Cathedral Four & Challenge
Cathedral 4 Challenge
The ultimate Drakensberg adventure awaits! The Cathedral 4 Challenge is a fantastic achievement for any level of hiker. Complete 4 beautiful trails through the Drakensberg, from easy strolls to vigorous hikes, and receive the Cathedral 4 Award complete with a medal and certificate to remember and commemorate your achievement.
The 4 hikes can be done in any order over any period of time. Register at reception or with our entertainment team to qualify.
Doreen Falls
1.5 hours round trip
Difficulty: Gentle walk
Named after Albert van der Riets wife, these are the most frequently visited falls in the area. At the base of the falls is a cool, shady and spacious spot for hot summer days with a deep pool perfect for swimming. You can also walk behind the falls if you are prepared for a scramble.
Oqalweni Fern Forest
2 hours round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
This beautiful hike takes you to a shady indigenous forest, almost under the shadow of Cathedral Peak itself, with impressive ferns and tall yellowwood trees, spotted with a few natural pools. It is very rewarding to take a walk a little bit higher up the river and see the flora and fauna.
Mushroom Rock
3 hours round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
A natural sculpture formed from wind and rain erosion on the golden Sandstone. Don’t forget to bring your camera on this hike – this unusual rock formation combined with beautiful views of the Cathedral Peak mountain range present a truly incredible photo opportunity from atop the ridge.
Baboon Rock
4 hours round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
An unusual formation of rocks showing the profile of a baboon’s forehead and muzzle is prominently visible from the hotel grounds. Traverse grassy hills, clamber up rocky areas, pass indigenous forest and be rewarded with spectacular views from the top of the baboon’s ‘head’. Don’t forget to bring a camera along.
THE CATHEDRAL PEAK CHALLENGE
Cathedral Peak is one of the most popular and highest free-standing peaks in the Drakensberg. First climbed by D W Bassett-Smith and R G Kingdon in 1917, the round trip can take up to 10 hours if you attempt it in a day.
From May to September 2018, The Cathedral Peak Challenge presented trail runners with a wonderful opportunity to connect with one of South Africa’s most glorious mountains. The 20.7km trip started at the Hotel and went right to the top and back, with a total ascent of 1531m. What’s more, those quickest to the top and back shared cash prizes totalling R100 000.
The 1st Place Winners were:
Mens: Teboho Noosi – 2 hours – 11 minutes – 34 seconds
Ladies: Nicollete Griffieon – 2 hours – 44 minutes – 27 seconds
Mixed: Karine Bezuidenhout & Arlo van der Heerden – 5 hours – 42 minutes – 40 seconds.
Congratulations to all those who participated!
