Drakensberg Giants Castle Cave Art & Mandela Capture Site

The Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa offer a captivating journey through time, where ancient rock art and pivotal moments in history converge. From the awe-inspiring Giants Castle Cave, adorned with remarkable San paintings, to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site that commemorates his 1962 arrest, these sites unveil the country’s diverse heritage. Visitors can explore these cultural treasures, gaining insights into the lives and struggles of South Africa’s past. With the right guidance, one can uncover the profound connections that these locations share, leaving a lasting impression on the soul.

Good To Know

• Explore the prehistoric San rock art cave within the Giants Castle Game Reserve, showcasing one of the largest painted sites in southern Africa.
• Visit the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, a memorial commemorating the pivotal moment of Mandela’s arrest in 1962, a crucial chapter in the anti-apartheid struggle.
• Discover the Apartheid Museum, which chronicles the history of apartheid in South Africa and traces Mandela’s journey, highlighting his impact and the country’s path to democracy.
• Experience the stunning Howick Falls, a 95-meter waterfall known as KwaNogqaza, and learn about its cultural significance in the local Zulu language.
• Explore the historical Pietermaritzburg City Hall, the largest brick building in the southern hemisphere, and the statue commemorating Gandhi’s influential role in the city.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Private Tour From Durban

This private day tour from Durban takes guests on a comprehensive exploration of the Drakensberg region‘s cultural and natural wonders.

Priced at $198.18 per person, the 10-hour excursion offers a flexible reserve-now-pay-later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Travelers are picked up from hotels within a 5km radius of Durban and transported in an air-conditioned vehicle, with all entrance fees included.

The guided experience is available in multiple languages, featuring a 40-minute walk to the Giants Castle cave art site, one of the largest and best-preserved in southern Africa.

The tour also visits Pietermaritzburg, Howick Falls, and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site.

Pietermaritzburg City Hall and Gandhi Statue

On the way to Giants Castle, the tour first stops at Pietermaritzburg, the capital city of KwaZulu-Natal.

Here, guests will visit the City Hall, the largest brick building in the southern hemisphere. The grand Victorian-era structure features an ornate façade and clock tower.

Nearby, the group will also see a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The Indian independence leader spent time in Pietermaritzburg, where he was famously thrown off a whites-only train, an incident that sparked his activism against racial discrimination.

This stop provides insight into the city’s history and Gandhi’s influential role in the anti-apartheid movement.

Exploring Giants Castle Game Reserve

From Pietermaritzburg, the tour heads to Giants Castle Game Reserve, one of the highlights of the day.

Guests will:

1. Set out on a guided tour of a prehistoric San rock art cave, located just a 30-minute walk from the camp office.
2. Discover one of the largest and best-preserved painted sites in southern Africa, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the San and Khoekhoe peoples.
3. Explore the diverse habitats and ecosystems within the reserve, learning about the flora and fauna that call this region home.
4. Gain deeper insights into the lives, customs, and traditions of the indigenous communities that have inhabited this area for centuries.

Prehistoric San Rock Art Cave

Nestled deep within the breathtaking Giants Castle Game Reserve, the prehistoric San rock art cave stands as a testament to the extraordinary cultural heritage of the region.

On a guided tour, visitors embark on a 30-minute walk from the camp office to reach this remarkable site. Inside, they’ll be captivated by the well-preserved paintings, considered among the largest and best-preserved in southern Africa.

The intricate depictions offer a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the San and Khoekhoe people, providing an immersive educational experience.

With its natural beauty and profound cultural significance, the San rock art cave is a must-see highlight of the Giants Castle Game Reserve adventure.

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Magnificent Howick Falls

After exploring the remarkable San rock art cave, the tour moves on to witness the magnificent Howick Falls.

Plunging 95 meters (312 feet) over the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment, the Howick Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in South Africa.

Here are four key facts about the falls:

1. The falls are known as KwaNogqaza, meaning "Place of the Tall One" in the Zulu language.
2. The Umgeni River feeds the falls, which flow year-round, even during the dry season.
3. Visitors can view the falls from various vantage points, including a viewing platform and hiking trails.
4. The falls are a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and birdwatching.

Nelson Mandela Capture Site

The Mandela Capture Site commemorates the historic moment when anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1962, marking a pivotal turning point in his long struggle against racial oppression.

This site features a dramatic sculpture composed of 50 steel columns that create an illusion of Mandela’s portrait. Visitors can also explore the adjacent Apartheid Museum, which is dedicated to Mandela’s life and the fight for freedom.

The tour’s guided experience provides valuable insights into this significant event and its lasting impact on South Africa’s history.

With comfortable transportation and included entrance fees, this stop offers a thought-provoking and immersive look at a crucial chapter in Nelson Mandela’s remarkable journey.

Apartheid Museum and Mandela’s Legacy

Complementing the dramatic sculpture at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, the Apartheid Museum stands as a powerful testament to the iconic leader’s lifelong struggle against racial injustice.

Visitors can expect to:

1. Explore immersive exhibits that chronicle the harrowing history of apartheid in South Africa.

2. Gain insights into Mandela’s personal journey, from his early activism to his triumphant release from prison and eventual presidency.

3. Reflect on the long and arduous path toward democracy and racial equality.

4. Emerge with a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and victories that defined Mandela’s legacy.

This thought-provoking experience completes the profound exploration of Mandela’s life and impact.

Tour Logistics and Transportation

Conveniently, the tour includes pickup from hotels within a 5km radius of the Tropicana Hotel or Durban Harbour passenger terminal.

Guests will travel in an air-conditioned vehicle throughout the day. All entrance fees are included, so there’s no need to worry about extra costs.

At the end of the tour, guests can choose to be dropped off at either the Harbour or in Durban.

The tour is led by a live guide, who’s available in English, Greek, French, and Portuguese. German and Polish language requests can be accommodated during booking.

The tour features a 40-minute walk, so comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour operator recommends comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Visitors should dress for a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, with potential exposure to varying weather conditions during the day.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Dietary Restrictions?

The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Guests should inform the provider of any special dietary needs when booking, and the guide will work to ensure their requirements are met during the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no age restrictions for participants on this tour. Guests of all ages are welcome to join, though the 40-minute walk may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now & pay later option is available. There’s a flexible cancellation policy to accommodate customers’ schedules.

Can the Tour Guide Provide Recommendations for Local Restaurants?

The tour guide can likely provide recommendations for local restaurants based on their knowledge of the area. They may suggest options near the tour sites or in the Durban area that offer a taste of the local cuisine.

The Sum Up

The Drakensberg Giants Castle Cave Art and Nelson Mandela Capture Site offer an immersive journey through South Africa’s rich history. From ancient rock paintings to the pivotal moment of Mandela’s arrest, these sites provide a profound exploration of the country’s diverse narratives and enduring legacy. This private tour from Durban allows visitors to discover these significant cultural and historical landmarks, offering a unique opportunity to engage with South Africa’s profound past.

You can check availability for your dates here: