As the change of season brings warmer days, it will be time for our annual spring course treatment — the essential work that keeps our fairways and greens healthy, smooth, and playing beautifully throughout the year. After a long winter of wear and weather, the turf needs some rejuvenation to help it bounce back strong for the year ahead.

To allow our greenkeeping team the time and space needed to complete this important programme, please note that the course will be closed from 12:00 on Sunday, 30 August 2026,and will re-open at 07:00 on Saturday, 5 September 2026.

During this period, we’ll be hollow tining and topdressing the greens, overseeding worn areas, and applying spring fertilisation to encourage strong new growth. Irrigation checks, bunker edging, and other detailed maintenance will also take place — a seasonal ‘spa day’ for the course.

We understand this temporary closure may cause some inconvenience, but these works are vital to maintaining the high-quality playing conditions that we all enjoy. Once complete, the course will recover, leaving firmer, truer, and healthier surfaces for the season ahead.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we give the course the care it deserves.

We look forward to welcoming you back to enjoy the refreshed fairways and greens on Saturday, 5 September 2026.

Dear Valued Guest,

We look forward to welcoming you to Champagne Sports Resort!

Pool Renovation Champagne Sports Resort

You asked, we listened…We are excited to advise that Champagne Sports Resort will be converting the one swimming pool at the main hotel complex into a heated pool. This work will be carried out from the 14 July – 08 August 2024. This wonderful investment will contribute to creating special memories in our little piece of heaven.

With exciting changes, does come some slight disruption from our usual quiet surroundings. Although we as the resort will do our utmost to limit the disruption to our guests, there will regrettably be a level of work noise and contracting that will be taking place.

The second pool area next to the Sentinel will be blocked off for the safety of our guests as well as safe working conditions for our contractors undertaking the conversion. The adjacent swimming pool next to the Ondini venue will still be open and available should anyone have the bravery to take the icy plunge during this period. The three swimming pools in the timeshare chalets will also still be available to our guests.

The Hotel facilities will be fully operational including meals on the pool deck. With the above in mind for guests, the Clubhouse will be open daily from 07h00 until 20h00 to ensure that you, our Valued Guests, still has access to the magnificent Food and Beverage offering as well as an exciting entertainment programme, should you be looking for a quieter area over these days. The main hotel restaurant and bar will still be fully functional.

We thank you for your continued support and trust that this information will assist in the planning of your week with us and that you have a most enjoyable stay with us.

Wishing you a safe journey to the Central Drakensberg.

Kind regards,

Bianca Freese
Front Office Manager
And the Champagne Sports Resort Team

Dear Champagne Sports Resort Guests.

Our annual spring treatment for our golf course will take place from Sunday the 1st of September until Friday the 6th of September during which time the golf course will be closed.

One of the most important maintenance tasks for our golf course and the golf course team is our annual spring treatment. As all golfers know, this is a vital process that any golf course needs to undergo, and we ask for your understanding and patience during this week.

Spring treatment also known as hollow tining or aeration, is a process that involves punching small holes in the greens and fairways to relieve compaction, improve drainage, and promote healthy grass growth. It promotes healthy grass growth and helps in the recovery which leads to better nutrient and water absorption. The holes are filled with sand to improve drainage and to provide a smooth putting surface.

Unfortunately, this may cause our greens to look a little worse for wear immediately after the hollow tining, with a somewhat sandy appearance.

However, this is a necessary and critical step in maintaining healthy, high-quality putting surfaces throughout the year.

Our greens are all Canadian bent grass; this treatment also greatly helps with preventing diseases, increasing good germination, and also to prevents the perennial ryegrass from overtaking,

Spring is an exciting time for golfers, but the course conditions may be inconsistent as grasses recover from winter dormancy and soil moisture levels fluctuate thus the course needs a breather and a bit of love.

Much hard work goes into the preparation and implementation of this week, and we ask all our golfers to be patient as the course transitions into the summer playing conditions.

+27 ( By performing the hollow tining and other spring maintenance tasks, we are ensuring that the course provides the best possible playing conditions for golfers throughout the year.

We look forward to welcoming all golfers back to our beautiful course on the 7th of September 2024.

Yours in golf,
Trevor Livesey
Golf Director

Champagne Sports Resort and 3 Bears Trading School WiFi Project
Connecting communities one school at a time

By implementing the WiFi project in July 2021, the lives of educators and learners in the Loskop region of KwaZulu-Natal have been impacted. Historically, the 5 schools and one community project installed with WiFi, either had no or slow and unreliable internet access, hindering their ability to access vital educational resources. More than 500 education beneficiaries are now able to access free, uncapped internet each month. With access to online tools and resources, these learners and their educators have the opportunity to thrive in this digital age.  Loskop has 33 schools consisting of 11 high schools and 22 primary schools.

Enabled by various donations by corporate partners, friends and family of Champagne Sports Resort and 3 Bears Trading, Project Isizwe installed WiFi equipment at the 5 schools and one community project. Once installed, the contribution from 3 Bears Trading has been covering the monthly internet costs to connect these learners.

Inkosi uTatazela High School, Amahlubi Secondary School and Enkomokazini Technical High School are the 3 high schools benefiting from donations received. Inkosi uTatazela High School is a public secondary school and a centre of academic excellence for the 430 learners who fill its classrooms. With a commitment to providing a comprehensive learning experience for all learners at the school, principal Mr Bongani Ketwa and his team of 20 educators provide an inclusive and high-quality education. “Our school is blessed to have the internet. Teaching and learning are more relevant and meaningful when our staff and learners are able to access online resources,” says Ketwa.

Enkomokazini Technical High School is also benefiting from free, uncapped internet. Under the leadership of principal ​​Ndabenhle Terry Mduli, 23 educators at Enkomokazini work hard to ensure that their 671 learners are given quality vocationally oriented technical education that serves their diverse needs, setting them up for success beyond the classroom. Like all Technical High Schools, Enkomokazini trains learners in specific career fields in addition to the regular high school curriculum. “Our school caters for learners with diverse learning and educational needs. The free WiFi that we now have in place is enabling our staff and learners the access they need to ensure we deliver on our multidisciplinary approach to learning,” says Mduli.

Amahlubi Secondary School is a big school with an even bigger heart of some 1200 learners. Under the committed and inspired leadership of Principal Dlamini, Amahlubi Secondary School is taking integrated learning to the next level. Educators and learners are embracing the free, uncapped WiFi, with weekly Coding and Robotics classes taking place in the school library and majority of the Maths and Science lessons are facilitated online with donated tablets.

At Kwazamokuhle Special School, the WiFi is helping to level the playing field for the learners with special educational needs. Online access and the equity it enables are critical for these learners and the educators who hold their futures in their hands. Bespoke learning resources that are otherwise costly for schools like Kwazamokuhle Special School are more easily and freely available online. Using technology – WiFi, tablets and interactive robots – for learning is helping to bridge the divide for the beautiful learners at this school. Nosipho Mabhele – principal at Kwazamokuhle – says that as a result of the WiFi they were able to add Coding and Robotics to their curriculum. QP Dlamini, a teacher at the school, won the national award for Excellence in Special Needs Teaching 2023.

At Ephangweni Primary School 18 educators and 576 learners have access to free, uncapped internet. Ephangweni is a public primary school that previously had no connection to the internet. Thanks to the internet, 21st century learning is now a reality for all at Ephangweni. “We are excited about the WiFi that has been installed. Our educators and learners will have the opportunity to access all the teaching and learning opportunities that are available online,” says Vusi Radebe, principal at Ephangweni.

The Bhekuzulu Self Sufficient Project is an NPO. The centre serves the local community, with a focus on holistic and community centred services for people affected by HIV/AIDS. Education and educational support services make up a large part of the project’s work done in promoting health and dignity for all. As an enabler for this important work, the free, uncapped WiFi reaches beyond classrooms, impacting the lives of everyday citizens. Fezile Dlamini who oversees the NPO says the WiFi has enabled them to still assist chronic patients at Madiba Clinic as they need to scan in and out the treatment using the Department of Health App. Without WiFi this would not have been possible.

Join us in making a difference transforming lives one school at a time.

With Valentine’s Day nearly upon us, many South Africans are clambering for ideas to enthral their loved ones that would outdo the more traditional efforts of chocolates or flowers, while also ensuring they don’t break the bank with gifts like diamonds, vehicles or overseas holidays.

Continue reading “A Romantic Stay In The Berg”

It’s that time of year again we can’t wait for work to stop and the relaxing to begin. To swop the office for a sunny beach or a poolside lounger. To change the coffee for a Piña colada or really any beverage with an umbrella in it! It is vital for us to get some rest from the regular hustle and bustle, to recharge our batteries and make sure we can return to work performing well and getting the results we need. Only after some well-deserved rest and we really expect to execute work to the best of our abilities. Here are five ways to make sure you can unwind these holidays.

Continue reading “5 Ways To Make Sure You Unwind These Holidays”

KwaZulu-Natal boasts one of the busiest ports and bustling economies in South Africa and therefore offers a variety of conference and event venues for any size delegation. The stunning and diverse natural environment KZN offers, makes it ideally suited to offer conferencing venues conveniently close to the city while also being set in scenic rural landscapes providing the opportunity to host a professional conference while promoting relaxing and creative thinking. Continue reading “Secret Gem KZN Conference Venue in the Central Drakensberg”

How do you ensure you choose the right conference venue for the perfect event? The conference venue you choose will have a major impact on your event as it sets the tone for those attending and has a crucial role to play in your budget. Here are five crucial things to consider when selecting your next conference venue. Continue reading “Why Choose Champagne Sports Resort For Your Next Conference?”

The Drakensberg escarpment stretches for over 1 000 km and is a natural geological border for many provinces in South Africa, including Lesotho, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State. In addition to this importance it is also one of the most scenic destinations in South Africa, offering holiday-makers and adventure seekers alike, breath-taking views and an endless number of activities to enjoy the short breaks. Here are a few things you can do in the Central Drakensberg region.

Hiking In The Central Drakensberg

With the natural beauty and the surrounding flora and fauna being so diverse, the Central Drakensberg offers a variety of hiking options. From those looking for a short stroll to the more avid among us who would prefer a challenge, the region is rich in paths and trails that will provide both picturesque surrounds as well as heart pumping exercise. Find out more about Central Drakensberg hiking trails.

Cheese In The Central Drakensberg

If you are looking for your taste buds to travel more than your feet, then look no further than the Macedonia Cheese Shop. This chees shop, located in Cathkin Park, has an incredible selection of local as well as imported cheeses and offers chees platters for those that would like a little bit of everything. You can follow up your experience with a visit to Chocolate Bar.

Chocolate In The Central Drakensberg

The Chocolate Bar offers free chocolate tasting and sells artisan chocolates made in the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains. Only the finest ingredients are used, pure cocoa butter and natural bourbon vanilla. No modified fats or palm oil is used! The local shop also offers syphon brewed coffee with truffles and chilli essence. A not to be missed opportunity for anyone in the Central Drakensberg region.

Golf In The Central Drakensberg

The Champagne Sports Resort Golf Clubhouse has been rated amongst the top five 19^th holes in South Africa. The 18-hole championship course offers exceptional greens, 84 bunkers and a fully-licensed restaurant featuring a fireplace. Find out more or book your round today at the Champagne Sports Resort Golf Course.

Mountain Biking In The Central Drakensberg

Adventure-seeking mountain bikers are always on the lookout for new challenges and trails to test their resolve or simply to explore new picturesque areas. The Cathkin Trails in the Central Drakensberg Mountains near the stunning Champagne Sports Resort is one such trail that avid mountain bikers are actively seeking out. Find out more about the scenic Central Drakensberg mountain bike trails.

If you are looking for more information or accommodation for your holiday in the Central Drakensberg region, call us on call 036 468 8000.

Adventure-seeking mountain bikers are always on the lookout for new challenges and trails to test their resolve or simply to explore new picturesque areas. The Cathkin Trails in the Central Drakensberg Mountains near the stunning Champagne Sports Resort is one such trail that avid mountain bikers are actively seeking out. Continue reading “Central Drakensberg Mountain Bike Trails Not To Miss”

You’ve decided a holiday is needed but the thought of travelling with the kids means you might need another holiday to get over the hassle and experience of keeping them occupied while you try to relax. A holiday with the kids needn’t be stressful, in fact it can be one of the best holiday experiences your family can have. Here are five top tips to ensure your family holiday with the kids delivers everything for everyone.

Continue reading “Top Tips For Enjoying Your Holiday With The Kids”

Arguably one of the most picturesque places in the world to find a hiking trail is the central Drakensberg region, located about three hours from Durban’s King Shaka International Airport. The Drakensberg stretches over 1 000 kilometres (600 miles) and is interpreted as Mountain of Dragons. To get the most from the numerous central Drakensberg hiking trails, here are some things to look out for. Continue reading “Top Tips For Hiking In The Central Drakensberg”

B-Active Events is proud to announce a new addition and a 5^th event to the NATIONAL ULTRA Triathlon Series, SA’s only Sprint distance and Ultra distance Ultra Triathlon Series.  This new event, set for the 5^th to 7^th July is something different in that it is a mega-endurance race spread over 3 days, testing all endurance athletes across South Africa”

The ULTRA X is a 3-day multi-stage challenge within the legendary Drakensberg Mountains. This ‘Xtreme multisport challenge will push triathletes to endure some of SA’s toughest winter conditions in the most beautiful area of Southern Africa. The challenge takes athletes on a journey from the highlands of the impressive Freestate province down the 18km long Oliviershoek Pass in the Northern Berg into the heart of a World Heritage site, the Central Drakensberg.

This event is a fully inclusive challenge, where athletes will be presented with 3 days of high endurance racing, 2 nights full board accommodation, loaded goodie bags with race apparel as well as fully equipped water tables and feeding stations along the race routes. Athletes will be looked after at the exclusive and beautiful Champagne Sports Resort. All meals will be provided for athletes and their families at this impressive resort. The event is open to families and the kids, with it being the school holidays. A family or friend seconder is required for the start of day 1 which takes place at Sterkfontein Dam in the Freestate Province. Evening briefings will prepare the athletes to the next day’s challenges, giving them insight into the profiles, challenges and courses that lie ahead, as well as building up comradery and the sharing war stories.

So, what are the challenges….

The ULTRA X will start on Friday the 5^th July at the 3^rd biggest dam in South Africa, the Sterkfontein Dam, which sits as the highest dam in South Africa, at 1706m above sea level. The crystal-clear waters of Sterkfontein are legendary and well sought after by fishermen and swimmers alike. Our brave athletes will choose between a 2km or 4km swim option, with the 4km swimmers doing 2 laps of the well-marked swim course. The athletes then mount their bikes and leave the Freestate down the formidable and winding Oliviershoek Pass in the Northern Drakensberg and into KwaZulu Natal. The Oliviershoek pass is approx. 18km long and takes athletes from 1815m above sea level down to the farming community of Bergville and Winterton at 1041m above sea level. The route is 105km and finishes at the prestigious Champagne Sports Resort in the Central Berg. One water table will be provided at the 50km, making athletes responsible to prepare themselves properly for the challenge ahead. After the 18km descent from the Freestate, the route ambles along some of the most beautiful yet exposed areas in the Drakensberg. The athletes will wind their way through Bergville and Winterton, past the famous Thokozisa store and on to Champagne sports, where athletes will receive a Hero’s welcome. That evening, athletes will be treated to a legendary dinner, accommodation and stage 2 briefing for their second stage of the ULTRA X challenge.

On Saturday, after a breakfast fit for a king at Champagne Sports, athletes will embark on a 145km cycle route. This challenge will push the athlete’s endurance limits to reach places they haven’t been to before. The Bike route takes the athletes back to the farming town of Bergville, Ladysmith and past Spioenkop Dam, then to Winterton. The athletes then head home, back to the comfort of Champagne Sports Resorts. However, the challenge is not over yet, as the athletes will then set off on a gentle 8km Run around the beautiful and award-winning Champagne Sports Golf course. That evening, athletes will again be treated to a fabulous dinner, accommodation and the final briefing for stage 3 of the ULTRA X challenge.

On Sunday, after much needed breakfast at Champagne Sports, athletes will embark on their 3^rd and final stage of the ULTRA X. Day three is arguable the toughest challenge, with athletes taking on a 21km short course, or a 31km trail run. The running routes will be staged on the highly sought after Cathkin Trails, which meanders along mostly single track in the foothills of the majestic Drakensberg mountains.  Athletes will be required to carry their own hydration and nutrition, as Aid and feeding stations will be provided every 10km. With the Champagne Sports Resort being situated at 1532m, altitude and the weather will be the biggest challenges to face come the final leg of the ULTRA X competitors.  All the Athletes will finish their gruelling run back at Champagne Sports, where in true legendary fashion, champagne will flow to celebrate the athletes conquering this ‘ULTRA X challenge.

The event is exclusively limited to 200 competitors plus families and kids, giving each athlete and their family a personal and intimate connection with this exclusive endurance event.

It’s no wonder that trail running has become one of the most popular forms of exercise in the past few years. It’s an activity that really gets your heart racing, in an environment that offers stunning scenic views of the great outdoors.

Continue reading “Mountain biking and trail running in the Central Berg”

So you’re in charge of planning a conference? It’s not a task for the faint of heart – and there’s far more to it than picking the perfect venue (though at Champagne Sports Resort our Drakensberg conference facilities really are just about perfect). Continue reading “Planning The Ultimate Conference In The Drakensberg”

Sunny blue skies tufted with clouds. Splashing through an icy mountain stream. So much space it leaves you breathless. Summer in the Drakensberg makes for the holiday of a lifetime that never grows old, even if you return year after year. And who can deny the call of adventure in the Central Berg? Once it has you hooked, it’s just about impossible to resist.

You know what we mean 😉

Trail running and mountain biking through the Central Berg is something that needs to be experienced rather than described. It’s a rugged landscape seemingly crafted by giants that puts you in awe of the wonder of nature, while pushing your physical skills and adventurous spirit to the absolute limit.

So, what can you expect from a Drakensberg adventure holiday?

Trail running and mountain biking

There’s nothing like feeling the wind rush through your hair and enjoying the great outdoors – especially if it really is the GREAT outdoors. Champagne Sports Resort has 3km, 4km and 7km trails that are challenging and really get your heart pumping, and are securely situated within the safety of the estate.

Cathkin trails

Looking to push the exhilaration to the next level? Cathkin trails are a new venture for experienced trail runners and mountain bikers, offering 12km, 20km or 30km routes around neighbouring estates and featuring some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Central Drakensberg.

Central Drakensberg hiking trails

The Central Berg is also an incredible area to explore on foot and at a gentler pace. Hiking is a fun Berg holiday adventure activity that’s also family friendly, as many walks are moderate enough for children to handle with ease.

Blue Grotto

A moderate 3 hour walk suitable for novices, that starts at the Drakensberg Sun. This trail takes you meandering through indigenous forest and ends at a stunning waterfall and grotto.

Heritage Walk

This is a very easy family-friendly trail that has various start points. Because the trail passes through a World Heritage Site entrance fees must be paid and you must be accompanied by a guide. Highlights include a 600 year old yellowwood tree, Mooney’s pool and Dingaan’s Cave, where you can see some superb examples of bushman art.

Sunset Trail

This is a trail suited to more experienced hikers with the stamina to hike for a good few hours. Starting at the Champagne Castle hotel, the Sunset Trail goes to the World Heritage site via the Little Berg. Because the trail passes through a World Heritage Site entrance fees must be paid and you must be accompanied by a guide. The end of the trail offers stunning views of the Central Drakensberg valley. There are various return routes, including Breakfast Stream, Sphinx and Mattehorn.

Champagne Castle Hike

This is a challenging and strenuous hike that’s not for the faint of heart. This trail usually takes a few days to complete, and the reward is a series of incredible views as you get closer to the peak. At 3377, Champagne Castle is one of the highest in the Berg. The usual route for this hike is over Gray’s pass, and a guide is required.

Book your holiday now by taking a look at what accommodation best suits your needs.