Bubbling through Champagne Valley

Writing about past trips is always great! You get to relive them all over again, as you scroll through and select photos to share. It’s like a gift that keeps on giving.

A while ago, we took a much needed breakaway to Champagne Valley in the Central Drakensberg. Those of you who’ve read some of my older posts will know, that for me, there’s something seriously addictive about the berg. It catches my heart every time we visit and it’s one of the few places my soul finds peace.

After a bit of online research, we found an interesting sounding place in Champagne Valley. On a previous visit to the area, we’d stayed at Mount Champagne, which is lovely, but also busy and expensive (if you can find a booking).

Cathkin Peak breaking through the clouds.

This time around, we were looking for something a bit less main stream and more importantly, someplace quiet. And we struck gold by finding and found the perfect spot – the Cycad Cottage at Ikhaya Lodge.

The charming cottage is located on a quiet working horse farm in the picturesque Champagne Valley. Its about 5.5 kms off the main route to Monks Cowl. Being off the beaten track makes it refreshingly serene, compared to other bustling local venues. The cottage itself is small but well laid out, with all the amenities you need. With the added bonus of it overlooking a quiet and pretty, tree encircled garden. The sound of the overflow from Bell Park dam, just up the road, adds a becomingly soothing soundtrack to your stay.

Being situated on a horse farm, you get to experience walking into a field and chilling with the horses (and a cheeky donkey) which I really enjoyed. I managed to spend most early mornings and late evenings in the fields around the farm, endeavouring to talk to the uninterested horses, being badgered by the donkey (who only really wanted attention). I had the bonus of being escorted on my early morning sunrise seeking walks by three very scary looking four legged bodyguards. Standing in a field of multi coloured horses, as the sun sinks behind the surrounding mountains. Watching the light change and the clouds reflect their sunset blush, listening to the feint sound of running water in the distance, and breathing it all in – this is the type of thing you can’t put a monetary value on.

And so followed a relaxing few overcast days moseying about the area. (I was recovering from flu, which sadly cut out a lot of our planned hiking) But we relished having little to do, except relax and breathe in the stunning chocolate-box scenery, sample the local cuisine, take drives on unknown roads in the often present drizzle. We enjoy scrumptious lazy breakfasts at the art-filled Valley Bakery and the best (hands down, no questions asked) mouth-watering hamburger – aptly named the Drakensberger, at the Thokozisa restaurant (Do yourself a favor if your’re in the area…)

After a bit of searching, we were able to find and photograph a few of the super cute, endemic Drakensberg Dwarf Chameleons (Bradypodion dracomontanum). I was really stoked about this, as they had long been on my list of reptiles to see.

We managed one shortish hike of about 4.5 km to the Sphinx at Monks Cowl – A really picturesque and varied hike which takes you through some different habitats, and past the gushing Crystal Falls – a refreshing stop along the way. There are several trails from Monks Cowl and the whole area is so superbly beautiful, we are now armed with a good excuse to go back (besides the Drakensburger).

An impromptu stop at Falcon Ridge one morning, found us there just in time to catch one of their famous bird shows. Definitely one of the best bird displays I’ve seen! Both very entertaining and informative, and it was fascinating to see such graceful creatures up close – they’re a lot larger than I’d thought. The shows at Falcon Ridge are well attending during the holidays – and I now understand why.

All in all, a great break away, to a stunning area that rejuvenated the soul.

(Finding such peaceful and well-priced accommodation was a huge bonus)