Our journey starts at Westville, Durban. The group of 12 people, including tour operators, bloggers and media, are going on a 24 hour road trip to Northern Drakensberg.
The view as from the N3, towards the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, is stupendous.
Highlights of the trip include:
Tea at
Amphitheatre Backpackers Lodge has some of the best views.
Our first stop on the journey is Amphitheatre Backpackers Lodge, a 5 star spot that is filled with creativity and art. This serene spot has the view of the Drakensberg Amphitheatre, regarded as one of the most impressive cliff faces on Earth.
As the manager, Cody Brewer, prepares refreshments for us, our group wanders through the property. Amphitheatre Backpackers Lodge hosts the Smoking Dragon Festival every year to promote the area and music. The four day event features over 100 performances from the biggest names in the country.
Brewer also tells us about their hike offerings to Tugela Falls.
Lunch at
Lunch time.
One of the most gorgeous places in the Northern Drakensberg, Montusi Mountain Lodge caters for the mature traveler and those who seek some quiet time. The chef prepares a sumptuous lunch for us that is both hearty and healthy. On the menu are smoked salmon rolls, baked beer bread, beef and custard crostini and Greek salad. For dessert, we indulge in homemade koeksisters and fruit salad. The spread is delightful and cooked to perfection.
Exploring
Exploring eMazizini.
The small village of eMazizini was our next stop and filled with a warm community and history. We enjoy Mfula Mfula, a type of beer, prepared by locals as we watch the local boys play a game of soccer.
Dinner at the
The rain poured during dinner. With a table full of classic wines and a three course dinner, the evening gets off to a great start. The menu offerings include pan-fried kingklip with lentils and citrus yogurt dressing, Cape Malay chicken curry, grilled kudu steak with red currant port sauce and bread and butter pudding. The chefs did a good job and the meals are fresh. I also enjoyed that the meals came out within minutes of ordering. Food aside, the Cavern is the epitome of mountain lodging- and definitely provided a good dinner setting.
Adventure time at
It's adventure time at All Out Adventures.
The next morning we enjoy a breakfast buffet at aha Alpine Heath Resort before heading for a day of adventures. We choose between the King Swing, zip lining and pellet shooting. The two hour adventure was definitely a great way to end the tour.
Goodbye Mountains
By Midday, we are back on the road to Durban. This 24 hour trip was definitely one filled with crazy memories and new friendships.