The Drakensberg is a peaceful and beautiful location ideal for a romantic getaway. There is plenty to do in the area, from hiking and camping to taking in the scenery from atop one of the mountains. If you’re looking for ideas on how to make your trip extra special, here are ten romantic things to do in the Drakensberg.
1. Get scenic views at Drakensberg Ballooning
Drakensberg Ballooning provides hot air balloon flights over KwaZulu-Natal, with views from the Amphitheatre in the Northern Drakensberg to Giants Castle in the Southern Drakensberg. You and your partner can experience scenic views with their scenic and safari flight options. You can see why this activity is high on the list of romantic things to do in Drakensberg. See prices below.
Scenic Flight: R3050 per adult, R1570 per child
Safari Flight: R3600 per adult, R2300 per child
Address: Falcon Ridge – Bird Of Prey Center, R600, Cathkin Park, South Africa
Phone: +27 36 468 1752
Website: info@drakensbergballooning.com
Also read: The 10 Best Restaurants in Ballito
2. Discover birds at the Falcon Ridge – Bird Of Prey Center
Falcon Ridge, a bird of prey rehabilitation center in the Champagne Valley, offers an easy way to watch these incredible birds in action over the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. There are daily shows that feature an instructive presentation as well as a demonstration of what these birds can do.
Address: Glen Gray, Winterton, 3340
Phone: 082 802 7527
Website: lesenbarb@telkomsa.net
3. Relax at the Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa
The Cavern Resort and Spa is located on a secluded mountain reserve near the World Heritage Site Amphitheatre. Honeymoon suites have four-poster beds and fireplaces for cold nights. The Forest Spa is a tranquil environment for you and your partner to unwind while being treated by their therapists. This is definitely one of the best romantic things to do in the Drakensberg.
Address: The Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa, Northern Drakensberg, Bergville, South Africa
Phone: +27 36 438 6270
Website: info@cavern.co.za
4. Get tasty treats at The Valley Bakery
Valley Bakery is located in the heart of the Drakensberg, known for its delicious daily bakes and food. If you’re ever passing through this beautiful town or need some groceries that will last until your next visit then stop by here at sample some of their treats. This is an ideal pitstop to make while on your way to completing this list of romantic things to do in Drakensberg.
Address: Champagne Valley, Winterton, 3340
Phone: 036 468 1257
5. Cool down at the Roman Baths rock pools
Roman Baths is a hidden treasure that is rarely mentioned. It’s a fairly easy 6 km hike that begins at the Kamberg Nature Reserve at the trout dams and proceeds primarily uphill along the valley’s base. The Roman Baths are ideal for a family outing, picnic, swimming, and lunch by the river. But mostly, its a nice little retreat for you and your patner to enjoy. This is definitely should be on Drakensberg bucket list or feature on any list of romantic things to do in Drakensberg.
Distance: 4km (8km return)
Elevation: 185m
Address: Kamberg office, Kamberg Nature Reserve, near Nottingham Road
Read more: 10 Best Resorts in The Drakensberg
6. Have fun exploring with the Zulu Waters Horse Trails
Their horseback riding offers breathtaking landscapes and experiences, and their guides will take you on a three-hour ride around the reserve, where you will get up close and personal with their prized animals such as rhinos and buffalo.
Distance: 4km (8km return)
Phone: 083 257 5651
7. Enjoy nighttime views at the Drakensberg Star Gazing Hammock Camp
You will gain access to a hammock camp so you can lie back and take in the night sky while listening to the sounds of nature. Stargazing at the Antbear Lodge will leave you feeling as if you have never seen the night sky before. The Milky Way arcs over you like a huge swath of smoke, evoking the African legend in which a defiant girl threw the roasting roots and ashes into the sky, where the red and white roots now glow as red and white stars, and the ashes are the Milky Way, because her mother had refused to give her any of a delicious roasted root.
Address: You will find it at the Antbear Eco Lodge @ Fernhurst Farm Moor Park Road, Estcourt, 3310
Phone: 076 441 2362
8. Brace new heights with your partner with Berg Flying
Take a helicopter ride over the Drakensberg and see the Drakensberg as you’ve never seen it before. Choose one of their flight packages to gain a new perspective on one of the world’s most beautiful mountain ranges. There isn’t a more thrilling activity in the Drakensberg than this. It’s important to book early especially if your preparing a special occasion for you and your partner.
Phone: +27 83 652 7493
Email: info@bergflying.co.za
Flight packages
- Scenic Flight package: R1,300
Up and back from Dragon Peaks to the main escarpment.
Flight time: approximately 15 minutes - Champagne Stopover package: R1,700
They take the same scenic route, but we land on the Little Berg at around 7000 feet for a glass of bubbly
Flight time: approximately 20 minutes with a 10-minute stopover - Round Trip package: R2,500
A flight along the escarpment with a Champagne landing.
Flight time: approximately 40 minutes flight with a 10-minute stopover - Champagne to Mweni package: R4,850
A one-hour flight along the escarpment culminating in a landing in the breathtaking Mweni area north of Cathedral Peak. - Flight time: approximately a 1-hour flight with a 10-minute stopover
- Romantic Mountain Picnic for two package: R5,100
Get flown into the mountains and dropped off for a two-person picnic. (Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.) - Helibiking package: (minimum of 4 riders) R2,300
In collaboration with Rockslide Mountain Biking, we fly you, your bike, and a guide into the mountains for a legendary mountain bike ride down.
9. Enjoy a beautiful waterfall at Aasvoel Krantz Cave
The Aasvoel Krantz Cave is located at the top of a small gorge overlooking the Tier Kloof special conservation area, and a well-worn path leads to the cave. See the hiking route below:
Hiking route:
- From the main office, take the path to the Kamloops Dam, then to Aasvoel Cave, then the route over the dam wall and up an easy uphill section.
- The trail crosses a stream, which eventually flows over the cave’s lip, providing a convenient resting spot for everyone.
- The water in the stream is safe to drink, and there is a small waterfall below the path.
- The path to the cave follows a relatively easy contour line, but sections can disappear in thick mist, so bring your map and compass just in case.
Address: Highmoor, 3300
10. Find adventure at Sani Pass
The Sani Pass begins at 1544 meters and climbs 1332 vertical meters to the summit at 2876 meters. This elevation gain is nearly 300 meters higher than the closest competitor, the Naude’s Nek Pass in the Eastern Cape. The Sani Pass has an average gradient of 1:20 due to the long easy gradient section in the Drakensberg foothills, but certain areas are as steep as 1:4, and it is here that most drivers get stuck when the going gets slippery. The numerous car wrecks down the ravines bear silent witness to the dangers. Many visitors come from around the world to tackle the notorious Sani Pass in rented 4x4s. That is its reputation. For most South Africans, it is still a pipe dream.
Address: Border of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, and Mokhotlong, Lesotho
Frequently Asked Questions about the Drakensberg
What is special about the Drakensberg?
The Drakensberg is well-known for its hiking trails, which cater to all skill levels. There are spectacular ancient rock art sites in the Southern and Central Drakensberg that reflect the beliefs of the indigenous San people. Many nature reserves with waterfalls and abundant wildlife can also be found in the mountains.
How many hours drive from Durban to the Drakensberg?
The stunning Drakensberg Mountains are located in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, and are a pleasant 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Durban.
What do you wear to the Drakensberg?
- Map, compass, and GPS for navigation.
- Sunscreen (even in the winter), lip balm, and sunglasses are all essentials for sun protection.
- Jacket, gloves, and hat/cap for warmth (for Winter)
- First-aid supplies – First Aid kit (include plasters, nausea medication, bug repellent)
- Water bottle for hydration.
