Winterton is a pretty town and is the gateway to the central part of the Drakensberg, dominated by the Champagne, Cathedral and Cathkin Peaks. So, obviously, hiking is going to be big here, as is trout and bass fishing, San rock art, and hang gliding.
You won’t miss the Baz Bus, a hop-on hop-off vehicle which transports travellers from all over South Africa and arrives in town about three times a week, possibly more in July, when the town is host to an annual street fair where artists, crafters, musicians and anyone else associated with the tourism industry get together to showcase the town.
Among the worthwhile museums and monuments is the Winterton Museum on Church Street, which charts the history of farming here and also has a unique gallery of San paintings (Tel: +27 36 488 1885). The world famous Drakensberg Boys’ Choir, based at their school nearby, performs concerts both during the week and over weekends.
The Champagne Castle Adventure Centre is family orientated but still offers thrills and spills galore. Try flying downhill on a monster mountain scooter, paintballing, walking through the treetops, or abseil on 25m-high Chicken Hill. [Tel: +27 74 103 3613]
If you are not brave enough to go hang gliding but still want to experience a bird’s eye view of this magnificent part of the country, think about a hot air balloon ride instead. Due to wind conditions, trips take place in early mornings before sunrise and usually last around an hour, followed by breakfast back at the launch site. Only for children over 7 years of age. Don’t forget your camera! [Tel: +27 82 802 7527]
Falcon Ridge Bird of Prey Centre offers an amazing opportunity for young and old alike to gain a wonderful insight into these magnificent creatures of the skies. View a range of eagles, vultures and falcons amongst other birds of prey in their natural environment.
See these magnificent sky warriors - many of whom having been rehabilitated from injury -as they put on an amazing show of avian acrobatics. This is accompanied by an informative talk. Please note: children need to be accompanied by an adult. [Tel: +27 82 774 6398]
The Champagne Castle Adventure Centre is family orientated but still offers thrills and spills galore. Try flying downhill on a monster mountain scooter, paintballing, walking through the treetops, or abseil on 25m-high Chicken Hill. [Tel: +27 74 103 3613]
Cathedral Peak Wine Estate – yes, really – a wine estate in the Berg! In fact, it’s the only wine estate this deep in the mountains and one of a few that is pioneering wine production in KZN. Vines were actually planted in 2007 and winemaker, Mauritz Koster, hopes eventually to produce 2000 barrels.
The unique climate strangely makes it ideal for vines. Current varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Sauvignon Blanc. Somewhat uniquely, the vineyards lie adjacent to two game farms so, while you are quaffing the region’s finest and enjoying a cheese platter, be on the lookout for waterbuck and other small game. Tours of the wine making process are available. [+27 36 488 1857]
