Drakensberg Giants Castle Cave Art And Nelson Mandela Capture Site

Begin your day with a visit to the renowned Giant’s Castle Reserve, home to one of South Africa’s best-preserved examples of San rock art. Hidden within a series of sandstone caves, this outdoor museum offers a rare glimpse into the life and culture of the San and Khoekhoe peoples who inhabited the region thousands of years before the arrival of Bantu-speaking groups and European settlers. While both groups were traditionally hunters and gatherers, the San were notably more nomadic, while the Khoekhoe began herding cattle after contact with the Bantu people. These early inhabitants used rock art as a means of storytelling, documenting their lives, beliefs, and inter-clan connections. The site is easily accessible via a leisurely trail just 30 minutes from the camp and offers guided tours every hour from 9am to 3pm, where a local guide shares insights into the region’s ancient art and the remarkable history it preserves.

Following this enriching cultural encounter, the tour continues to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site near Howick. This iconic site marks the location where Mandela was arrested in 1962, a pivotal moment in South Africa's struggle for freedom. The centerpiece is a powerful steel sculpture made up of multiple vertical columns that align to form Mandela’s face when viewed from a specific angle, 35 meters away. The site also features a museum chronicling Mandela’s life and the fight against apartheid. Afterwards, the journey takes you to Howick Falls, known locally as KwaNogqaza, or “Place of the Tall One.” Towering at 95 meters, the falls cascade into the Umgeni River and are steeped in local legend. Nearby, visitors can explore the quaint historic quarter of Howick, with its small museums, antique shops, and a bustling local market, offering a relaxing end to the day’s cultural and historical exploration.