Cathedral Peak Hotel

Message From the General Manager

Winter in the Drakensberg is a special time, and we’re excited about the possibility of snow. Keep an eye on our social media for the latest updates from SnowReport on cold fronts and snow forecasts. You can also check out our webcam on our website for a live view of the Cathedral Peak spur to see the snow as it happens. 

 During the winter months, the mountains are illuminated by stunning sunrises and sunsets, creating perfect opportunities to enjoy a drink at Albert’s Bar. The Aloes are in bloom, attracting sunbirds and sugarbirds around the hotel grounds. Join our bird watching walk with an experienced guide every Tuesday morning to observe the diverse birdlife in the area.  

 With school holidays in full swing, Cathedral Peak Hotel is the perfect family getaway. Our daily entertainment program caters to adults and teens, while our dedicated entertainment team keeps kids busy with tractor rides, pony rides, bug hunts, movie nights, craft sessions, and more. 

 We invite you to join us for cozy nights by the fire, refreshing mountain walks, delicious food, and endless entertainment and relaxation in the heart of the Drakensberg. 

Bruce Botes

Red 85 years of excellence badge

EXCITING UPGRADES & REFURBISHMENTS

We’re delighted to announce an upgrade to our dining room at Cathedral Peak Hotel! We are recovering  the chairs and adding new curtains, enhancing both comfort and aesthetic appeal. The stylish, comfortable chairs ensure every meal is relaxing and enjoyable. This upgrade is part of our ongoing commitment to providing the best for our guests. We can’t wait for you to see and feel the difference during your next visit! 

Exciting news, we’ve finally installed our cutting-edge 645kVA Battery Converter system into our operations. After rigorous testing, and thorough checks, we’re thrilled to announce that it’s officially up and running, ensuring a seamless and sustainable power supply to our hotel. With this innovative addition, we’re taking strides towards a greener future while maintaining uninterrupted service for our valued guests. 

Stay tuned for more updates and upgrades as we continue to elevate your experience at Cathedral Peak Hotel. 

EVENTS/HIGHLIGHTS

Tripadvisor Traveller’s choice 2024 Award

We’re proud to announce that Cathedral Peak Hotel has won a 2024 Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award!

Thank you to our amazing guests and reviewers for your support. Special thanks to our dedicated staff for making this possible. Here’s to more unforgettable mountain memories together.

WTM Africa Cape Town and Africa’s Travel Indaba Durban 

The Cathedral Peak Hotel team was thrilled to participate in WTM Africa in Cape Town at the start of April and Africa’s Travel Indaba at the Durban ICC in early May. These exhibitions offer us a fantastic opportunity to present our offerings to both international and local buyers, destination marketing companies, and leisure tourism service partners. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to partake again next year. 

 

SPCA 1000 Paws Walk Charity event 

The Hill’s 1000 Paws Walk event on June 2, 2024, at Highgate Wine Estate saw 581 people, 332 dogs, and a cat join.  

It was a fantastic day of shared love for animals. We sponsored a weekend getaway at Cathedral Peak Hotel, raising funds for three SPCAs and look forward to supporting this event again next year. 

Heritage Day weekend 

We’re ready to have you join us for the Heritage Day long weekend from 20th to 24th September!  

Our team is getting ready to host you, while the kitchen prepares for a South African-themed lunchtime braai and dinner feast.  

Enjoy Zulu Dancers, a full kids’ entertainment program, and guided walks to Bushman paintings. Plus, our staff will be dressed in traditional Zulu attire! Limited availability, so book your spot now. 

Meet the Cathedral Peak Hotel team

We are privileged to have such a wonderful team that works together to provide our guests with the ultimate Drakensberg experience! 

Introducing our new Assistant General Manager, Christelle Sibeko, who has been at Cathedral Peak Hotel for 8 years. She began her journey in hospitality in 2006, studying Hospitality Management at International Hotel School. While she’s experienced various departments, she’s chosen to focus on the Rooms Division. The most rewarding aspect of hospitality for her is seeing staff promotions and receiving glowing guest reviews. She believes the hotel’s greatest strength is its prime location in the Drakensberg mountains and its friendly staff. 

SUPPORTING
LOCAL

With Cathedral Peak Hotel having a strong history of supporting local suppliers in and around KZN, our proud partnerships contribute to our ability to deliver an experience of the Drakensberg like no other! 

Zulu Dancers: From the rhythmic beats of the drums to the captivating movements of the dancers, our local Zulu dancing group brings the spirit of South Africa to life. Beyond being the highlight of our annual Heritage Day festivities, they are also available to add an unforgettable touch to your conference, wedding, or special event held at our Drakensberg hotel. 

Bushman’s River Trout Farm: Our commitment to sourcing locally is evident in every dish we serve, especially when it comes to our delicious trout. Bushman’s River Trout, located right on our hotel property, guarantees the highest quality fresh trout is served at our dinner buffet every night. Products from Bushman’s River Trout are available at Tryme Store for you to enjoy at home. 

BUCKET LIST GOALS FOR 2024

 Cathedral Peak Summit  

Take on the challenge of summiting one of the highest free-standing peaks in the Drakensberg, towering at 3004m above sea level. Conquer Cathedral Peak by joining our complimentary 9-hour guided hike every Wednesday and Saturday. Whether you’re an experienced climber or a fit hiker seeking an exhilarating ascent, this iconic peak promises to be an unforgettable journey. 

Jogging Trail 

Add our 5KM jogging trail with panoramic views to your Bucket List and elevate your outdoor adventure to new heights. As you navigate the trail, you’ll encounter charming little streams and meander through wild grassy stretches, each step bringing you closer to the Tseketseke and uMlambonja Valleys. 

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After Albert’s passing, his son William felt the need to modernise the hotel, so he began to build on his father’s dream. The Conference Centre was added in 1987, followed by new rooms adjacent to it and six stylish new thatched honeymoon suites with views of the peaks. In 1992, William acquired the whole business from his family and demolished the old “long block,” replacing it with a cluster of en-suite rooms. In 1996, the 9-hole golf course was opened, and a chapel constructed. In more recent years, the rooms near the pool, Superior Rooms, and Presidential Suite were built, the dining room extended, and a number of facilities upgraded or added. 

William married Karen Maingard, and in 1985 their son Byron was born. However, the marriage fell apart and for some years the hotel ran without a leading lady. In 1998, William married Belinda Ballard in the hotel chapel, and today, they have two children, a son Jarred and a daughter Ashlea. 

As William and Belinda, assisted by Byron and his wife Samantha, continue to polish their performance, the younger grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Albert and Doreen await their cue. The sell-out play is still running 84 years later, and Cathedral Peak takes a bow. 

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ESCAPE TO THE DRAKENSBERG

AT DISCOUNTED RATES

15% off rack rates for adults and teens | 50% off rack rates for kids 12 and under 

Discounted rates start from just R1695 per adult, R1185 per teen (13-16) and R430 (8-12) / R330 (4-7) per child, inclusive of all meals. 

Valid 1st Jun to 31st Aug ‘24 for new bookings only. Min 2-night stay. Rates exclude levies. T’s & C’s apply. 

15% off rack rates for adults and teens | 50% off rack rates for kids 12 and under 

Discounted rates start from just R1695 per adult, R1185 per teen (13-16) and R430 (8-12) / R330 (4-7) per child, inclusive of all meals. 

 Valid 1st Sept to 31st Oct ‘24 for new bookings only. Min 2-night stay. Rates exclude levies. T’s & C’s apply.