Buckle up, friends, because we’re about to take you on a little journey—one that starts with crystal-clear streams, leads through mountain trails, and ends with hearts full of joy (and maybe a tiny sunburn). Yep, our week at Drakensberg Gardens was nothing short of amazing. And the best part? No emails, no deadlines, just fresh air and freedom. Let’s dive in!
Welcome to the Mountains – Where Worries Go on Holiday
Let me tell you something straight up—when we arrived at Drakensberg Gardens, we exhaled the stress. Literally. It was like the mountains whispered, “Relax, we got this.”
The place was stunning. Imagine green hills rolling forever, birds chirping like they were in a singing contest, and streams so clear you could spot pebbles and even your own reflection (and yes, we did silly selfies).
We stayed in a cozy little spot tucked right under the mountains. Morning coffee? Check. View of peaks? Double check. Peace and quiet? Oh, it was so quiet, even the squirrels tiptoed. If you’re looking to unplug from the world and plug into nature, this is your place.
And the air! It felt like breathing in happiness. Fresh, cool, and somehow sweeter than usual. Like nature had filtered it just for us.
Tennis, Laughs, and a Little Friendly Competition
Okay, we have a confession to make: we thought we were going to chill all week. But then we found the tennis courts. Cue dramatic music.
Suddenly, we were bouncing around like Wimbledon finalists (minus the crowd, coaches, and actual skills). “Game, Set, Fun!” became our new motto. And before you ask—nope, Mitchell wasn’t coaching us, but we still managed a few smashing rallies and loads of giggles.
We kept score… kind of. Mostly we just hit the ball, missed the ball, and celebrated anyway. It was less about who won and more about the joy of moving, sweating, and high-fiving like legends.
If you’re into sports or just want to feel young again (without a gym), Drakensberg Gardens has everything from tennis to mini-golf and even bowls. Plus, nobody’s judging your backhand form out here!
Hiking Heaven: Trails, Views, and That “Wow”
Ever climbed a trail and felt like the world was cheering you on? That’s hiking at Drakensberg Gardens.
Every day, we picked a trail, packed some snacks, and just walked. No rush, no race—just us and the path. One trail took us through tall grass with birds swooping low, another led to cliffs where the whole valley spread out below like a painting.
And the best part? The silence. Not the scary kind, but the good kind—the kind that lets you hear your thoughts and actually enjoy them. Also, the sound of your partner saying, “Let’s take a break,” was music to the ears. (Those hills are no joke!)
We saw wildflowers that looked like they came from a fairy tale, and skies so blue they made phone wallpapers jealous. It reminded us that walking side by side, sharing the small things, is what makes life big.
Waterfalls, Wonder, and the Sweet Sound of Nature
One morning, we chased a waterfall (yes, TLC, we ignored your advice). And it was so worth it.
The climb was a bit tricky—rocky in some places and steep in others—but every step felt like we were earning something special. At the top, there it was: water rushing down like it had somewhere important to be, mist floating in the sun like glitter.
We sat there for ages, just watching. Talking. Laughing. Breathing. Reconnecting. There’s something powerful about being near a waterfall. It washes off the hurry of life and replaces it with peace.
We even dipped our toes in. Cold? Oh yes. But it made us feel alive and connected to the earth, the moment, and each other. It wasn’t just exercise. It was therapy, nature-style.
Simple Joys, Grateful Hearts
By the end of the week, we didn’t just have great memories. We had full hearts
We played, we walked, we took silly selfies on rocks, and we ate way too many marshmallows. We saw birds we couldn’t name (but made up names for), and we remembered what it feels like to just be.
No rushing. No buzzing phones. Just us, together, in the most beautiful place, living life the way it was meant to be lived—slow, happy, and grateful.
We’re thankful for the road that brought us here, and for the legs that carried us up those hills. For the laughs, the love, and the lessons.
Conclusion: Why This Trip Meant So Much
Our week at Drakensberg Gardens wasn’t just a holiday. It was a reminder.
A reminder to slow down, to look up at the sky, to hold hands more, and to say thank you for the small things. It brought back the “us” in the middle of life’s busy noise. And that’s worth more than all the hotel stars in the world.
So if you’re dreaming of an escape—one that fills your lungs with fresh air and your heart with memories—go to Drakensberg Gardens. Trust us. Your soul will thank you.
And hey, if you end up playing tennis like we did, just don’t expect a call from Wimbledon.
FAQs About Our Week at Drakensberg Gardens
- What’s the best time of year to visit Drakensberg Gardens?
Spring and autumn are ideal—cool mornings, sunny days, and wildflowers everywhere. But really, there’s no bad time. Even winter has its charm with crisp air and cozy fireplaces. - Is it good for kids or just couples?
Both! Families will love the open space, while couples (like us!) will adore the romantic views. There’s fun for everyone, from playgrounds to picnic spots. - Are the hikes suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. There are easy trails for slow strollers and tougher ones for adventurous hikers. Just pick one and go. Don’t forget water and snacks! - Do I need to be super fit to enjoy it?
Nope! We’re not gym junkies, and we had a blast. You can enjoy the place at your own pace. Walk, rest, snack, repeat. - Can I book activities in advance?
Yes, some of the activities like guided hikes or spa treatments can be booked early. Check with their website or ask when you check in. We recommend doing that to avoid missing out!
External Resource:
Want to plan your own mountain getaway? Check out Southern Drakensberg Tourism for info, bookings, and tips.