ESCAPE TO THE GLORIOUS DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS

The Drakensberg amphitheatre sets the stage for a group of soapie stars.

This amphitheatre of the Drakensberg is tailor-made for those with a zest for life and wondering where to live it to the fullest. For the heroines of a popular telenovela who spend all day in a TV studio, it was a license to spread their wings.

Shalate Sekhabi, Nefisa Mkhabela & Lwazilubanzi Mthembu were staying at a Dragonview Lodge which operates self-sustainably and entirely off the grid. A point of pride for GM Anneri von Backstrom.

“Dragonview Lodge is a 4 star boutique hotel overlooking the Drakensberg. We are an eco-sustainable lodge with only eight rooms and a beautiful facility for the children to play called Dragon Land.” comments Anneri.  

The intimate and exclusive accommodation offering personalised services that include an on-site bar and restaurant overlooking the Champagne Castle and Cathkin Peak mountain ranges, a rock pool with a stunning view, two lounges, a games room, children’s playroom, indoor heated pool and gym to ensure the whole family is entertained even on chilly winter mornings and rainy days.

The décor compliments instead of competes with the World Heritage Site it sits in.

You get the feel of a new hotel with the concrete, glass and stainless steel material but with unobstructed views of the mountain. And the African style that has been incorporated with the earthy tones provides a taste of the warmth that our continent has to offer.

When you’re on set for twelve hours a day of wall to wall drama then like Lwazilubanzi Mthembu, you appreciate an escape and doing so in such beautiful surroundings had the trio over the moon. 

These three are usually the ones providing the adrenaline; Nefisa playing the young township girl whose fashion internship throws up secrets from her past. Shalate takes on the role of her best friend, with Lwazilubanzi as her mother figure. None of which prepared them for the rollercoaster we had in store for them – a canopy tour through the towering Cathkin Peak

Boasting Africa’s first elevated rock face walkway with a good mix of both cliff face and treetop platforms, and cable slides over the forest up to 60 metres high.

Shalate was the first to seize the day. Followed by Lwazi, riding tandem and with a little emotional support.

The view included beautiful waterfalls, rivers and bird life. 

Nefisa has had to go to some tough places on her character’s journey and she viewed this much in that same light.

“My favourite moment was conquering my fears. The first two were really scary – like I literally cried – but then the last three were good. I would definitely come back again – it was both fun and thrilling,” comments the star. 

“I would not consider doing this again but for anyone who is an adrenaline junky – this is the place to do it because it’s absolutely beautiful. But me… no!    

Well, one to show the grandchildren, Lwazi. You keep being a role model on TV and leave the high-wire to the crazies!

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