Winterton, Drakensberg

The pretty town of Winterton serves, quite literally, as the gateway to the central Drakensberg some 14 kilometres away, and lies in the foothills of these towering giants, a typical pioneer settlement and one of the largest villages in this area.

Almost every lodge and venue in the vicinity describes itself in relation to Winterton and the Baz Bus - a hop-on hop-off facility for independent travellers through South Africa - which drops off travellers in the town, on average three times a week. This part of the ‘berg is dominated by the Champagne, Cathedral and Cathkin peaks, with hiking trails, trout and bass fishing, San rock art, horse riding and hang-gliding the main attractions to the area.

The village of Winterton plays host to an annual street carnival in July, when local artists, crafters, musicians and companies serving the tourist industry congregate on the main street, which is closed for the day, to showcase the town, which up until now has acted as a base for the surrounding farming community but is increasingly becoming involved in tourism.

There are a number of museums and monuments worth a visit in and around Winterton, including the Marianne Church ruins. Named after the wife of the Dutch Reformed Minister, Dr Faure, they are located on the farm Doveton, just outside Winterton. The Winterton Museum on Church Street has a display on the history of farming in the area, including a unique gallery of San paintings. And the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir, based in the central Drakensberg, performs concerts mid week and over weekends.