Giant's Castle Nature Reserve
The Giants Castle Nature Reserve is located in the Central Drakensberg and is 34 638 ha in extent and ranges from 1 300 metres to 3 280 metres in altitude and is noted for its plentiful rock art. This area is home to the endangered majestic Bearded Vulture. The most popular activities are hiking, climbing, trout fishing, picnicking, camping and swimming.
The resort is situated on a gassy plateau among the deep valleys running down from the face of the High Drakensberg, offering glorious views. Wild flowers of the Drakensberg are the design theme of the Resort and Rock Lodge, and original botanical paintings feature in all the chalets and lodge buildings.
The renowned Vulture Hide is open throughout the year for visitors to watch bearded vultures and other endangered species feeding. The Izimbali Restaurant and Bar provides guests with the option of fully catered meals in its warm and relaxed atmosphere.
Listing Details
-29.270074,29.519973
Each unit has been named after a plant family and contains original artworks of the berg flowers by well-known artists. All units are equipped with satellite TV.
- 1x6 bed rock lodge (with a cook in attendance)
- 17x2-bed garden view chalet
- 18x2-bed mountain view chalet
- 2x4-bed mountain view chalet
- 1x4-bed garden view chalet
- 3x6-bed mountain view chalet
- 1x Honeymoon suite
The Vulture Hide
This famous hide offers excellent viewing of raptors such as Bearded Vulture and Verreaux's Eagle. Visitors can get close to and photograph a wide variety of birds. The hide is open all year round, but advanced bookings are essential, please phone 036 - 353 3718 or fax 036 - 353 3775.
Main Caves Museum
The Main Caves Museum is an easy half hour's walk from the resort. An entrance fee is levied and is payable at the reception office. A guide is in attendance to conduct tours around the museum. These tours start on the hour from 09:00 - 15:00 from the Main Caves Museum gate. No more than 20 visitors will be allowed at a time into the caves and museum.
Trout Fishing
There are several kilometres of trout waters available.Trout anglers must be in possession of a valid daily rod permit obtainable at the reception office. Only recognised fly fishing tackle is permitted.
Izimbali Restaurant
The Izimbali Restaurant offers a selection of a-la-cart meals and buffets. Various bed and breakfast packages are available on request at reception. Restaurant hours are between 07:30 – 21:00.
Other activities include:
- Historical Site
- Hiking Trails
- Game Viewing
- Ice Climbing
- Bird Watching
- Mountain Huts
- Picknicking
- Mountain Biking
From Johannesburg take the N3 South (towards Durban) and take exit 175 toward Wembezi/Giants Castle/Estcourt. Follow the road signs for 53km to Giants Castle Nature Reserve. Approximate distance from Johannesburg is 449km, 5 hours.
From Durban, take the N3 North (towards Harrismith) and take exit 132 toward Nottingham Road. At Nottingham Road, turn right toward the R103 (Rosetta). At Rosetta, turn right onto the R103. Follow the road and signs for 68km to Giants Castle Nature Reserve. Approximate distance from Durban is 212km, 3 hours.
Rock Lodge is a magnificent lodge built into a hillside overlooking the Bushman's River with Giants Castle as a backdrop. The lodge incorporates the surrounding freestanding natural rock into its lounge wall and is perfect for an intimate wedding of family and friends.
Guests
Our magnificent views and mountainous backdrops makes Giant's Castle an ideal and unique venue for the "smaller" wedding (up to 80 guests) although we do offer special rates to those who book out the entire resort (120 guests, 108 beds).
Catering
Izimbali Restaurant can cater to all your needs - samples of suggested menus can be obtained from the conference centre manager, who will be only too happy to discuss various options to meet your personal preferences and budgets.
Gate Hours
Winter 06:00 - 22:00 daily
Summer 05:00 - 22:00 daily
The Reserve gates are kept locked after hours for the sake of safety – both that of you our guest and of the wildlife and environment.
Reception & Curio Shop hours
08:00 - 16:30 daily
Arrival
You are requested to check in no earlier than 14:00 on your day of arrival and bring your booking slip with you.
If you are going to arrive after office hours, please phone ahead to let us know so that we can make arrangements. If you have arrived late, please check in the following morning, so that reception staff can register you.
Should you wish to exit and re-enter the Resort during your stay, kindly make arrangements at the office.
Departure
We request you to check out by 10:00 on the day of your departure to afford us sufficient time to prepare chalets for our next guests. Please keep your checkout receipt safe as it will be requested from you when signing out at the main gate. Should you require to check out earlier than 08:00, please make arrangements a day before by at least 16:30. Please be advised that should you not vacate your unit by 10:00 you will be charged the additional full daily rate. On checkout, please return your key to the reception. It is advisable that you follow the tar roads when leaving Giant's Castle as the dirt roads, especially the Draycott Road, is not safe.