Drakensberg Boys Choir -
Drakensberg
Experience the Drakensberg Boys Choir and a feast of choir music
at an international standard in the Drakensberg
 Thirty-six
years ago, the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir was born. The dream was of a
multi-racial, multi-cultural Choir to
rival the Vienna Boys. Not in the middle of a history-rich, ancient European
city. But in the boondocks. In a beautiful, rural, sparsely populated valley
in the Drakensberg Mountains of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The first and
only one of its kind on the continent.
Doors opened in 1965 to the first 20 pupils, after John Tungay persuaded
his parents, Ronald and Gwen, to dedicate 100 acres of their farm to his
proposed school. Today the annual intake is 100 boys between 9 and 15, andauditions
are held nation-wide.
Can you think of anything more sublime than crisp, mountain air, majestic
mountains, azure skies and natural beauty as far as the eye can see, complemented
by the pure tones of counter-tenor harmony?
The Drakensberg Boys’ Choir tours overseas every
year and is internationally recognized as one of the best in the world. And
they aren’t just holier that thou brats either – after hours
they’re into rapids tubing, abseiling and Drakensberg hiking. They
work hard and play hard.
Be prepared for diversity. If you like a good dirge, stay away. The Drakensberg
Boys’ Choir has very catholic tastes. The first half of the concert
is classical. You might hear Bach or Beethoven or Mozart. The second half
can be anything. It could be Queen sung in rounds by groups of immaculately
trained 12-year old tenor and bass vocalists. (Freddie Mercury would have
loved it). Or folk, or jazz, or sacred music. Or African harmonies you’ve
never heard before that will bring tears to your eyes.
Come with tissues. And a jersey, for the goosebumps. But whatever you do,
BE THERE. The Drakensberg Boys’ Choir performs most Wednesdays during
term time at 3.30 p.m. There is a world class auditorium on campus.
If you’re in the area on a Wednesday, you’ve got time for an
early lunch (or a late breakfast) and a scenic drive along Route R600. Its
not called the Champagne Valley for nothing. Or if you’re planning
on December, go to the Drakensberg Festive Celebration, a four-day extravaganza
of music, with lots of guest artists, Xmas music,
and stalls for shopping.
So if you’re coming to South Africa – sure Cape Town’s
good and you need the Big 5. But the Drakensberg is good too. And you really
shouldn’t miss this.
Ideal cebtral Drakensberg accommodation options to visit the Drakensberg
Boys Choir school
 Antbear
Guest House - Indeed a special find. One of those places
you wished you would have stayed longer where the accommodation, view,
location, service and food are just perfect. This is the nearest private
accommodation option near to Giants Castle and also offers one of the
best central Drakensberg deals available.
 Giants
Castle Camp - The upside is that you are inside Giants Castle
Nature Reserve. The downside is that you are inside Giants Castle Nature
Reserve. You are as close as you can be to starting the hiking
trails but far from any of the other attractions available. And the
gate opening and closing times make early starts and doing anything after
sunset an impossibility. If you do decide to stay here opt for the self
catering option and make sure you bring your own food with you. Giants
Castle camp offers self catering and has a restaurant.
 Drakensberg
Luxury cave lodge Experience something different and stay
in the only fully catered luxury cave in the Drakensberg
Mountains. And the luxury cave comes with a few special romantic
options like a jacuzzi spa bath and fireplace both in the bedroom. Whats
more it opens onto a deck with hammock chairs and a panoramic view not
often experienced.
 Ardmore
Guest Farm - Situated right in the Central Drakensberg in the
Champagne Valley this guest House offers a dinner bed and breakfast deal.
Also centrally situated this guest house makes for a special few days
in the Central Drakensberg. Ardmore is especially suited to families
with units that can accommodate 6 persons.
 Palmswift
B&B winterton - This accommodation option offers hotair
ballooning in the Central Drakesberg. Also microlight flights and helicopter
flips are available. This B&B is convientinly situated to explore
all that the Central Drakensberg offers
 Wits
End - Self Catering Accommodation in the Central Drakensberg.
Accommodation situated in the Central Drakensberg's Champagne Valley
in close proximity to the Drakensberg Boys Choir Scool. Wits end offes
4 sleepr self catering units, 6 sleeper self caterin units and 10 sleeper
self catering units.
 Rose
Cottage - A perfect breakaway or stopover on your way to the
coast. Indulge yourself in this cosy, quaint and romantic accommodation,
between huge trees, abundant birdlife where peace and tranquility enfolds
you! Close to berg resorts for hiking, horseriding, golfing, arts and
crafts, restaurants and coffee shops. situated in Winterton
 Winterton
Bridge Hotel - The Bridge Hotel is situated in Winterton near
the Central Drakensberg Mountains. Winterton is a place of unspoilt beauty
with farms and austere mountain wilderness. The Bridge Hotel is a charming
country inn under thatch and a convenient stopover or holiday base for
tourists, nature lovers, businessmen and travellers. The Bridge Hotel
is on the alternative route to Johannesburg and Free State, 20 km off
the National highway.
 Cathedral
Peak Hotel - Experience a relaxed family holiday, conference
or a romantic mountain getaway, the hospitable staff and management at
Cathedral Peak Hotel look forward to welcoming all guests to an unforgettable
Central Drakensberg experience. Set right in the mountains Cathedral
Peak Hotel also offers a 9 hole golf course and helicopter flights to
the top of the Drakensberg escarpment
 Cleopatra
Mountain Farm House - Prepare for some of the most fantastic
food you will ever eat. This farm house offers high class fine dining
near to Highmoor Nature Reserve. The rates are a pit on the pricy end
of the scale but hey you only ever live once. Especially if you are one
of those foodie types
 Kamberg
Nature Reserve - Simple self catering challets in the Kamberg
Valley. Make sure you bring your own food as there is little available
nearby. Kamberg suffers the same issues as Giants Casle Camp with gate
opening times that make staying here sometimes inconvient. But if all
you want to do is stay in one place I cant imagine many better central
drakensberg accommodation option.
 Injasuti
Nature Reserve- This is one of the best camp site gems thats
available in the Drakensberg. There are also a few self catering challets
which are in need of repair and a chronic revamp.
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