Quad Biking In The Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa

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With miles of breath taking scenery, an abundance of nature trails, lakes, rivers and even the occasional waterfall a trip to the Drakensberg Mountains is an outdoorsman’s dream with an abundance of activities available to tire out even the most energetic of adventurer.

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My personal favorite activity is quad biking, which I partook in a couple of years ago during a visit to the area. We were assisted in planning our Quad Biking adventure by the staff at the Cathedral Peak Hotel who work with a local company to provide trips for beginners and experienced riders alike.

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Upon arrival we were fully briefed at taken through safety procedures before being given our equipment, the full face helmets and goggles making us look more like storm troopers than Quad Biker riders! A brief lesson on how to handle the bikes followed at which point I realized the Quads were harder to ride than I first envisaged… my male pride quickly evaporating when attempting my first turn landed me in a ditch… I must add that several of my group quickly followed me in a similar fashion, much to the amusement of our South African hosts!

Once we had managed to get to grips with the bikes it was time to set off on the weaving path that led us around the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains and through some of the most stunning scenery I have had the pleasure to experience. From small hills to steep inclines, through long grass and greenery and even the occasional boggy pool our Quads took us to places that were practically inaccessible on foot, luckily our guides were as enthusiastic as us and let us stop several times to soak up the surroundings.

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One such stop took place at Lake William, a half-way point for the journey and one where some of our group took the chance to indulge in fly fishing while the rest of us enjoyed the refreshments laid out by our hosts as we soaked up the beautiful setting. It must be said that Lake William was incredibly quiet upon our arrival, and I’m told this is often the case such is its location, as such it is a wonderful place to just sit back, relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the region.

Our trip back to the hotel took a slightly more competitive theme, as our gentle ride through the countryside became a race between us and our hosts… the combination of hills, twists and turns making for a truly exhilarating experience and one that I’ve been yearning to repeat since my return to the UK. However there is simply no replacement for the challenge and beauty that the Drakensberg Mountains offer.

Michael Smith is an editorial assistant with Wanderforth, a tour operator specializing in holidays to South Africa

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