Little Switzerland Resort by Dream Resorts

Glancing up at the cloudless periwinkle blue sky had a calming effect on me. I leant on the wooden pole fence, forearms on the top bar, left foot on the bottom bar, right foot tapping nervously on the dusty path. It was the most glorious winters day with a bright and warm sun lighting up the foothills and mountain peaks across the valley. It was, I thought probably the most perfect day to be in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Mountains. From the fence, that surrounded the stables, I watched the horses having a late lunch. I was not nervous around the horses I was nervous because I was about to do something I had not done since I was on a school trip over forty years ago. I was about get back in the saddle. Having only been horse riding twice in my life I did not even qualify as a novice. And the phrase back in the saddle was also not appropriate. A large white horse walked past me, and I asked my guide Zekhelle if this was my horse? A huge grin appeared on his face, and he replied, “No, this one likes to run”. Zekhelle then handed me my helmet and fetched my horse and a chair. I took a deep breath as I prepared to mount (As a cowboy fan, a horse that looked to me like the Lone Rangers horse, Silver) and with a helping hand from Zekhelle my right leg made it over the saddle. I was immediately hit with the most crippling cramp at the top of my right leg. Not the best start but Zekhelle, big smile in place, bent my toes back to ease the pain and assured me this was a regular occurrence. After some instructions, guidance and tips we headed out of the stable gate. My nerves were soon gone and Butch, my horse, was firmly in control. (in another cowboy reference from my love of films being with Butch ‘Cassidy’ made me the Sundance Kid) We followed Zekhelle who set a slow pace, and I followed all his instructions “lean back Mark” he said glancing over his shoulder as we headed down a pathway covered in lose rocks. After twenty minutes I was starting to really enjoy my vantage point and confident enough to be taking in all the breathtaking Drakensberg scenery. What a place to be riding I thought to myself and why had I waited so long to do this. What an incredible start to my stay at the Little Switzerland Resort. Full of confidence now, and back at the resort, I read through the hiking options and after taking some advice opted to challenge myself to ‘The Cone’ hike. If I am being totally honest this was the shortest hike on offer and that did have a small influence on my decision. However, winter is extremely dry here and other short hikes were to waterfalls, where there was no water. I will also point out that Little Switzerland Resort is 1635 meters above sea level, The Cone is 1715 meters above sea level and my hometown in the middle of England is 90 meters above sea level. It is fair to say that at altitude I get a little breathless. I took my time walking and stopping every few hundred meters to take in the views. The last few meters to the summit a

We spent 3 nights at the self catering chalets. The chalet was well presented and spotless. We also had a dinner and breakfast at the hotel restaurant which was excellent. We went on a number of the walks in the area (the Cone and Rainbow Falls) which are well demarcated. As birders we were impressed with the number of bird species in and around the resort area. We ticked 62 species in the 3 days including a number of specials. The resort is recommended to those interested in a relaxed atmosphere with the possibility of day trips to Royal Natal National Park and Sterkfontein dam.