The Giants Castle Game Reserve region lies within the majestic Drakensberg mountain range. This area has a rich and fascinating history, dating back thousands of years and is a World Heritage Site. It was once home to the San people, or Bushmen, who inhabited the area as hunter-gatherers and left behind paintings on the sandstone cliffs and cave walls as evidence of their way of life. Later, the Amazizi tribe of the Nguni race arrived and claimed the river valleys and approaches to the Drakensberg mountains. They were pastoralists and agriculturalists, while the San maintained a hunting and gathering lifestyle.
The Giants Castle Game Reserve Main Caves Museum is a fascinating cultural experience located within the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park. The museum at the main caves has been carefully curated to tell the story of the Bushman (San) people who once lived within the area. Visitors to Giants Castle Resort Drakensberg can take a leisurely half-hour walk to the museum entrance, with an entrance fee payable at Giant's Castle camp reception.
Giants Castle nature reserve is home to one of the biggest and best-preserved collections of prehistoric San rock art in southern Africa. Located just a 30-minute walk from the camp office, visitors can experience this unique exhibition through guided tours offered daily from 09h00 to 15h00 for a small fee. The main cave contains hundreds of paintings depicting ancestral figures, animals, and other symbols and motifs that tell the story of early San peoples. This is an incredible opportunity to get up close with the history and culture of the San people.
The Giant's Castle Game Reserve offers a varied and exciting range of activities for nature-lovers and adventurers. From gentle day walks along self-guided trails, to rock-climbing and serious hikes through the deep valleys of the reserve, Giants Castle has something for everyone.
Giants Castle Game Reserve Day Walks offer visitors the opportunity to explore the deep valleys and beautiful Drakensberg Mountains and surrounding ecosystems ot the ukhahlamba drakensberg park. The reserve is situated in the central part of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. Day Walks are self-guided, and routes start from the camp office.
When hiking at Giants Castle Game Reserve and Resort Drakensberg, it is important to take special precautions. The weather can change quickly and unexpectedly, so hikers should be prepared for cold weather. People should also make sure to fill in their details on the Giants Castle Game Reserve Mountain Rescue Register before beginning their hike. Additionally, there is no risk of malaria in the area so travellers do not need to be concerned about that.
Giants Castle Game Reserve is a prime destination for wildlife viewing. Here, visitors can observe a variety of wild animals, including the magnificent elands, caracals, baboons and mountain reedbucks. Bird enthusiasts will also be delighted with the opportunity to spot many species of raptors, including the rare bearded vulture.
Giants Castle Game Reserve, located in the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa, is a paradise for bird watching enthusiasts. The reserve boasts over 170 known species of birds, including many raptors such as the Bearded Vulture and the Black Eagle. Visitors to Giants Castle can enjoy a vast array of sights and sounds, as the reserve is home to a variety of raptors, songbirds, waterfowl, and more.
The Giants Castle nature reserves Lammergeyer Vulture Hide offers an up-close experience with raptors during May to September. As availability is limited, guests are advised to book in advance through the Camp Office. The hide is only accessible by 4 x 4 vehicle, so those planning to visit should come prepared.
Giants Castle Game Reserve is a great place to swim during the warmer months, as swimming is allowed in specific parts of the Bushman’s River below the drinking water intake for Giants Castle Camp. This is a great way to relax and take in the scenery of this beautiful Drakensberg mountain retreat.
Giants Castle Game Reserve, based in the Drakensberg area in South Africa, experiences relatively mild weather throughout the year. The relative humidity is highest during the summer months, with January having an average of 68.4% and July having an average of 31%. The temperatures are also highest in the summer months, with an average daily high of 24 degrees Celsius.
In terms of winds, Giants Castle Game Reserve is normally quite calm. The windiest month at Giant's Castle is August, which has an average speed of 5.3 knots (6.1 MPH or 9.8 KPH). Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) can reach 10.6 knots (12 MPH or 19.3 KPH) in late August to early September. Generally, the winds are light and will not affect visitors' experiences significantly.
Bird Watching
Conservation area
Mountain views
Photography
Trout fishing (Guests need to supply their own fishing gear)
Walks/Hiking-Self Guided
Wildlife
Bushman Caves
Lammergeyer Vulture Hide's
Free Parking
Bar/lounge
Restaurant
Gift shop and basic supply store at Giant's Castle camp reception