Scenic Helicopter Flights

Brett Tungay runs Westline Aviation - Drakensberg from the airfield at Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort, which operates a Bell Jet Ranger (4 passenger seats) and a Robinson 44 Helicopter (3 passengers) and a Piper Aztec aeroplane (4 passengers).

There are a few differant flight options on offers; two of these options for those seeking to experience the awesome beauty of the Drakensberg up close and personal are - a 15 to 20 minute Scenic Flight (depending on wind conditions) along the face of the Champagne/Cathkin escarpment. The second flight, known as the Champagne Stop Over follows the same route but involves a landing on top of the 'low' berg near to the base of the escarpment at around 7000ft. As one would expect a glass of champagne or juice is included. Please contact  Westline Aviation for bookings. Cell: 083 652 7493 or brett@bergflying.co.za

Horse Riding

Dragon Peaks is well known for its large stable of 29 horses. Lynn Tungay and her assistant, Rodgers Nsele, together with groom Thokozani Shabalala, run the Stables. Horse Rides go out daily at 8:30am, 10.30am and 2:00pm. All levels of abilities are catered for with novice riders being coached during the out ride with everyone returning having mastered the "rising trot".

Categories offered

• Level One - "Baby Huey" takes little children for a walk every morning around the stable block between 9 & 10am, free tickets are available from Reception.
• Level Two - 30 minute walk around the Reception Dam for young children or anyone who has never ridden before and is not sure how they may react when on top of a horse.  Children under 8yrs need to be accompanied by an adult on foot.  Rides go out every morning.  Afternoon rides - minimum four riders.
• Level Three - One hour walk for those who have never ridden before or who are not wanting to go faster than a walk.  Children under 8yrs need to be accompanied by an adult on foot.  Rides go out every morning.  Afternoon rides - minimum two riders.
• Level Four - One hour trail ride for those who have never ridden before or only ride occasionally.  The ride is conducted at a walk and trot and the riders are tutored on how to trot correctly.  Minimum age 11yrs.  Rides go out every morning.  Afternoon rides - minimum two riders.
• Level Five - One hour trail ride for those who have a degree of competency and do not need to hold their saddle at the trot.  The ride is conducted at a walk, trot and canter and it is recommended that for those who only ride when on holiday and have not ridden in the past 12 months, book for the Level Four ride and advance to Level Five thereafter.  Minimum age 11yrs.  Rides go out every morning.  Afternoon rides - minimum two riders.
• Level Six - One and half hour, two hour and three hour trail rides for regular, competent riders who have Riding School or competition experience.  Rides go out every morning.  Afternoon rides on request.
• Overnight Rides - On request.
   
• Closed shoes MUST be worn. No high heeled shoes or Crocs.
• Long pants are advisable for comfort.
• There is NO galloping on any of the rides. The rides are conducted in single file and the last section back to the stables is always done at a walk.
• The leader of the ride has the right to refuse a rider who has booked out of their category if they feel that it will jeopardize their saftely or impinge on the enjoyment of the other riders in the group, no refund will be given unless the ticket can be resold.
• Our Indemnity must be read and signed by yourself or on your behalf on booking.  Whilst all reasonable measures are taken to ensure your safety, be advised that horses are living beings and can be unpredictable.
• No alcohol, smoking or cell phones while riding.
• It is advised that pregnant women and people with back problems or epilepsy do not ride.

Student Opportunities

An opening exists for a student wanting a "gap year" to gain experience in all aspects of Trail Centre Management.  Preference will be given to students studying Strasser Hoofcare.  Contact Lynn Tungay lptungay@yahoo.co.uk

Hiking

Several trails wind around the estate linking all of the main natural features of interest. We have an ancient seven hundred year old Yellowwood, pristine indigenous forests and several refreshing rock pools to swim in during the summer months.

As we are situated on the boarder of the Ukahlamba World Heritage Site, hikers can access protected bushmen paintings from our land, however it is required that a local guide lead you to this site.

During the holiday season free guided hikes for both local routes and those off property leave at 9am. Bringing a hat, cool drink and snacks is advised.

It is possible to organize through the reception over night hikes to caves in the area; however there will be a charge for the guide and the equipment if required.

In the surrounding area there are some lovely hikes in the Ukahlamba Park that can be accessed from Monks Cowl Reserve (five minutes drive from our gate). These include day hikes to the top of the Little Berg or to the 40m Sterkspruit falls, or longer over night hikes to the top of the High Berg. Guides can be organized through the Monks Cowl Office for a reasonable fee. Day visitors pay an entrance fee at the gate for access into the Park.

Paintball

Our scenario based, adrenaline pumping paint ball course (known as 'Hill 52') has been an instant hit with players of all ages. The course is based on a massive tactical hill assault with a world war I theme - attackers have to capture a well entrenched defensive position located on a natural hill line with a commanding view and complete with a bunker stronghold.

Further construction is planned this year to extend the course with 'The Village', a ruined settment at the base of Hill 52. It will be a thematic urban assault course which can be played independently from or as part of a larger scenario experience on 'Hill 52'.

For spectators a shaded view point on the opposite hill over looks the course.

Run through the Adventure Centre, games cost R100 per person with 100 balls to start. Further ammo can be bought at R0.50 per ball.

For more information visit www.champagnecastleadventure.co.za

Abseiling

Should you wish to experience some adrenaline during your stay with us, you can arrange with our Adventure Centre to set-up the 20m abseil point off 'chicken', a rock face overlooking the Resort. For something different, try 'rap' jumping (going forwards) down the rock face. This service is charged per two abseils. Please book in Advance through the reception (Tel: 036 468 1031) or for more information visit www.champagnecastleadventure.co.za

Fishing

We have four dams of varying sizes on the property located within easy walking distance from all the accommodation units and camping sites. These dams are populated with bass and no restrictions apply to their fishing. Guests need to supply their own equipment and general fishing stocks are available from the Oaks Supermarket.

Boating

We have two wooden rafts that may be poled around the dam, free of charge.

The Adventure Centre has kayaks and oars to rent.

Mountain Biking

Should guests bring their own mountain bikes, our hiking paths double as challenging bike trails, catering for beginners and experienced riders a like. Our trails link up with paths on the Drakensberg Sun side allowing for longer endurance trips.

Plans are in the pipe line to build a dedicated free-ride and down hill mountain bike park with vehicle access to the top of the course.

Guided out-rides can be organised with the adventure centre. For more info see  www.champagnecastleadventure.co.za

Bird Watching

There are two hundred and five listed species of bird life in the Dragon Peaks Area. The most sort-after are the Bald Ibis, Paradise Flycatcher, Plum-coloured Starling, a variety of Kingfishers (Giant, Pied, Brown-hooded, Half-collared, Malachite), Purple Heron, Jackal Buzzard and Long-crested Eagle.

The parks bird list comprehensively covers these and provides an interesting challenge to birders who chose to hike the property in search of them.

Horse and donkey carcasses are put out for the Cape and Bearded Vulture on the Chateau ridge (the 'vulture restaurant') when available. The Yellow-billed Kite, Crow, Jackal and Leopard also benefit from this food source.

Guests interested in bird life also have the opportunity to visit Falcon Ridge (5min drive) and enjoy close up encounters with many of our indigenous aerial predators.

Games Room

For the young at heart we have three pool tables, two table tennis tables, eight arcade machines and a soccer table.


Table tennis and pool equipment can be hired at Reception or guests are welcome to supply their own. The arcade machines take R1 coins and change is available at Reception between 8am and 5pm.

Children's Playground

Near the reception are several swings, a jungle gym and three trampolines. Parents are asked to supervise their children if they are less than five years of age.

Holiday Entertainment

During holiday seasons and often during long weekends the resort staff runs an entertainment program for adults, teenagers and children alike. This includes morning hikes at 9am, touch rugby during the day and a selection of evening activities such as bingo, pool and table-tennis competitions.

Swimming

Dragon Peaks has three pools, a half Olympic pool with diving platforms and a 3m slide, a smaller pool with a 20m slide and a plunge and splash pool for smaller children. Parents are asked to supervise their children as there is no lifeguard.

Team Building

Corporate team building is available through our Adventure Centre. Jakes and Cornelia Saaimon have between them several years experience in the corporate and adventure sphere. Please contact the Centre through our reception or for more information visit www.champagnecastleadventure.co.za.

Tennis

There are two concrete courts with a thatched shelter for spectators. Rackets and balls are available for hire at Reception between 8am and 5pm. There is a R20 deposit and R10 per hour charge per racket with balls included. There is no charge for the use of the courts and they are on a first come, first serve basis.   Guests are welcome to bring their own equipment.

Mountain Life Church

Mountain Life Church meets on the island at Dragon Peaks 10am every Sunday, and visitors are always welcome.

TV Lounge

For a quiet alternative to the Pub we have a TV Lounge situated next the reception area with access to TV 1, 2, 3, E, MNet, SuperSport and a video channel. An adult must accompany children.

Volleyball

We have a grass volleyball court within the swimming pool area.
Balls are available at reception between 8am and 5pm at a R10 deposit.

Archery

For those looking for a more relaxed outing, the adventure center offers archery and blow-dart target practice. Bring you blanket and packed basket and sit under the trees while the family tries their aim. Contact the adventure center or see www.champagnecastleadventure.co.za

Other Events

Every year, usually the first weekend in October, we celebrate our 'annaversary weekend' were-in guests who have previously stayed at the resort are invited to come and enjoy a lively weekend with a Saturday night, theme style party.

We also celebrate New Years in style with a bring and braai next to the dam, followed by a party on the island with a professional DJ playing into the morning. For those who last that long, a sun-rise on chicken hill is a long standing tradition.

The Drakensberg Boys Choir School has an excellent Festival of Carols during December and the well known Music in the Mountains weekend in April.

 

Additional Information

• Please be aware that all necessary gear, such as paddles, tennis rackets, balls, etc. are available for hire but Guests are encouraged to bring their own equipment.
• Remember to pack the right clothing. Furthermore the Park is not responsible for any accidents or damages that occur when using any of the Park's facilities, or engaging in any of the Park's activities.