Discovering the magic of the Drakensberg

SNOWY PEAKS AND STARRY SKIES

- ANNIE DORASAMY

AS THE cold winter air settled in and the school holidays began, my family got the opportunity to escape the daily grind. We packed our suitcases, stuffed the boot with snacks (half of which would mysteriously vanish by Estcourt), and hit the road to Champagne Sports Resort in the Cathkin region of the majestic Drakensberg.

We were trading city chaos for mountain serenity, and my nine-year-old daughter - armed with her sketchbook, headphones and an alarming supply of bubble gum - was ready to take the resort by storm.

But first, the roads.

I'll say it plainly: the Champagne Valley may be one of South Africa's most beautiful destinations, but getting there reminded me of that old saying, "The journey is half the battle."

While the mountain scenery was breathtaking, so was the sudden swerve required to avoid a puncture from the potholes. If ever there was a case for serious road infrastructure upgrades, this is it. Tourism in the Drakensberg is booming, but the roads are doing their best to scare people back to the couch.

That said, once we reached the resort, as guests of KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, the discomfort of the drive melted away like frost in the morning sun.

It was clear this was no ordinary winter getaway. The Drakensberg mountains, dusted with snow, loomed majestically in the background, their icy peaks contrasting sharply against the vibrant green grass below.

Framed by the towering Cathkin Peak, and located at the foot of the Champagne Castle there were stunning views at every turn, making it easy to forget the hustle and bustle of daily life.