Visit Cathedral Peak Hotel, a four-hour drive from Johannesburg, nestled in the Drakensberg mountain range, is the 4-star, family-owned Cathedral Peak Hotel. The backdrop of the Cathedral Peaks and ‘bell’ blow your mind every time you look up.
Three years ago, we stayed at a hotel in the area called Didima – which is also a great place and easier on the pocket. One night, we took the 5 minute drive to Cathedral Peak Hotel for dinner and enjoyed ourselves so much that we promised to go back.
So, on my Birthday weekend, I was spoiled and we did just that – and what a beautiful place to celebrate turning the big 3-0.
Getting there
The road to Cathedral Peak Hotel is very winding and a bit perilous – mostly because of all the wayward cattle.
As you get closer to the hotel, the air gets fresher, the mountains greener and the views more spectacular.
Family Friendliness
Cathedral Peak Hotel may seem like couple’s hotel, but I can assure you it is not! It is a very family friendly place and there are different options for family rooms. Our room even had an inter-leading room we could have used if we had kids. There are indoor and outdoor play areas, as well as babysitters who keep the kids entertained.
Rooms
We stayed in the Superior Room, which was a little dated, but still elegant. Each superior room has a large modern en suite bathroom, tea/coffee making facilities, mini-bar fridge, TV, under-floor heating, overhead fan, telephone and private veranda.
Activities
Cathedral Peak Hotel is one of those places where you can easily spend a week without getting bored.
A daily programme is left on your pillow every night at turndown, with a chocolate and an african bedtime story (geared towards the tourists for sure)
Activities include horse riding, hiking up mountains, going to the spa, bird watching, trout fishing, mini golf, exploring the games room, going on a helicopter ride and rock climbing.
We (Shaun) spent time fishing and tested some fly fishing gear as always for the shop. We also went for a massage at their VERY tranquil spa – there prices are reasonable and they have specials every month.
Hike to Doreen Falls
On my birthday, we hiked to Doreen Falls, which was about 5 km return and was a relatively easy. We really didn’t expect much, because the streams where so low, but we were pleasantly surprised to find a really beautiful waterfall.
We spent an hour or so here (completely undisturbed) and it really was the perfect birthday experience.
Food
Rates include dinner, bed and breakfast, as well as a English tea, served twice a day on the terrace with scones, pastries and cakes and picturesque views. A lot of retired brits visit the hotel and the tea is definitely the highlight of their day. 😂
Breakfast and dinner were both huge buffet feasts and I absolutely loved the DIY stir-fry section at dinner times. I realised on day two you aren’t actually allowed to bring your phone into the dining room😅, so I have very little food pictures to share.
Final thoughts
Cathedral Peak is a picturesque hotel that has to be one of the nicest escapes from Jozi. Whether your aim is a relaxed family holiday, a conference, a romantic mountain getaway or an outdoor adventure, the staff and management really make sure it is an unforgettable Drakensberg experience.
The hotel has a lot of specials on currently which will save you a lot on accommodation over December.
I can’t wait to go back again next year.
Love,
Cat
