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. You will see many eland and there is a hide to observe the Bearded Vulture. Named in honour of the peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, whose silhouette resembles that of a sleeping giant.
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.
Visit the Main Caves Museum (if they ever re-open it!) for insight into the world of the San people (Bushmen), their culture and way of life. The Vulture Hide is open in Winter and you can watch the Lammergeyer (Lammergeier) feed. This Bearded Vulture is the world’s largest bone eating bird. If there is a Foot and Mouth outbreak, it is likely to be closed. Check at the office. See more Giant’s Castle Vulture Hide.
Giant’s Castle Resort overlooks the Bushman’s River. Accommodation is basic and varies from simple 2 bed garden chalets to 6 bed lodges. Some have stunning mountain views. There is a restaurant on site. Conference facilities for 70.
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.
See gate times. opens an hour earlier at 5am in summer.
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