marble baths 5,2 km. The Mlambonja Pass Route bypasses most of the lower river valley. All hikes begin at the Cathedral Peak Hotel.
• Mushroom Rock
  A fair 1 hr hike (2 kms)
  This is a fairly steep hike, which leads up behind the hotel to a large mushroom-shaped rock.
• Old Furrow Trail
  There are displays along the route which makes the trail is convenient for school groups. The trail gives views of the Bushman's River and wild animals especially buck may be seen in the open grassland. Picnic sites are available.
• Oqalweni Forest Walk
  An easy 2 hrs hike (5.5 kms)
  This route is ideal for hikers who prefer secluded outings. It starts from the Cathedral Peak Hotel, past the trout hatchery and along the Oqalweni River to a waterfall and pool.
• Oqalweni Valley
  A moderate 5 hrs hike (16.5 kms)
  This hike gives you a grand tour of the valley. The path passes through a number of habitats. It starts at the Cathedral Peak path past Shermans Cave, but takes the left fork of the contour path around the top of the Oqalweni Valley and back down one tree hill.
• Rainbow Gorge
  A fair 2 hrs hike (5.5 kms)
  This is probably one of the most picturesque hikes in the area. From the hotel skirt the base of Tryme Hill westwards, then eastwards on the path into the gorge. Once in the gorge itself the path follows the river.
• Tarn and Tryme Hills
  A hike of4 hrs (10 kms)
  This half-day outing affords grand views of the escarpment and close up encounters with some high spires and butresses, as well as the possibility of exploring the forests around the available falls, all on the same stream, a tributory of the Mhlonhlo River.
  Cathedral Peak, Central Drakensberg.
• Tseketseke Camp Site
  A moderate -severe 4 hrs hike (9.5 kms)
  This hike takes one into the mountains directly below Cleft Peak which dominates the area betweeen Cathedral Peak and Champagne Castle.
• Two Passes and Cleft Peak Escarpment Hike
  An extreme 3 days hike (40 kms)
  The route starts at the top of Mike's Pass near Cathedral Peak Hotel, up the long ridge and the very steep Organ Pipes Pass. Traverse the escarpment and descend via Mlambonja Pass. This hike is classified extreme and for good reason. Not to be undertaken by the unfit or inexperienced. Mike's Pass to Cathedral Peak Hotel via Organ Pipes.