Didima Camp

The luxurious Didima Camp at Cathedral Peak which has been open since only the end of 2002, has been themed around the art of the San people. The San Art Interpretive Centre, opened in 2003, will provide fascinating insights into the art and culture of the San and will include static displays and audio-visual presentations featuring a reconstructed cave covered with accurate reproductions of actual San Art sites.

Accommodation
Accommodation at Didima comprises of various 2, 4 and 6-bed chalets, and the camp can sleep 140 guests at a time.

More about Didima & Surrounds
Bordering on the upper Thukela area in the north and east, Lesotho in the west and Monk’s Cowl in the south, this section of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park is 32 000 hectares in extent. Containing the magnificent Didima Valley with its many examples of San Rock art, it is a hiker’s paradise offering routes that range from a few hours to several days. For the visitors less inclined to physical activity or whose time is limited, Mike’s Pass provides an opportunity to drive to the top of the Little Berg near the head of Didima Gorge for spectacular views of the main escarpment and the surrounding lowlands.
While hiking, a wide selection of plants and animals can be seen in the extensive grasslands and forest patches characteristic of this part of the `Berg.
Overhead the effortless flight of a Bearded vulture (Lammergeyer) while closer at hand Malachite sunbirds flash from Protea to Protea, a noisy troop of baboons bark at the intruders in their domain and a family of Mountain reedbuck display their white tails as they race up a nearby slope. Cathedral Peak now offers an upmarket 200 bed hutted camp themed to the San People and their rock art and by the end of 2003, a modern interactive interpretive center which will allow visitors a glimpse into the lives of these First People.

Reception Hours
The office and shop are open from 07h00 to 19h00 throughout the week. For those who are staying in the camp, check in time is from 14h00, and check-out is before 10h00. Accommodation charges include the gate entry fee, community levy, and rescue levy.

Gate Opening and Closing Times
Gate is open 24/7 and room keys can be collected from the security staff at reception after hours.

Facilities for Guests at Didima Camp
There is a shop that sells curios and limited supplies. There is also a Restaurant which serves all meals, a social bar and a special Smoking Lounge with DSTV in the main Didima Lodge.
Petrol can be purchased from the nearby Cathedral Peak Hotel. Didima has a Wedding Chapel and a Conference facility. The San Art Interpretive center, a swimming pool with gazebo, tennis courts and hiking trails are all at Didima Camp.

People with disabilities
The main building is accessible for those in wheelchairs. One of the two-bed chalets and the 6-bed bungalow are wheelchair accessible, with appropriate fixtures. The San Rock Art center is also wheelchair friendly.

Special Precautions
The weather is subject to change at short notice and hikers must be well equipped as it can get extremely cold. Hikers must also fill in their details in the Mountain Rescue Register before proceeding on a hike. There is no malaria risk.

Directions
From the N3 in the vicinity of Estcourt take the Winterton / Colenso off-ramp and at Winterton turn left at the Engen service station and follow the signs to Cathedral Peak. The nearest towns which have a full range of services and garages are Bergville and Winterton, both of which are 50kms away. Didima is situated 40 km from Winterton off the (N3) and the route is tarred all the way, 250 km from Durban and 400 km from Johannesburg.