Climate

The Drakensberg experiences hot summer days and refreshingly cool evenings. However its winters are can be quite cold, sometimes with heavy snowfalls on the Drakensberg Mountains.

The following table provides the maximum and minimum temperatures in centigrade and average rainfall figures for the Royal Natal section of the Drakensberg

Official Languages

There are eleven official languages in South Africa. In the Dragensberg English, Afrikaans and Zulu are widely spoken

Banking

• Banking hours are from Monday to Friday 09h00-15h30 and Saturday 08h30-11h00.
• In the Northern and Central Berg there is a First National Bank and an ABSA Bank in Bergville. Winterton has a First National Bank.
• Estcourt and Mooi River have branches of most of the major banking groups that are found in South Africa. This is similarly the case with the Southern Berg towns of Himeville and Underberg.

Credit Cards

We accept the following international credit cards i.e. American Express,VISA, Diners Club, Mastercard.

Currency

The currency in South Africa is the Rand. Bank notes currently available are R200, R100, R50, R10 and coins of R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, and 1c. There are 100c in R1.

VAT

14% tax is charged on most purchased goods and services. However, foreign tourists are able to reclaim this money on their departure from the country provided that the goods purchased exceed R250. Ask for more information at the airport on arrival.

Hospitals/Medical Care

Ladysmith Provincial Hospital (036) 637-2111

Important Telephone Numbers

Mountain Rescue Service: (031) 3077744

Or Contact the Search and Rescue Section of the Mountain Club of South Africa: KwaZulu-Natal Section, directly on 082 990 5877.

Airports

Durban International Airport:

Durban Airport is situated approximately three hours’ drive away from The Nest. It handles international flights as well as domestic flights to and from all major centres throughout South Africa.

OR Thambo International Airport (Johannesburg):

OR Thambo International Airport is situated in Johannesburg, approximately four hours’ drive away from The Nest. It handles international flights as well as domestic flights to and from all major centres throughout South Africa.