Drakensberg Mountains, SOUTH AFRICA
Airing Date: May 21st, 2002
At the village of Bergville you can be assured of a warm African welcome. Here the villagers roll out the red carpet for every visitor and you will be treated to some of the traditional songs and dances of the Zulu people, however, even they admit the number one attraction in these parts is a trip into the mountains.
Five hiking trails sprawl across the mountains and here hikers will find the world's largest outdoor art gallery. Scattered on the rocks is a total of 35,000 ancient bushman paintings.
An easy way to see these magnificent mountains is to take a helicopter fight. From the air it is easy to see why this area has recently been given World Heritage status.
Located in the heart of the Drakensberg Mountains is the mountain known as Champagne Castle. The name Champagne Castle originated when the first pioneers to conquer the peak accidentally dropped their celebratory bottle of bubbly, thus christening the mountain.
The Champagne Castle Hotel located near the dramatic Drakensberg Escarpment started out as a simple farmhouse however today it is a luxury hotel and a one of the most popular holiday destinations in the area.
The Rondavel accommodation appears traditional from the outside but once inside you will find everything that you would expect from a first class hotel.
The facts
South African Airways flies to Johannesburg from Australia eight times a week. Return prices start from $1906 ex Sydney and $1710 ex Perth.
South African Airways
Tel: 02 9223 4528 or 1800 099 281
A night at Champagne Castle Hotel starts from $75 per person per night including all meals and guided walks.
Champagne Castle Hotel
Tel: 0011 27 36 468 1063
South African Tourism (SATOUR)
Tel: 02 9261 3424
Email: info@satour.com.au
