Giant’s Castle

7 to 9 August 2023

Giants Castle Game Reserve was proclaimed in 1903 and is 34 638 ha in extent. Lying in the Central Berg Region of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, a World Heritage Site, it is known as the home of the Eland and the majestic Bearded Vulture.

This is a scenic mountain wonderland which takes its name from the massive ramparts of rock rising above the camp. The silhouette of the peaks and escarpment against the sky resemble the profile of a sleeping giant. Giant’s Castle camp is situated on a grassy plateau among the deep valleys running down from the face of the High Drakensberg, offering glorious views for visitors.

Superb rock art is high among its special attractions. The Main Cave is a large sandstone cave containing prehistoric San rock art. This cave is one of the biggest and best-preserved painted sites in southern Africa and is an easy 30-minute walk from the camp office.

The Reserve is an excellent base for observing montane birdlife in idyllic surroundings and complete comfort. The renowned Vulture Hide is open throughout the year for visitors to watch Bearded Vultures and other endangered species feedings. The Lammergeyer Hide is very popular and must be booked well in advance. The secluded hide gives one the feeling of being all alone. If mist closes in below, one has the feeling of being up in the clouds

Birding Attractions

Bearded Vulture, Cape Vulture, Verreaux’s Eagle, Lanner Falcon, Rock Kestrel, Southern Bald Ibis, Alpine Swift, Red-necked Spurfowl, Red-winged Francolin, Cape Grassbird, Ground and Olive Woodpecker, Cape and Sentinel Rock-Thrush, Buff-streaked Chat, Gurney’s Sugarbird, Malachite Sunbird, Barratt’s and Dark-capped Yellow Warbler, Wailing and Lazy Cisticola, Cape Batis

This 3 day tour leaves from Johannesburg. We travel in an air-conditioned VW Caravelle, 4-wheel drive Microbus.

Trip Includes

Transport, all meals, accommodation, guiding, entrance fees and exclusive use of the Vulture Hide for a full day.

Trip Excludes

Alcoholic beverages, gratuities and items of a personal nature