Swartberg, Drakensberg
Although it appears to be little more than a railway siding in the southern reaches of the Drakensberg when seen on a map, the little village of Swartberg, north of Mount Currie Nature Reserve on Route 617, is actually the centre of agricultural activity of the area.
Swartberg and its surrounds are hidden away in those parts of the country after which visitors hanker as a genuine 'getaway' experience. The town also lies close enough to Durban to make it a perfect part of a planned holiday, or a weekend escape.
Farms lie nestled in the shadow of the Swartberg Mountain (black mountain) and other mountain peaks like Mount Macdonald and St Bernard's Peak, part of the Southern Drakensberg where you will find some of the most beautiful mountain formations in the country, undisturbed by development and the tireless need of man to infringe on nature.
Rivers run tirelessly through this mountain country and fishing particularly is a favourite pastime for visitors and locals. It is also a hiking paradise, understandably, and the landscape is riddled with incredible landmarks that form the culmination of a day or more's hike through clean, crisp mountain air and effortlessly beautiful scenery.
During winter parts of the country around Swartberg, particularly in the foothills, can experience snow making it the perfect time to spend tucked up before a roaring fire one one of the neighbourhood farms. But in summer the luxuriant grasses, wildflowers and seemingly never-ending number of rock pools make hiking, particularly in the early parts of the day, exquisite.
Travellers' Reviews
2 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
I love the Swartberg area the Drakensberg mountains as I grew up in Kokstad. I always go back to the Hotel tucked away in the Mountains , and a lovely scenic drive and to walk up the Bushman trail and eat at the super restaurant using local produce. A charming place to swim and walk around. Lovely staff . Will be soon.
Maria Gomez (Swansea Wales UK)
Verified review
I go up to Swartberg with mates for fishing weekends at least 3 times a year. The fisihing is awesome, and the whole setting is really cool. Swartberg is always a winner with my friends too.
Tyler (Durban)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Flitwick Ranch
Located on a working farm in Swartberg, Flitwick Ranch provides accommodation in what was once a cheese factory and rustic stone stables. Facilit...
Things to do in the area
St Bernard's Peak Restaurant
South Africa’s Drakensberg Mountain Range is undeniably spectacular; a visual feast for those that have a penchant for the outdoors and the South...
Noteworthy attractions
Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve
Lying virtually at the foot of the rugged Spioenkop Mountain, the dam was the site of one of the most bloody battles to ensue during the Anglo-Bo...
Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park
The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park has exceptional natural beauty in its soaring basaltic buttresses, incisive dramatic cutbacks, and golden sandsto...
Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve
The Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve, with its numerous free standing peaks and magnificent mountain scenery, is one of the most favoured parts of t...
Cobham State Forest
Cobham is situated in the Southern part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, and is approximately 150 km from Pietermaritzburg. Dominated by Hodgs...
Garden Castle State Forest
Garden Castle is the southern most part of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park and incorporates the Bushman's Nek Valley. The Garden Castle reserve i...
Giant's Castle Nature Reserve
Historic Giant's Castle Nature Reserve, home of the eland and the majestic bearded vulture, lies in the Central Drakensberg region of the Ukhahla...
Himeville Nature Reserve
The Himeville Nature Reserve stretches along the eastern boundary of Himeville Village and was proclaimed to its present size of 104 ha in 1973. ...
Kamberg Nature Reserve
Kamberg Nature Reserve, one of the smallest of the KZN Wildlife resorts, lies in the foothills of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park - one of the ea...
Lotheni Nature Reserve
Noted for its magnificent scenery and beautiful camp, Lotheni is situated in a remote section of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park. Many delightful...
Find accommodation in Swartberg
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