I have been to the Drakensberg a few times already, but this experience was somehow completely different for me, perhaps because I explored a new side of the berg that I have never been to before or because I realised just how much there is to see and do in the Drakensberg and surrounding areas.
If you love adventure, Cathedral Peak Hotel in the Drakensberg is a spot you want to visit in summer or winter!
Nestled in a tranquil and secluded valley in the heart of the Drakensberg lies Cathedral Peak Hotel which is approximately four and a half hours away from Johannesburg (depending on where you live) which was totally worth the long drive for me, as the scenic views made up for the several potholes and trucks on the N3.
I had no idea what to expect at Cathedral Peak and I did not bother reading reviews about the area or hotel as I wanted to be surprised and boy, I was! The view from this hotel is breath-taking – I am a little jealous that the staff get to wake up to such a picture-perfect view every morning.
Cathedral Peak is a hotel you visit if you want to get away from the chaos in the city, do something outside your comfort zone, reflect or looking for an opportunity to reconnect with nature.
Firstly, I must commend the hotel on having rules and regulations in place regarding Covid-19 to make guests feel welcomed and comfortable. This is the first hotel I have been to since Covid that I have noticed has a sanitising station in every single room.
Before we even arrived at the hotel, we received an email with a pdf document which shared all the protocols in place for Covid-19 that helped calm me down a little.
I was a little nervous taking 3 kids to the mountains after a year of being at home with very little human interaction. But my kids were champs and embraced the experience way better than I expected them to. My youngest was the one that kept reminding us all to sanitise and put on our masks before leaving the room.
The Room deserves a special mention:
If you have a big family, do not stress. The hotel makes a plan to have the entire family together if possible like they did with ours. Our room was huge! The kids loved that they could jump and play around before bedtime without getting in each other’s way.
Best room at the hotel:
The executive/honeymoon suite is worth every rand! You get front row seats to the amazing view and pretty sunsets.
There is so much to do here that your kids will not get bored! It truly is a family-friendly hotel. The staff was so patient and friendly towards our kids that we felt like we were home away from home.
What can you do at Cathedral Peak in the Drakensberg?
Our days were filled with loads of activities that we were exhausted by the end of the evening but ready to do it all over again the next day.
- Indulge in some good food at the buffet and afternoon tea.
There is a huge selection of food available for dinner (even a special menu for the little ones) – the stir fry station is a must-try! I must admit, I was impressed with the variety of desserts that were available each day.
- Walks & Hikes.
There are 19 walks/hikes that leave and return to the Hotel, for all levels of fitness, skill, and ability. There is a guided walk/hike that leaves the hotel every morning (see reception for details of which hike on which day).
The hike was an experience that I would want to have again. Lots of laughs and stops to catch our breath gave us an opportunity to connect with what was around us.
A must-do at least once during your stay. Remember to carry water, a jacket, sunblock, and a cap.
Route recommended:
Doreen Falls
1.5 – 2 Hours Return
Difficulty: A = Gentle Walk
- Horse Riding
- Mini golf
- Pony Rides
My kids could not get enough of the pony rides (free to kids staying at the hotel).
- Quad Bikes
This was a unique experience for me. I have done quad biking before but never did a trail like this one. I do however recommend it for teenagers or adults only. My son loved it, but my daughter was a little scared.
Tip: Wear jeans and a jacket to avoid getting pricked by the thorn bushes on the trail.
- Sightseeing flights
- Golf
- Tennis
- Climbing tower
Kitana loved this experience and highly recommends it.
- Children’s playground
- Heated and Cold swimming pools.
- A splash pool for the little ones and much more.
I could most probably go on and on about what an amazing time I had at Cathedral Peak (I think all my social media posts speak for me) but instead, I will round up this post by saying that this trip made me realise how important family holidays are.
Remember to do lots of research before you choose your next destination and hotel to stay at to make sure that everyone in the family truly does have an awesome time together like we did at Cathedral Peak.
15% Discount Special for you:
Get lost in the beautiful, natural surrounds of the Drakensberg at Cathedral Peak Hotel. The greatest adventure has never been more affordable with this special deal.
Stay for 3 or 4 or more nights and receive a 15% discount.
Rates from R1530 per person per night inclusive of buffet breakfast, lunch dinner and mid-morning & afternoon tea, coffee & bakes.
Valid until 31st October 2022 excluding peak periods.
Above and beyond their normal luxurious amenities that range from excellent pools to on-resort activities you will receive the following: Rock climbing, Guided Daily Hikes, Mini-Golf and Pony Rides, all FREE OF CHARGE.
If you ever wonder what’s happening in the Drakensberg at Cathedral Peak Hotel (like me right now), you no longer have to. Cathedral Peak Hotel has two live cams running 24 hours a day. Whether it’s day or night, summer or winter, a clear day, raining or snow, you can digitally transport yourself instantly into one of Drakensberg’s most beautiful locations via the live webcams here.
