Nelson Mandela Capture site
Drakensberg Giants Castle Cave Art And  Nelson Mandela Capture Site 2
Drakensberg Giants Castle Cave Art And  Nelson Mandela Capture Site 3
Drakensberg Giants Castle Cave Art And  Nelson Mandela Capture Site 4
Drakensberg Giants Castle Cave Art And  Nelson Mandela Capture Site 5
Drakensberg Giants Castle Cave Art And  Nelson Mandela Capture Site 6
1 / 6

Drakensberg Giants Castle Cave Art And Nelson Mandela Capture Site

(5)
Emangidini, South Africa
Day Trips & ExcursionsShore Excursions
Instant confirmationSecure checkoutNo hidden fees

About this activity

Explore 3,000+ years of indigenous San rock art in the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains, combined with visits to colonial-era Pietermaritzburg and the remote hillside where Nelson Mandela was captured. This 11-hour immersive journey connects South Africa's pre-colonial heritage, struggle history, and stunning highland scenery in one comprehensive tour.

Itinerary
The tour starts off with a visit to Pietermaritzburg, the capital of KwaZulu Natal. There we will stop by Pietermaritzburg's City Hall, which claims to be the largest brick building in the southern hemisphere. There we will visit the Gandhi statue also before we head towards the Drakensberg mountains.We head towards the Giants Castle Reserve in Drakensburg Mountain range. Conveniently built high on the front of the Drakensberg, Giant's Castle camp is surrounded by beautiful landscape, deep valleys and grassy highlands which presents tourists with spectacular unforgettable views.

Stop At: Giants Castle Game Reserve, uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, KwaZulu-Natal

Giant’s Castle Reserve has a set of sandstone caves which have been turned into an outdoor museum. The San Rock Art depicts life of the San and Khoekhoe people who lived in South Africa for 1000s of years before Bantu and European migration. Both considered ‘hunters and gatherers’, the San were more nomadic that the Khoekhoe, who started to herd cattle when introduced by the bantu people who migrated from central Africa. The San and the Khoekhoe used rock art to communicate their story between clans and people.

Giants Castle’s caves is one of the best maintained Cave Rock Sites in KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa. The site has been developed for tourism and offers guided tours on the hour from 9am – 3pm daily.  Only 30 minutes from the camp the leisurely trail offers guests an original cultural experience and a spectacular landscape adventure. The local guide will elaborate and display the history and culture behind some of the best-preserved artwork by the San people. 

Stop At: Nelson Mandela Capture Site, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal

Next is the Nelson Mandela Capture Site Statue and Apartheid Museum. The Capture Site boasts a large sculpture of Nelson Mandela made up of multiply steel columns which stand between 6 and 9 metres tall. Tourists at the Capture Site are required to stand 35 meters away from the large Nelson Mandela bust for it to come into clear focus. Facing west the impressive sculpture creates a uniquely beautiful landscape for the local Howick community. The museum is dedicated to Nelson Mandela’s life and his struggle against Apartheid government. 

Stop At: Howick Falls, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal

Next stop will be the small town of Howick to visit its waterfall. KwaNogqaza or Howick Falls is approximately 95 m in height and lies on the Umgeni River. The local Zulu people named it the “Home of the Tall” referring to its height. Next to the falls lies a quaint old section of Howick which has a selection of historical museums and antique .Visit Howick falls and the local market. 


Highlights

  • Ancient San rock paintings depicting hunter-gatherer life in sandstone caves at Giants Castle Reserve
  • Pietermaritzburg City Hall—the Southern Hemisphere's largest brick building—and Gandhi statue
  • Guided tour through one of KwaZulu-Natal's best-preserved cave art sites
  • Nelson Mandela Capture Site in the Drakensberg foothills with historical context
  • Sweeping views of deep valleys and grassy highlands from the mountain camp

Insider tips

  • Guided cave tours run hourly 9am–3pm; arrive early (9–10am slot) to avoid crowds and heat
  • The 30-minute leisurely walk to the caves is manageable but wear sturdy shoes on uneven terrain
  • Bring a camera with good zoom—wildlife spotting is common in Giants Castle Game Reserve
  • Visit Pietermaritzburg's Gandhi statue early; it's historically significant to South African independence

Good to know

  • Full day duration (11 hours) includes driving time; start early and bring snacks/water
  • Cave site is at elevation; dress in layers as mountain weather can change quickly
  • Walking trails are generally accessible but involve some climbing; moderate fitness recommended
  • Meet your guide at designated pickup point (confirm time night before)

Who it's for

History and archaeology enthusiasts interested in indigenous African culturesNelson Mandela heritage and anti-apartheid struggle touristsNature lovers seeking dramatic mountain landscapes and wildlifeCruise ship passengers looking for a comprehensive KwaZulu-Natal day excursion

Best time to visit

Visit May–September for mild, dry mountain weather and clearer views. Morning tours (9–11am) offer the best light for photography and cooler conditions for walking.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€235
per person