Situated in a valley surrounded by mountains, forests and lakes, and home to great sporting and entertainment facilities, the family-friendly Drakensberg Sun Resort is one of the most popular resorts in the Central Drakensberg area of Kwazulu Natal. It is spread over eight hectares in the picturesque Cathkin Park area, within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The resort celebrated its 30th anniversary last year and this year it received a TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award as one of the Top 10 Hotels for Families in South Africa.
Hotel Entrance
We arrived at the hotel after a four-and-a-half hour drive from Johannesburg, and immediately began feeling the calming effects of the surrounding natural beauty. The sprawling gardens interspersed with wooden bridges and benches, coupled with the extensive use of rich earthy colours and natural materials indoors, make Drakensberg Sun one of the most attractive country resorts in South Africa.
Magnificent Scenery
On checking in, the receptionist handed us a copy of the leisure and entertainment schedule as well as a list of the abundant activities available. My daughter and I enjoyed a leisurely boat ride around the resort’s private lake while my husband and son challenged each other at outdoor chess. We then enjoyed sundowners on the Lakeview Terrace, where we were joined by a friendly cat, to my kids' delight. Later, the boys played table tennis while we explored the vast property.
Boat rides and fishing
Many guests chose to cool off at the swimming pool, some played sports, while others opted to get pampered at the spa. They all had one thing in common - they were enjoying themselves.
Swimming Pool
Guided hiking trails of various lengths and difficulty levels are offered on most days. There are a myriad of other on-site activities including tennis, trout fishing, paintball, horse-riding, adventure golf, and canoeing, but as we were only staying for one night, we didn't have enough time to experience them all. I found myself wishing that I was there for longer. A week would have been lovely.
Outdoor Chess
There is a variety of accommodation including en-suite rooms and self-catering chalets of different types and sizes. Our family room consisted of two double beds, a couch, a table, a TV, a mini-bar and a closet. Sliding doors opened onto a small balcony with panoramic views of the gardens and the majestic mountains.
Family Room
Dinner at Lakeview Restaurant consisted of a huge buffet of delicious dishes. Vegetarians and pescatarians were well catered for. We were spoilt for choice at each course and ended up having to sample a little of each dish in order to taste as many of the culinary delights as possible. The desserts made any ideas of a diet disappear in a flash while the kids enjoyed the ice creams. Breakfast the following morning was also a treat.
Dinner
The staff were friendly and helpful. One staff member told us that he had been at the resort right from the time it was built in 1987. It was easy to understand why he wouldn’t want to leave this beautiful place.
Lakeview Terrace
The resort also hosts conferences and team-building events. Corporate guests usually occupy the resort during weekdays and as they leave towards the weekend, leisure guests arrive to be relaxed and rejuvenated for the week ahead.
Whether you are looking for an all-encompassing family resort which will keep you entertained or just a vacation destination where you can relax with tea, scones and a good book, surrounded by nature, Drakensberg Sun will exceed your expectations. Personally, I can’t wait to return with my family.
For more information, visit Drakensberg Sun or book here.
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Disclosure: 7
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.
Please quote me for 10 ladies and 1 driver from the 17th to the 21st of April 2023 that includes breakfast and dinner. Please advise me your activities do you have a boat cruise.
Hi Sbu
Please book here https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/drakensberg-sun-resort-winterton.en.html?aid=918165&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2 and contact the hotel directly for activities.
Very nice post! I really like your blog. You’ve done a good job.
This certainly has an amazing setting - the pictures of the grounds and lake are stunning! It sounds like it has something for everyone In the family too!
That looks like a great place to visit. Several countries in Africa are on my list of places to visit. I'm hoping to get there in 2019 or 2020.
Thank you for this info. I hope to return to SA soon. Such a beautiful place. This resort looks amazing
Such a perfect vacation destination! It sounds so welcoming accommodation with all standard facilities. It's a kind of blessings to be able to stay anywhere surrounded by nature.
Didn't know exactly where Drakensberg area is but the resort looks fun and relaxing! I would not say "no" to take a few days off and had some peace and quiet with the nature. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your experience with us. @ knycx.journeying