The mystical mountains and gorgeous of Champagne Valley beckon to everyone. Whether you're an extreme sportman, avid hiker, or just like immersing in lush sprwaling wilderness, the Drakensberg is the ideal place for you.
While the myriad mountains, waterfalls, and wide-reaching grasslands are by far the most popular reasons visitors flock to the Drakensberg, there are many other attractions to suit everyone's taste.
From shopping and dining to thrilling and bespoke experinces, here are the top 15 activities in Champagne Valley.
The Top 14 Things to do in Champagne Valley
Drakensberg Boys Choir – This prestigious choir school showcases their students' musical talents to the gorgeous backdrop of the Drakensberg Dragon peaks. Hosting weekly concerts, watching the choir in action, hearing their soulful tunes, and dancing along to some of South Africa’s most beloved songs is not to be missed.
Kwazulu Weavers – Marvel at handcrafted local delights that create a profusion of culture, heritage, and centuries-old skill. With many artisanal item on offer, there’s something here that will cater to everybody’s taste. There is also a nursery and restaurant on site, as well as the loved Waffle Hut, serving up some of the tastiest desert trets in the valley.
Raptor Centre – The Falcon Ridge Bird of Prey Centre is every bird lover’s paradise. Witness some of the Drakensberg’s most fascinating raptors and other predator birds in action, or get a closer look at one of the many spectacular owl species. Don’t worry, all birds are in a rehabilitation programme, not held against their will. After the show, feel free to wander the centre and marvel at some of the regions rare birlife.
Reptile Centre – If you’re intrigued by insects and reptiles, from snakes and chameleons to tortoises and geckos, give this place a visit. Neighbouring the Raptor Centre, this safe and spacious enclosure harbours the weird and wonderful creatures that roam the Drakensberg floor and foliage.
El Mirador Airfield – The airfield is not just home to planes and helicopters, but delicious restaurants, such as the Champagne Bistro, the famous Drakensberg Brewery, the Chocolate Bar (which hosts free chocolate tasting), and a delightful arts, crafts, and artisanal farmers store. With so many tasty choices set in the midst of the towering peaks of the Drakensberg, why not try them all? Also on site is a new farmers market offering freshly picked vegatables and fruit for you to enjoy at home.
Hiking – The very reason adventurers and wanderers alike flock to this undulating and whimsical realm is for the nature. The Drakensberg is seemingly untapped and unhampered, left to flourish in any which way it seems fit. Amongst the picturesque power of the landscape lies sculpted paths that still lead you off the beaten track and into the wild. There are myriad hiking trails to choose from, catering for all fitness levels and ages.
Head over to Monks Cowl, Champagne Castle Hotel, or the Drakensberg Sun Hotel to begin one of these spellbinding hikes into the wild. Many hikes take you to remarkable geological sites, bushman rockart paintings, or cascading waterfalls.
I highly recommend hiking to Nandi's Falls, Crystal Falls, Sphinx, Breakfast Stream, and, if you have the fitness capacity, up Sterkhorn or even the towering table top cliffs of Cathkin Peak.
If you’d like a taste of one of the most magical hikes, click here.
Canopy Tour - If you're looking for a way to both immerse yourself in the lush forests of the Drakensberg and embark on a thrilling adventure, this is the place for you. Neighbouring the Drakensberg Sun Resort and sitting along the R160 is the Canopy Tour base. Book your session and experience gliding through the leafy canopies on one of South Africa's fastest zip-lines.
White Water Rafting – The Champagne Castle Adventure Centre lies just off the R600 past Thokasiza. Journey here to embark on a thrilling ride through the rivers where you can catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring nature around you.
Abseiling – Switch up your perspective with a hike up the mountains and taking an unconventional way down. Champagne Castle Adventure Centre is the start, from which you'll have to embark on an short 15 minute hike up Chicken Hill. The ridge/cliff of this hill is your abseiling site, giving way to soellbinding views of the valley below.
Hot Air Balloon – Soar above the valley and perhaps even higher than the giant peaks that surround you in a hot air balloon. Taking flight from the El Mirador Airfield, grab a coffee or hot chocolate and relish in an unforgettable experience in the Drakensberg skies.
Spa – There are two spas to choose from in Champagne Valley. The Wellness Centre at Champagne Castle Hotel is exquisite, efficient, and has a wide range of luxurious treatments on offer. Alternatively, travel a little further out of town to Thokasiza where an upstairs spa will treat you like royalty.
Horse Riding - Champagne Castle Hotel offers both guests and visitors blissful horse riding through the mountain footpaths. Head over to the recpetion or information centre to make a booking.
Golf - The Champagne Sports Resort is renowned for its magniicent golf course. On site is also put-put, a games centre, a bar, and a resteraunt.
Cafes – There are a range of cafes that pepper the valley for when you’re feeling peckish either before or after your activity. The Valley Bakery is among the most popular breakfast and lunch location, with freshly baked goods that tantilize the tastebuds. From cheesecake and apple crumble to milktart and an assortment of breads, make sure you try some of these delightful treats. A little further out of the valley, Thokozisa resteraunt serves a hearty lunch in a warm atmosphere with many shopping facilities next door. Scrumpy Jack is another favourite situated just outside the valley centre.
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