The rock art
In the main caves.
Smurfatefrog — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Pavel Špindler — CC BY 3.0 · Dr. Alexey Yakovlev — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Pavel Špindler — CC BY 3.0 · Paul IJpelaar — CC BY 3.0
Giant's Castle is a mountain and nature reserve in the central Drakensberg, in KwaZulu-Natal, with a grassy plateau among deep valleys. The shape of its peaks is said to resemble a sleeping giant, hence the name. The reserve draws lovers of birds, rock art and mountain walking. It is known for the San rock art preserved in its main caves, a record of the people who lived in these mountains long ago. It is also home to eland, the bearded vulture and the Cape vulture. Each April it hosts a mountain marathon. The reserve has more than 25 walks on a 285 km network of paths, from a one-hour stroll to overnight hikes. The trails pass green and gold slopes, orange cliffs and clear streams, with the wall of the mountains along the horizon. The colours change a good deal between spring and autumn, and snow sometimes covers the peaks in winter. It is 86 km in a straight line from Royal Natal, and the road between them is long, so do not combine them in one day unless you have the time. Bring a jacket, water and suitable shoes, and ask at the gate about trail conditions. Tell the office if you plan a long hike, and do not touch the rock paintings, which are fragile and protected.
In the main caves.
Among the reserve's best known birds.
Above green valleys.
Central Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal
The peaks are said to resemble a sleeping giant.
Half a day for a short walk, a full day or more for longer routes.