Cathedral Peak Hotel - Sep-Oct Newsletter

Message from the General Manager

Springtime in the Drakensberg is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with the cold of winter starting to thaw and the unpredictable summer storms still a few months away. A quiet sense of calm has descended onto our valley, with cool, clear weather and crisp, fresh mountain air, and we are sure to welcome many hikers looking to take advantage of this perfect hiking weather.

And in the middle of the stillness, we’ve got a busy calendar for the next few months. Our birthday is coming up, and we’re planning an exciting, fun-filled celebration – more on that soon. Berg & Bush is taking place in October, and we are sure to be providing a soft bed and warm meal for many tired participants after a long day’s effort.

On the cultural side of things, we are looking forward to celebrating Heritage Day weekend at the hotel, with our staff members gearing up for 2 days of traditional
singing and dancing. The weekend will also feature a selfie competition, and we’re
excited to see our guests’ stunning pictures!

As always, we have a wide range of amazing specials, letting you escape to the mountains at incredible discount rates. We look forward to welcoming you all to the
ultimate Drakensberg experience!

Experience the Majesty of the uKhahlamba
Drakensberg World Heritage Site

Our tranquil, secluded valley lies in the heart of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, declared a World Heritage Site almost 20 years ago. This prestigious acknowledgement gives international recognition to the rich biological diversity of the plants, insects and animals that call the =mountains their home, as well as the tens of thousands of individual San rock art paintings.

Add to this the stunning natural beauty of the majestic peaks and sweeping valleys, not to mention the hospitality and entertainment excellence offered at Cathedral Peak Hotel, and you have one of the world’s most incredible holiday destinations.

Test Yourself
with the Cathedral 4 Challenge

The perfect challenge for hikers of any level, the Cathedral 4 Challenge is made up of 4 beautiful trails that explore the stunning diversity of the Drakensberg, from easy strolls to more strenuous hikes. Register with reception and complete all 4 trails in any order over any period of time, and you’ll receive the Cathedral 4 Award certificate and medal!

Doreen Falls

A gentle hike to a picturesque waterfall with a deep
pool for swimming

Mushroom Rock

A strenuous hike to the aptly-named Mushroom Rock
some 400m above the hotel

Fern Forest

A moderate stroll through a shady indigenous forest
spotted with several natural pools

Baboon Rock

An intense uphill hike (manageable at a moderate pace)
with spectacular views

Win a 3-Night Stay for 2 at
Cathedral Peak Hotel

In partnership with What, When and Where UK, we are giving you the chance to win a fabulous 3-night stay for 2 at the hotel! Simply like our Facebook page and the What, When and Where UK Facebook page, then share this post tagging 4 friends and telling us why you’d like to win this amazing mountain getaway.

The competition closes on the 23rd of September, so get those entries in now!

Join us for a Celebration of our
Country’s Heritage

As we celebrate 80 years of Cathedral Peak Hotel, we will be joining the nation in celebrating the rich cultural heritage that makes our country such a beautiful place. Visit the hotel this Heritage Day weekend and revel in one of South Africa’s most significant and majestic natural spaces. Our staff will be celebrating their heritage with traditional singing and dancing outside the Umlambonja venue from 4pm on Saturday 21st and Monday 23rd.

You can also stand a chance to win 1 of 2 daily prizes on the 21st and 23rd by taking a selfie at the hotel, and posting it to Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #TheUltimateDrakensbergExperience!

Winners will be selected on each day, with the winning photo being showcased in the lounge window over the course of the weekend.

Explore a Treasure Trove
of San Rock Art

The images hidden amongst the Drakensberg’s caves and overhangs were painted by the original inhabitants of the mountains, some stretching back to the late Stone Age. The unbelievable wealth of individual paintings means that the Drakensberg collection makes up some 35% of all of South Africa’s rock art sites.

The Drakensberg is home to around 600 rock art sites, hosting over 35 000 images. Natural caves and overhangs protect the paintings from harsh weather, and the porous rock serves as the perfect canvas, resulting in the most beautifully preserved rock art south of the Sahara. The paintings cover a wide range of topics, from hunting scenes and depictions of daily life to intricate animal figures – most commonly the eland, which the San considered to be sacred.