Run by Ermzvelo, the KZN Parks Board.
Giants Castle Nature Reserve
With 34,638 hectares ( 85,500 acres), Giants Castle reserve was established in 1903 to protect the eland population. It is renowned for 285 km of well maintained hiking trails, montane birdlife, and vast San rock art sites.
Giant’s Castle, dubbed “the Flower of the Drakensberg” due to its impressively rich floral diversity, rolling grasslands, crags and cliffs, lies in the “Little ‘Berg”. A network of mapped trails spreads along the river, into the foothills or into the high ’Berg itself, providing endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, amateur botanists and hikers. Spring is a particularly special time of the year, with many of the seasonal grassland plants in bloom. Here one can often see the indigenous agapanthus dusting the veld with a blue haze, or the yellow/orange bloom of the red-hot poker, amongst many others.
Giant’s Castle Resort overlooks the Bushman’s River. Accommodation varies from 2 bed garden chalets to 6 bed lodges. There is a restaurant on site.
Giant’s Castle Resort: +27 (0) 36 353 3718
This area is ideal for longer or more challenging hikes, with dramatic mountain scenery at every turn.
