Message From the General Manager
Spring has arrived in the Drakensberg, bringing warmer days, colourful blooms and spectacular sunsets. As the landscape begins to transform, we look forward to the summer rains, which will breathe new life into the rivers and blanket the mountains in rich greenery—the perfect setting for the festive season ahead.
This year, we have taken another step forward in our sustainability journey with the addition of a donkey boiler system. It complements our existing hydroelectric plant, solar photovoltaic plant and battery storage system, further strengthening our efforts to use energy more responsibly and reduce our environmental impact.
Exciting improvements are underway across our grounds, with fresh planting and thoughtful landscaping upgrades enhancing the natural beauty of the hotel and creating even more inviting spaces for guests to enjoy. Lake Byron has also welcomed a new jetty, offering a peaceful place to pause, take in the views and enjoy the tranquillity—or cast a line and enjoy some bass fishing.
Behind the scenes, our team is preparing for a wonderful Christmas and New Year celebration, with a selection of festive activities planned for our guests to enjoy. We are also continuing our Pack for a Purpose initiative and encourage guests to bring along school supplies that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in our surrounding communities.
From everyone at Cathedral Peak Hotel, and on behalf of the van der Riet family, we wish you a joyful festive season filled with special moments and a new year filled with success, happiness and warmth.
Bruce Botes
ROOTED IN FAMILY, INSPIRED BY THE MOUNTAINS
December holds a special place in the history of Cathedral Peak Hotel, as it was during this month in 1939 that Albert van der Riet’s dream of a mountain retreat first became a reality. This December, we proudly celebrate 87 years of welcoming guests to experience the magic of the Drakensberg.
Through generations of the van der Riet family, Cathedral Peak has continued to evolve while preserving the warmth, character and personal hospitality that have defined it from the beginning. We are deeply grateful to the guests and staff whose loyalty, friendship and memories have helped shape this enduring family legacy.
HIGHLIGHTS
Your Experiences, Our Greatest Recognition
Every guest review tells a story—of mountain adventures, time spent together and moments that remain long after the journey home. These stories have earned Cathedral Peak Hotel Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award, placing us among the top 10% of properties listed on the platform worldwide.
This achievement belongs just as much to our guests as it does to our team. Your feedback inspires us, helps future travellers discover Cathedral Peak and encourages us to keep creating experiences worth remembering.
Thank you for making Cathedral Peak Hotel part of your story—and for becoming part of ours.
Thank You for Giving Back
Throughout the year, our guests have generously filled the Pack for a Purpose collection box at Reception with school supplies for children in our surrounding communities. We recently had the privilege of distributing these donations and seeing how even the smallest contributions can make a meaningful difference.
If you are visiting Cathedral Peak over the festive season, consider leaving a little space in your luggage for a donation. Simply place it in the collection box at Reception, and we will ensure it reaches those who need it.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Heritage Day in the Mountains
Celebrate Heritage Day with us on 24 September 2026, where South Africa’s vibrant cultures come together in the heart of the Drakensberg.
Enjoy a day of tradition, community and celebration, featuring a relaxed lunchtime braai on the lawn, captivating cultural dance performance and a warm mountain atmosphere.
Our team will be dressed in traditional attire to honour the occasion, while the evening dinner menu will showcase a selection of beloved local flavours.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Black Friday Voucher Sale
Our Black Friday Voucher Sale returns this November, giving you the perfect opportunity to plan a future Drakensberg escape or surprise someone special with the gift of time away.
The offer will be available for a limited time, so keep an eye on our social media pages for the full details and sale announcement.
Celebrate the Festive Season with Us
Our festive season programme has something for everyone! Enjoy a magical Carols by Candlelight evening, complete with a special visit from Santa, followed by a Chapel Service and a traditional Christmas dinner featuring live music from the ever-popular Chris Jensen.
Raise a glass to the festive season with complimentary pre-drinks against the breathtaking Drakensberg backdrop before ringing in the New Year at a lively New Year’s Eve celebration, with live music keeping the party going.
There’s plenty of fun for guests of all ages, with a daily activity programme featuring guided hikes, horse rides, climbing wall adventures and family-friendly entertainment.
THE WIND PHONE: A PLACE TO REFLECT
A meaningful new addition to Cathedral Peak, our Wind Phone offers a peaceful space to pause, remember and give voice to words left unsaid.
Inspired by the original Wind Phone created in Japan, it is not connected to a network but offers a symbolic way to speak to someone you have lost, share a treasured memory or simply sit in stillness.
We invite you to visit during your stay and take a moment to reflect beneath the beautiful Drakensberg skies.
YOUR NEW FAVOURITE COFFEE SPOT HAS ARRIVED!
Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and breathtaking mountain views at our new Terrace Coffee Shop. From rich cappuccinos and bold espressos to refreshing iced coffees, there is something for every coffee lover.
Through our partnership with Blacksmith Coffee Movement, every cup supports the Barista Upliftment Programme, which trains unemployed young people to become professional baristas.
Great coffee, a beautiful setting and a meaningful purpose—all in every sip.
COCKTAIL HOUR ON THE TERRACE
Join us every day at 5pm for our new Cocktail Hour and enjoy a specially selected Cocktail of the Day. The menu features favourites such as the Old Fashioned, Planter’s Punch, Mojito and Cosmopolitan, as well as the indulgent Espresso Martini and timeless Negroni.
It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day in the mountains.
A BABYMOON IN THE MOUNTAINS
The months leading up to a new arrival are often filled with planning and preparation.
A babymoon offers expectant parents an opportunity to step away from busy routines and enjoy some uninterrupted time together.
With peaceful mountain views, leisurely meals and gentle walks, we provide a restful setting in which to slow down, reconnect and celebrate the new chapter ahead
SPECIALS
November Adults-Only Spring’s Final Mountain Escape
15% off rack rates for adults.
Discounted rates from R2140 per adult per night single or sharing, inclusive of all meals.
Valid from 1st to 30th Nov ’26. Min 2-night stay.
T’s & C’s apply.
Senior’s Special
30% off rack rates for seniors 60 & over.
Discounted rates from R1760 per adult per night, single or sharing in a Standard Room from Sunday to Thursday nights only, inclusive of all meals, mid-morning and afternoon tea.
Valid 1st – 30th Nov ‘26, 1st – 28th Feb ‘27, & 1st – 31st May ‘27 only.
T’s & C’s apply.
Kids Stay Free & Save Summer Special
15% off rack rates for adults and teens.
Children aged 7 and under stay free, and children aged 8–12 receive 50% off kids’ rates when sharing a room with two adults*
Discounted rates from R2140 per adult, single or sharing, and R1495 per teen (13–16 years) per night, and R525 per child (8–12 years) per night, inclusive of all meals.
*Max. two children per room. Min. 2-night stay.
Valid 1st Dec ’26 – 31st Jan ’27, excl. 18th Dec ’26 – 9th Jan ’27.
T’s & C’s apply.
