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Reviews, get directions and information for Giant's Castle

Giant's Castle

Description

Giant's Castle is a mountain peak in the southern African Drakensberg in KwaZulu Natal. Giants Castle offers visitors to the regions hiking opportunities with panoramic views. The Nature Reserve offers secluded accommodation, bushman rock art with easy access for everyone and about the best base to start a Drakensberg hiking experience. The area is one of many of South Africa's adventure areas, and plays host to the Giants Challenge MTB marathon in April each year.Lying at the southern end of the central Drakensberg Giant’s Castle, which gets its name from the outline of the peaks and escarpment that combine to resemble the profile of a sleeping giant, is essentially a grassy plateau that nestles among the deep valleys of this part of the Drakensberg.Giants Castle Game Reserve is considered the home of the eland as well as the bearded vulture. Another Giants Castle highlight is the superb bushman rock art at main caves which is easy to get to and well presented.Formerly the renowned Lammergeier Hide was open for visitors to watch bearded vultures and other endangered bird species. This facility has since fallen into disrepair.Hiking TrailsThere are in excess of 25 walks in the Giant’s Castle Game Reserve. The network of trails here includes to hikes, spanning from 1 hour to overnight.There are currently 14 recognized escarpment passes in the region (listed north to south): Corner Pass Around the Corner Pass (variation route on Corner Pass with alternative summit) Judge Pass Gypaetus Pass (opened in September 2012) Bannerman Pass Thumb Pass (opened in 1997) North Hlubi Pass South Hlubi Pass Langalibalele Pass Bond Pass (opened in 2014) North Jarding/Jarateng Pass Central Jarding/Jarateng Pass South Jarding/Jarateng Pass Giant's Castle Pass The Bushman’s River Trail is one of the most popular walks in the reserve. Points of interest along this route include Sandstone View and the historic Rock 75, where a cook from the 75th Regiment on Foot carved the figure 75 into a boulder during the Langalibalele rebellion in 1874. The highlight of this trail is the Main Caves, with one of the best known rock-art sites in South Africa

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Email: moc.efildliwnzk@sgnikoob
categories: tour agency, restaurant



related searches: Giant Castle Estcourt, Where is Giants Castle located, Giants Castle mountain, Giants Castle map, Giants Castle Game Reserve, Giants Castle Resort, Giants Castle Drakensberg, Giants Castle prices
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Reviews
It is impossible to find fault in this breathtaking resort set in the mountains. The staff are efficient and friendly, going out of their way to make your stay more comfortable. The restaurant provides delicious breakfasts included in the price. Be sure to book for dinner which is as good as any 5 star restaurant. The walks are perfect for novices while the hikes provide more challenging routes. All are well signposted. Be sure to visit the San paintings at the main cave. A huge treat was booking the vulture hide for the day. A test in patience and so well worth it. Can't wait to return to this beautiful resort
A magnificent setting but the accommodation is run down and not clean, even though there is a large staff contingent and we were the only guests. A moldy leaking roof in our bedroom and foul carpets. The nature is beautiful but this gem cannot survive or charge what it does without some maintenence and care from management.
At certain times of year Giants Castle is home to the best ice climbing in South Africa. Although the 12km trek from the Giants parking to the top of the pass is no joke, the views and ice are well worth it. Ice climbing is an extreme and specialised sport and should only be done in the company of a qualified guide make sure to check their qualifications before they take you ice climbing NB! It is very unsafe to camp at the top of the pass. Guides recommend hiking a couple of Km off trail before camping as the pass has been known to be frequented by cattle smugglers in the past. All in all Giants Castle is well worth the trek, whether you are going there to ice climb or to summit the majestic peak. 5 out of 5 from me.
Giant's Castle Game Reserve is an underrated gem. It is filled with amazingly beautiful hiking trails and climbing routes that are always pleasantly quiet and perfectly serene. I would definitely recommend avoiding the busier, more popular areas and just visiting this one instead.
Confer to tag: Maloti-Drakensberge Coming from Mooi River I was once September in the Giant`s Castle region part of the Maloti Drakensberge uKhahlamba-Drakensberg at Giant`s castle resort for a day trip hiking, . Leaving the park entry and following a small gravel road to the resort with stunning views underway . I made a tour on my own around and above the resort , follwing small partly signed tracks, up and down the hills with awesome views .Lingering and enjoying the around nature. On my way back I made a short break at the caves.
Horrible road to get there, most of the hikes are closed or not well maintained, no real help at reception or any maps. Not worth the long and hard drive, charge extra for caves etc
Amazing views, the bushman paintings were very impressive to see and we also had a great guide
This was on route to giants castle. Kwa dlamini
This is one of the most beautiful nature spots in the Drakensberg mountains, and in the whole of South Africa. Enjoy peaceful walks amidst the stunning flora and fauna, and animal life, or take more energetic hikes there are a number of trails, visit caves and rocks with ancient rock art paintings, or take a dip in the cold but pure mountain streams and rivers. This has to be one of the healthiest places to stay for rest and re-energising your body and mind. Do not ever feed the baboons, and beware of sudden mist/fog if hiking, and spend time taking advice from the expert staff at the reserve. I really like the self-catering accomodation, and having the option of using the restaurant.
Although the trip to the bushman paintings was wonderful, with a gorgeous view, the downside was the restaurant. Even though the food itself wasn't bad, the staff were very sleepy and overall didn't care a bit about customer service
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