Drakensberg, South Africa - Destination Wedding

For couples who are looking for a destination wedding venue that combines spectacular beauty, adventure and value for money, the Drakensberg region of South Africa is an excellent choice. The Drakensberg (which means Dragon Mountain) is also known in Zulu as uKhahlamba (Barrier of Spears) and is one of the best eco-tourist destinations in South Africa, as well as being a World Heritage Site.

The awesome mountain range would make a stunning backdrop to a wedding. The area is steeped in history, stretching from the Stone Age through to the 19th century struggle to gain independence from the British. The Berg, as it's known locally, offers a myriad delights to visitors: peace and tranquility in splendid, magical surroundings, amazing outdoor activities, luxury accommodation and eating experiences that rival the best the world has to offer.

Because it's a mountainous area the weather can be extremely unpredictable and it's best to be prepared for diverse weather conditions. Snow has been experienced even in summer! Generally, though, summer (December to February) is very hot with ferocious, late afternoon thunderstorms. Winter (July-October) can be icy cold with snowfalls. Autumn and Spring are, of course, milder. Rain and mist can abound all year-round.

There are no residency requirements to get married in South Africa and marriages are recognised in most countries.

The local currency is the Rand, and it's exchange rate against the US dollar and the Pound make it an attractive proposition for overseas visitors. At the time of writing, one US dollar is worth almost eight Rand. Most major credit cards are accepted in South Africa.

Getting there

The closest international airport is in Durban. Or, for more flexibility, you can get a flight to either Johannesburg or Cape Town, from which you'll need to take a domestic flight to Durban. From the airport, you'd need to hire a car for the three hour drive to the Drakensberg.

For other travel tips, click here.

Wedding Venues

Accommodation varies widely from inexpensive, rustic and cozy chalets to 5-star resorts - and there's pretty much something for all budgets.

Have a look at these venues:

Alpine Heath

We like this hotel because they offer special wedding rates for your guests, and a complimentary honeymoon night suite for the bride and groom, with breakfast the following morning, as well as a self-catering option for those who are on tighter budgets.

There are 100 chalets that each sleep 6 people, each with one en-suite bathroom and a second shared bathroom. Rates range from $42 per person, per night, including breakfast.

A number of wedding packages are available - for more detailed information please contact the hotel.

Cathedral Peak Hotel

This hotel can accommodate up to 80 guests and has a very quaint stone and thatch chapel for the wedding ceremony. Rates for 2009 range from about $90 to $232 per person. Comes highly recommended.

Halls Country House:

An intimate, 4-star, farmhouse venue suitable for small weddings of up to 20 guests, with a little gem of a chapel. Read their blog here.

Hartford House:

A super-luxurious, 5-star hotel that offers a complete wedding package. Not suitable for tight budgets but if you are having a small wedding and want to splash out, then this is the place to be. Contact the hotel directly for rates.

Things to do

This is a region for outdoor activities - there are no major shopping malls, glitzy restaurants or theaters and museums. However, there is plenty to keep you and your guests entertained.

• Visit arts and crafts centres and shops for fabulous locally produced handcrafts such as jewelry, leather craft, weaving, furniture. You'll probably love visiting The Linen Loft for fabulous gifts and decor items.
  

• Take part in outdoor adventure activities such as abseiling, pony trekking, hiking, 4x4 trails

• Golf, fishing, horse riding
  

• Take in a mid-week, term-time concert at the internationally renowned Drakensberg Boys Choir school.

• Visit the cave paintings of the San (Bushmen) people: there are over 3500 Stone Age paintings in the caves in the Drakensberg

• Tugela Falls: Visit the Tugela Falls and the Royal Natal National Park. At 948 metres, it is the second highest waterfall in the world.

Eat out

Even if you cannot afford to stay at the luxurious Hartford House, at least treat yourself to dinner in their award-winning restaurant. And for another gourmet treat, book a table at the Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse.

For help planning a Drakensberg wedding, you could try a wedding planner from this list of local planners.

Or, contact these destination wedding planners:

Flyaway Weddings

Imagine Africa

Source