South Africa has a variety of magnificent holiday escapes in the mountains. The Exclusive Getaways selection of upmarket and luxury mountain accommodation includes hotels and lodges in the famous Drakensberg Mountains of KwaZulu-Natal, the rugged Cederberg Mountains of the Western Cape, the beautiful Magaliesberg north of Johannesburg, and the enchanting mountains of Northern and Eastern Cape. Well endowed with magnificent mountain rages, South Africa is home to some of the world’s oldest ranges. The country offers gorgeous holiday accommodation in rugged mountainous settings where towering peaks and beautiful valleys create phenomenal scenery and many fabulous outdoor activities.
MOUNTAIN HOLIDAY ESCAPES IN KWAZULU-NATAL
The mighty uKhahlamba-Drakensberg is South Africa’s highest mountain range and a proclaimed World Heritage Site. More than 1000 km in extent, and with peaks towering to a staggering 3475 metres, the Drakensberg is an awe-inspiring phenomenon with enormous appeal for holiday-makers. Hikers, climbers, abseilers and mountaineers have much to enjoy, as do sightseers, photographers and visitors interested in ancient rock paintings. The Drakensberg has several distinctive features, one being Cathedral Peak in KwaZulu-Natal, an over 3000-metre peak and a full day’s climb for the fit and resilient.
The Kamberg Valley is another breathtaking place in the Drakensberg. Situated in this exquisite valley, beside a trout dam and close to the famous mountain landmark Giant’s Castle, is the renowned foodie haven (and heaven) Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse. The area offers wonderful nature reserves, hiking trails, fly fishing, birding, rock art and sightseeing.
In the northern Drakensberg, Montusi Mountain Lodge has idyllic, far-flung views of another of the Drakensberg’s famous sites, the Amphitheatre, a remarkable cliff face that receives the flow of the Tugela Falls. Hiking, birding and horse riding and golf are popular in this area.
MOUNTAIN HOLIDAY ESCAPES IN NORTHERN CAPE
The Northern Cape is well known for the Namaqualand region, a vast, arid area that transforms into spectacular displays of wild flowers in springtime, after the life-giving winter rains. The Spektakelberg is a mountain in Namaqualand that apparently took its name when declared a thing of beauty and a spectacle of nature, centuries ago. Stay at Naries Namakwa Retreat and enjoy stunning scenery, hiking and nature drives.
MOUNTAIN HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS IN EASTERN CAPE
Escape to the scenic heights of Zuurberg Mountain Village in the Eastern Cape and enjoy splendid vistas and private guided game drives into nearby Addo Elephant National Park.
MOUNTAIN HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS IN WESTERN CAPE
In the Groenfontein Valley of the Little Karoo, life happens slowly in the secluded embrace of mountains and nature reserve. The Swartberg Mountains, rivers and streams make up a wonderland of nature where guests can hike, swim, fish and contemplate the stillness.
The Cederberg Mountains are truly majestic, and are situated about 300 km north of Cape Town. Burly sandstone formations are impressive attention-getters and create excellent photographic opportunities. The Cederberg is an ancient landscape sheltering much in the way of fauna and flora, and plenty of unspoiled wilderness. To the south of the Cederberg Mountains lies Kagga Kamma, ensconed in a rocky paradise. Accommodation is in charming circular huts or cave rooms built between massive sandstone rock formations, or at the unique outcrop room which offers a luxurious open-air sleepout.
MOUNTAIN HOLIDAY ESCAPES IN GAUTENG
The Magaliesberg Mountains are thought to be 100 times older than Everest. The mountains stretch west and north from Pretoria to the south of the Pilanesberg, and form part of a most beautiful area that lends itself to breakaways from the cities. Mount Grace Country House & Spa is tucked away in this area, and is a wonderful country haven to escape to.
Book online if available, or feel free to mail us for information and bookings, or call us on +27 21 797 7122 (international) or 0860 102 907 (local). Exclusive Getaways specializes in upmarket and luxury safaris and holiday accommodation throughout South Africa.
