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Nature Reserves
Cathedral peak
Province: Kwazulu Natal
Region: Drakensberg
Main Attractions: Didima Gorge
Bordering on the upper Thukela area in the north and east, Lesotho in the west and Monk's Cowl in the south, this section of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park is 32 000 hectares in extent. Containing the
magnificent Didima Valley with its many examples of San Rock art, it is a hikers paradise offering routes that range from a few hours to several days.
For the visitors less inclined to physical activity or whose time is limited, Mike's Pass provides an opportunity to drive to the top of the Little Berg near the head of Didima Gorge for spectacular views of the main escarpment and the surrounding lowlands.While hiking a wide selection of plants and animals can be seen in the extensive grasslands and forest patches. Overhead the effortless flight of a Bearded vulture (Lammergeyer) while closer at hand Malachite sun birds flash from protea to protea, a noisy troop of baboons bark at the intruders in their domain and a family of Mountain reedbuck display their white tails as they race up a nearby slope. Cathedral Peak will shortly offer an upmarket 200 bed huttted camp themed to the San People and their rock art as well as a modern interactive interpretive centre which will allow visitors a glimpse into the lives of these First People. Currently accommodation is limited to 21 camping and caravan sites with basic ablution facilities. There is no electricity.
GENERAL INFORMATION
VITAL INFORMATION
Gate Opening and Closing Times:
24 hour gate
Office Hours:
The office is open from 08h00 to 12h30 and from 14h00 to 16h30
Sundays: 08h00 to 12h30 and 14h00 to 15h00
Distance and Time from Gate to Camp:
The gate is next to the camp
Camp Telephone Number: (036) 4881880
Camp Fax: (036) 4881677
Check Out Time: 10h00
Check In Time: 14h00
Shop:
There is a shop that sells curios and limited supplies.
Special Precautions:
When hiking be prepared for rapid changes of weather and extreme conditions especially cold. Before hiking the Mountain Rescue Register must br completed.
The nearest towns which have a full range of services are Bergville and Winterton which are both 50 kms away.
How to get there:
From the N3 in the vacinity of Estcourt take the Winterton /Colenso off-ramp and at Winterton turn left at the Engen service station and follow the signs to Cathedral Peak.
Pets are not permitted into the reserve.
Facilities for people with disabilities:
Nil currently but once the new Didima Camp is completed there will be a complete range of suitable facilities available.
ACCOMMODATION
The luxurious Didima Camp, at Cathedral Peak, has been themed around the art of the San people. The San Art Interpretive Centre,
provideS fascinating insights into the art and culture of the San and will include static displays and audio-visual presentations featuring
a reconstructed cave covered with accurate reproductions of actual San Art sites.
Didima camp features 62 two-bed luxury chalets, 2 four-bed cabins, a two-bed honeymoon suite and a six-bed bungalow. Each of the two-bed chalets are back to back and an interleading door allows the two chalets to be converted into a four-bed family unit with self-catering facilities. The two four-bed cabins have two bedrooms each en-suite, a lounge/dining area and a kitchen, and the six-bed chalet has three bedrooms, each with en-suite facilities, a lounge/dining area and a kitchen. All accommodation at Didima boasts satellite television and cosy fireplaces.
The central lodge provides a restaurant and bar, fireplaces throughout, an intimate lounge and a shop for groceries and curios.
The state-of-the-art conference facility seats 140 delegates and a large breakaway facility doubles as a wedding chapel with a full height glass wall framing the splendour of Cathedral Peak.
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