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Brian's avatar

Reading your story brings back memories of my time in the Drakensberg. It is truly a magnificent place. I am so grateful to have seen such a land with my own eyes. A beauty beyond privilege. Thanks for sharing!

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Narina Exelby's avatar

An absolute pleasure Brian. Which part of the Drakensberg did you spend time in, and in what part of the year? It always amazes me how the character changes so dramatically with every season!

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Brian's avatar

I went through the Sani Pass in November couple years ago. Would love to go back someday.

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Arky MICHAEL's avatar

Kinda prehistoric, what a joy to traverse these landscapes. Is the horse easy? I imagine hiking is not practical on these trails?

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Narina Exelby's avatar

I was surprised by how comfortable I was on the horse... I wouldn't ordinarily choose to go horse riding (had a terrifying horse experience years ago), but these horses were so chilled, and the saddles and stirrups were really comfy for me. Hiking is the most popular activity in the Drakensberg – the area is absolute paradise for walking – and being on foot means to have access to some places that horses can't reach. But out on the grasslands, horse-riding is a brilliant way to experience this beautiful region :)

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Kendall Lamb's avatar

Oh, this is exquisite! My husband and I were both bent over the screen of my laptop drooling over these photos, missing our nomadic days. Thank you for transporting us there!

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Narina Exelby's avatar

Ah Kendall – isn't it just the most special place? When I was at high school, I planned on spending my life living in the Berg, wearing white flowing dresses (????), writing poetry and growing vegetables. Not sure how the "white flowing dresses" part came about, as the only white clothes I've ever had were my school shirts 😂

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Kendall Lamb's avatar

Honestly, the white flowing dresses make perfect sense to me. 😂 Whenever I fantasize about a new life, I'm always wearing one of those long Indian tunics with flowing pants, and it is usually white as well. What is this?? Maybe we're metaphorically looking for simplicity and zero constrictions??

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Narina Exelby's avatar

Oohhhh - good thinking. Simplicity and zero constrictions, such as perfect way to be ❤️

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Lori  Pohlman's avatar

Just beautiful!

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Narina Exelby's avatar

The greens are so vivid, right? It's now the tail-end of the rainy season and the grasslands are magnificent. It'll be a completely different palette in about three months time :)

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Cormac McCreesh's avatar

This is also the terrain for the annual Run the Berg trail runs where contestants stay over at all the venues you mention. It is one of the most scenic trail runs in the area and a favorite of mine. Thank you for sharing your photos

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Narina Exelby's avatar

My guess is, Run the Berg must be one of the most spectacular events on the calendar!!

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