Giants Castle (original) (raw)
Giants Castle, Drakensberg
Lying at the southern end of the central Drakensberg, Giant�s Castle, which gets its name from the outline of the peaks and escarpment that combine to resemble the profile of a sleeping giant, is essentially a grassy plateau that nestles among the deep valleys of this part of the Drakensberg, offering some of the most breathtaking scenery.
Giant�s Castle Nature Reserve is home to the eland and bearded vulture, also known as bone eaters of the �berg. A drastic decline in this bird�s numbers means that an isolated population in the highlands of Lesotho and adjacent areas is all that remains of the bird, and birders try to time their visits with the vulture hide feeding season, from May to September.
The terrain in this beautiful part of the world is a sprinkling of clear mountain streams, bush-lined banks, wetlands, steep grassy slopes, sandstone cliffs and towering precipices and buttresses that have lured many a climber to Giant�s, as it is locally known. There are a number of hikes to choose from and they range from the rather severe hike to Bannerman Hut, to the more sedate Champagne Pools circular walk from Giant�s Castle main gate, which takes you to secluded pools for swimming and fishing.
Weather here is dicey and clouds and rain can roll in fast, in what feels like minutes, so warm clothes are an itinerary item at any time of the year. There is good access to Giant�s along gravel roads from Mooi River or from Escourt � both towns are on the N3 between Durban and Johannesburg.
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified reviewexcellent
As a family, we love being outdoors and we've been dying to come to this part of the world for a long time. Giants Castle was spectacular, to say the least. The scenery was second-to-none, the weather was hot and the people were sop welcoming and friendly. We just loved the Drakensberg.
The Garish Family (Lower Hutt, NZ)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Self Catering
Cleopatra Homestead
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Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse
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River Run Cottage
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Things to do in the area
Family Entertainment
Drakensberg Canopy Tour
Drakensberg accommodation is always special because it promises a place to stay in some of South Africa�s most spectacular countryside. The area ...
Caf�s & Eateries
Dragon Peaks Restaurant
Located in the mystical mountains of the Drakensberg, surrounded by a quiet lake, Dragon Peaks Restaurant can be found in a mountain resort and w...
Hiking Trails
Old Kraal and Yellowwood Forest Trail
The trails in the Giants Castle Nature Reserve are a must-walk if you are in the area. To complete the easy one hour Old Kraal and Yellowwood For...
Animal Sanctuaries
Mooi River Birding
If you are a bird lover then you will thoroughly enjoy a visit to the Mooi River at Giants Castle Game Reserve. With over 140 species to be seen,...
Hiking Trails
Giant's Castle Hikes
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Hiking Trails
Langalibalele Pass hike
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Walks & Hiking
Drakensberg Grand Traverse
Start: the SentinelFinish: Bushman's NekDuration: 200 km; anything from 12 to 15 days (average is 14)Fitness: above average fitness; it's tough, ...
Hiking Trails
Didima Camp to Elands Cave Hike
Start: Didima Camp, Cathedral PeakFinish: Didima CampDuration: roughly 7 hour round trip (but tag on extra because the art work is exceptional)Fi...
Hiking Trails
Zulu Cave Hike
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Noteworthy attractions
Nature Reserves
Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve
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National Parks
Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park
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Mountain Reserves
Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve
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Mountain Reserves
Cobham State Forest
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Mountain Reserves
Garden Castle State Forest
Garden Castle is the southern most part of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park and incorporates the Bushman's Nek Valley. The Garden Castle reserve i...
Mountain Reserves
Giant's Castle Nature Reserve
Historic Giant's Castle Nature Reserve, home of the eland and the majestic bearded vulture, lies in the Central Drakensberg region of the Ukhahla...
Lakes / Dams
Himeville Nature Reserve
The Himeville Nature Reserve stretches along the eastern boundary of Himeville Village and was proclaimed to its present size of 104 ha in 1973. ...
Nature Reserves
Kamberg Nature Reserve
Kamberg Nature Reserve, one of the smallest of the KZN Wildlife resorts, lies in the foothills of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park - one of the ea...
Nature Reserves
Lotheni Nature Reserve
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