The 10 best Lodges in Drakensberg Region, South Africa

May 29, 2023 Harland Bartelt

Discover the best Lodges in Drakensberg Region, KwaZulu-Natal including Malachite Manor, Cayley Lodge, Tugela River Lodge, Emafweni, Spionkop Lodge, Three Tree Hill, Sani Valley Nature Lodges, Penwarn Farm Lodge, Sungubala Eco Camp, Amazian Mountain River Lodge.
Things to do in Drakensberg Region

1. Malachite Manor

Drakensberg Gardens Road, Underberg 3257 South Africa
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 117 reviews

Malachite Manor

Situated in the Southern Drakensberg in Underberg, Malachite Manor is a country getaway with a touch of class. From scrumptious breakfasts in the restaurant to mouth watering dinners, enjoy a night cap at the bar with majestic views of the country side. Enjoy a relaxing nights sleep in one of the 6 beautifully decorated rooms, each room offers an extra-length queen size bed with quality linen. your stay can be anything from business to leisure, there a wide array of activities birding, hiking, mountain climbing, and golfing available in close proximity of Malachite Manor

A Brilliant Place to stay

Reviewed By Andre8910

Brilliant place to stay. Truly caring staff that delivered excellent service - and food. The venue is very pretty and peaceful. I will return for sure for a week-end away from the hustle and bustle of city live. And for Bikers, Hey there is an R1 to drool over on the venue.

2. Cayley Lodge

D184 Cathkin Park, Winterton 3340 South Africa
Excellent
27%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
9%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 182 reviews

Cayley Lodge

Cayley Lodge is located in the central Drakensberg, overlooking the Cathkin Peak and Champagne Castle ranges. The Bell Park Dam lies within easy access from the resort grounds, providing both a wonderful view as well being the center of many of the leisure activities. Our on-site staff will help make every bit of your holiday as comfortable as possible and you can find them at reception. We also have the following facilities on the property: Daily at Cayley mini shop open daily Steam Café coffee shop open daily Bell and Whistle bar/restaurant open daily

Berg Retreat, lovely treat

Reviewed By abusufyaan

The road to the resort reminds you that the best destinations are at the end of difficult routes... it's just that KZN road department is not repairing the potholes on the roads. It's not so bad just take it easy Check in is a breeze, a welcome breeze after a hot ride We had chalet 24, one of the recently revamped chalets. Very neat, very warmly decorated. The views of the Drakensburg mountains are magnificent The manager Derek is really a wonderful guy and a great asset to the resort. Since the last time I was there (2016), there are notable changes and improvements. The road to the dam is easily accessible with any vehicle whereas it used to only be accessible with raised (high ground clearance) vehicles. The water sports are a great attraction Well done to Derek and the team

3. Tugela River Lodge

R600, Winterton 3340 South Africa
Excellent
62%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 29 reviews

Tugela River Lodge

Tugela River Lodge is a self catering Eco Lodge on a working game and cattle farm on the banks of the Tugela River. Situated between Johannesburg and Durban, it provides an ideal meeting place for groups of friends or families who wish to get together in rustic, private and comfortable surroundings. It sleeps 28 guests in 4/5 cottages. Solar power, gas appliances and donkey boilers complete the African experience. Tugela River Lodge is a mountain biking and trail running mecca for enthusiasts who like natural, cattle and game tracks on a private estate. All of our trails are marked and sign posted and some of them are used for the famous Berg and Bush cycle race as well as the Oxpecker Trail Run. Guests are looked after by Bheki, our camp manager and his wife Thoko, who make up your evening fires and service your rooms daily. Experience a true bush experience with no electricity, TVs or WiFi and enjoy a million stars at night on this affordable game farm in the Central Drakensberg. Disconnect from your gadgets to reconnect with your family and friends!

Would recommend without a doubt

Reviewed By StacyJanelle

This is definitely one of the best accommodations I have been to to date. Not only did it have everything we needed in terms of self-catering, and had unbelievable views, but the host, Julian, is so accommodating with anything and everything. He will go the extra mile to give you advice on the area and make sure that you feel welcome and have a great trip.

4. Emafweni

Emafweni, Route R600, Cathkin Park 3331 South Africa
Excellent
75%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
25%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 4 reviews

Emafweni

Lovely location, views and hosts

Reviewed By chrisHCAMW

Lovely location on the foot of the Drakensberg mountain. Within 5 minutes to the start of many hikes up the mountain. The house is well equipped and has a great terrace overlooking a garden. The house we were in had two bathrooms and a large kitchen. The hosts are so lovely as well.

5. Spionkop Lodge

R600, Winterton South Africa
Excellent
70%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
10%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 10 reviews

Spionkop Lodge

Awesome Weekend

Reviewed By TaylorM007

Peaceful location and amazing people who made our stay special. It was indeed what we needed during the stress of COVID 19. Special thanks to Ray, Lynette, Alistair and Happiness and support staff for our magic weekend.

6. Three Tree Hill

Rhenosterfontein Farm Hambrook Village, Bergville 3370 South Africa
Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 366 reviews

Three Tree Hill

Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains, overlooking the secluded Mfazimnyama Valley of the Spioenkop Game Reserve and in the lee of the famous hill, Spioenkop, lies Three Trees lodge. Perfect half-way stop between Johannesburg & Durban, only 27km from the highway (N3)Spectacular scenery, locally grown Country-style food, fine linen and superb hosts makes this lodge the ideal environment in which to escape and unwind. This intimate luxury lodge is owner-managed by Simon & Cheryl Blackburn whose passion for Africa fills every corner. Guests are welcomed into their home, and invited to experience the warm hospitality in their family run lodge.

Consistently Brilliant

Reviewed By 0livinglife1

Often reviews are a single point in time based on alignment of offering and patron … I’d like to offer that in the case if Three Tree Hill Lodge I’ve returned again again since 2013 and I have never left happier. My most recent visit I stayed at the more secluded Churchills with stunning views and cosy fire. All meals are tasty and nourishing. The wine list is well balanced. I loved being able to eat in the wine cellar, deck and patio. Cheryl’s game walk was fantastic and I know my partner enjoyed the war history excursion as well. Melanie is fantastic and nothing is ever too much trouble. We also went to Cathedral Peak for a day and the drive there and back is was doable. Three Tree Hill continues to deliver consistent value for money. I can’t wait to return!

7. Sani Valley Nature Lodges

Sani Pass Sani Pass Road, Himeville 3256 South Africa
Excellent
76%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 403 reviews

Sani Valley Nature Lodges

Sani Valley Lodge is a private nature lodge, situated in the World Heritage site of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg, at the foot of the well known Sani Pass. A unique blend of luxury, nature and activities. Sani Valley Lodge offers five styles of luxury private nature lodges with the choice of fully inclusive or self-catering accommodation with daily housekeeping services. Situated on a 260-acre lake, the luxury lodges, well-stocked game reserve and trout fishing lake provide a chance to relax and absorb the panoramic mountain views. One can enjoy a massage, go fly fishing, game viewing on horseback or be active on the lake. The adventure of the Sani Pass, hiking to the Bushmen paintings and exploring the beautiful Underberg / Himeville area presents opportunities for all. Sani Valley offers a range of special honeymoon lodges, family accommodation and also caters for groups looking to escape and experience something memorable.

Wortley Honeymoon

Reviewed By rosswortley

Beautiful scenery. Many activities to do which include fishing, birding, hiking and resting. The absolute perfect place for us to spend our honeymoon. Peaceful mornings and evenings. What and exquisite spot.

8. Penwarn Farm Lodge

Bushmans Nek Road Penwarn Farm, Underberg 3257 South Africa
Excellent
63%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 183 reviews

Penwarn Farm Lodge

An Unforgettable Farm Lodge Experience Join us at Penwarn Farm, located in the foothills of the Southern Drakensberg, for a stunning farm lodge escape. Rustic yet modern, Penwarn Farm Lodge can be found just 25km from the quaint, little town of Underberg in South Africa. As you drive down the Khyber Pass, you’ll be greeted with the all the beauty that Penwarn has to offer. The farm lodge lies in an exquisite valley surrounded by lakes, and borders Highlands Farm which was established in 1886. Over 3400 hectares of land is farmed by the fifth generation of Nicholson’s, raising cattle and sheep and planting maize and potatoes for the market. Sharing the grasslands are zebra, hartebeest and blesbok. Birdlife is of abundance and the cranes and wild geese can be spotted from the comfort of your room. Penwarn truly is an animal enthusiast’s paradise! The ambience of the farm is relaxed, rustic, and modern, and is perfect for a variety of occasions including weddings, conferences, family adventures and romantic getaways. Penwarn Farm Lodge has its own chapel, which is situated near the beautiful lake overlooking the Drakensberg. Within the venue, we also have the famous Penwarn Bar which offers guest a thirst-quenching drink and a place for a bit of banter. We look forward to welcoming you to Penwarn Farm Lodge and providing you with an amazing farm holiday experience.

A wonderful escape

Reviewed By spersa152895

Although the drive to get the is quite treacherous as the roads are not maintained and there a potholes and no cell service, this lodge was so wonderful. The place is out of a movie, the staff are so friendly and accommodating and there is so much to do. Truly a beautiful place to unwind and relax. There are clean rooms, that are serviced everyday and the houses are cleaned twice a day. The place is extremely neat and well done up.

9. Sungubala Eco Camp

District Road D119 Northern Drakensberg, Bergville 3350 South Africa
Excellent
63%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 57 reviews

Sungubala Eco Camp

Sungubala is a self catering Camp situated in the wilderness below Sungubala Mountain. The surrounding area is a declared Conservancy adjacent to the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site.Accommodation includes 2 Chalets, a Mountain Bungalow, 3 pairs of Rondavels, and 4 A Frames. Guests have access to guided or self guided trails in our unspoiled mountain wilderness. Other activities, nearby, are horse riding, Mountain Bike Trails, tree top cable tours and the Adventure Centre.

The best kept secret in the northern Drakensberg

Reviewed By Travel769819

We visited Sungubala Eco Camp for the first time in January 2022. We were bowled over by the location and its simplicity. Beautiful views of the foothills and surrounded by the majestic mountains of the northern Drakensberg. If you are not a hiker you can just relax in the sunshine and admire the scenery in all directions. If you prefer mountain biking there is a large network of bike trails for both the energetic and the casual riders. If you want to test your fitness there is the magnificent Sungubala mountain immediately behind the resort which is a climb of 530m giving you an awesome view of the hills of Qwa Qwa and the Metsi-Matsho dam. Give it a try, you wont be dissappointed.

10. Amazian Mountain River Lodge

Coleford Road, Underberg South Africa
Excellent
66%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 71 reviews

Amazian Mountain River Lodge

Break away to Amazian Mountain River lodge in a Malaria free area, escape from the hustle and bustle in the ultimate tranquil surroundings at Amazian Mountain River Lodge. Amazian Mountain River Lodge is a privately owned lodge situated in the Southern Drakensberg, near the uKhahlamba World Heritage Site and Sanis Pass. the lodge is situated on the Umzimkulu river in a pristine valley. Escape to be de-stressed and recharged. Amazian Mountain River Lodge has ten rooms. The lodge in conjunction with its partners offers tours up the Legendary Sani Pass

Amazing Amazian mountain river bliss!

Reviewed By MaresaG

Travelling during this unprecedented time of Covid we were very blessed to have found such an idyllic isolation at this luxury lodge overlooking the Umzimkulu river. Our deluxe double room with stunning mountain and river views, was spacious and comfortable with our own jacuzzi bath and shower. The only issue I had was there was no WiFi in the room and I would have preferred a holiday package DStv to the Top TV channels offered for viewing. Brent and Trudy were lovely hosts and not being a breakfast person, I found myself looking forward to Trudy’s breakfasts every morning! The lodge is 11km from Underberg and therefore not too far from all the local amenities and activities that kept us busy for the week we spent here. For the rainy days we had ( and there were many!) I was happy to run on the treadmill in the little gym on the premises. I wish Brent and Trudy well during this difficult time of Covid, but it certainly served us well in terms of feeling totally isolated in a picturesque paradise away from the madding crowds (and virus)!

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