We’ve been fortunate to visit some wonderful places all over South Africa but there aren’t many that we’ve returned to as often as Alpine Heath. Located in The Northern Drakensberg, the mountain village opened in 1996 and is home to 100 deluxe 3-bedroomed chalets. It is easily accessible from both Johannesburg and Durban making it a popular halfway point. This was the first time that we were visiting in spring and it was greener than ever.
The Village Square
On our previous visits, we were effusively welcomed to the resort by PraiseGod, the gatekeeper, with his customary greeting, “Welcome to Alpine Heath, the entertainment capital of the Drakensberg, and the best aha resort in the whole of South Africa.” On our most recent visit, it was someone else who welcomed us, still warmly, albeit less effusively. We enquired about PraiseGod and he responded that PraiseGod was now his boss, which was heartwarming.
Some of the activities at Alpine Heath
There was certainly no lack of entertainment at the resort, then or now, with umpteen activities available, like swimming, fishing, volleyball, tennis, adventure golf and archery. The resort is surrounded by South Africa’s highest mountain range, the Drakensberg Mountains, which can be explored by hiking, mountain biking or on horseback. Indoor activities include table tennis, gaming consoles and movies in the auditorium. The resort also has a gym and a spa. For the little ones, there is a jungle gym, a playroom and trampolines. If all this sounds overwhelming, then there are organised daily activity programs for both kids and adults to make it easier.
Swimming pool
For those looking for more adrenaline-pumping activities, the nearby All Out Adventures centre offers canopy tours, ziplining, quad biking and much more.
The chalets
We were content with the facilities at the resort and enjoyed playing adventure golf and other games as well as hiking. Our hikes took us across river crossings to a waterfall, returning to the resort over the top of the mountain, from where we had spectacular views.
Main bedroom
Twin bedrooms
The European-style, north-facing chalets are scattered over the expansive grounds and have panoramic mountain views. Sleeping up to six adults each, they are built over two levels. There are two twin bedrooms, a bathroom, and an open-plan lounge, dining and kitchen area on the lower level, and an en-suite double bedroom on the upper level. It was perfect for our family. The chalet also has a television, a fireplace and an outdoor patio with a braai area. Although the kitchen is fully-equipped for self-catering, should you not feel like cooking, there are restaurants at the resort.
Chalet lounge
Kitchen
The communal areas such as the reception area, market, restaurants and entertainment facilities can be found in the Village Square. We enjoyed ice creams and slushies from the market there, while being entertained by Kevin, the magnificent resident peacock, who furled and unfurled his spectacular tail feathers as he strutted around. A staff member confirmed that this was the same peacock we had seen on previous visits. He was now around 18 years old! We also discovered that Kevin enjoyed braai meat when he strutted over to our chalet after smelling our braai, from quite a distance away. The following day, he visited another chalet where a braai was taking place.
Kevin, the resident peacock
The resort is ideal for family getaways, extended get-togethers, conferences and team-building events. It even has a chapel for weddings. We spent three nights there but could have easily spent a week. Waking up to the mountain views and crisp, fresh air every morning was simply magical and in the evenings, when the clouds turned to candy floss as we braaied, all seemed well with the world. It was the perfect antidote to the city.
The resort at sunset
For more information, visit Alpine Heath Hotel & Conference Centre or book here.
See more about Alpine Heath here.
Good to know
Plan to arrive before dark as the roads can be a bit treacherous at night.
Laundry services are available at very reasonable rates.
See more things to do in KwaZulu-Natal.
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
We love visiting hotels and resorts that also have family villas with kitchens. This sounds like a great base to enjoy the many activities on site and nearby hiking and mountain biking.