Quathlamba
“A mass of Spears. Named thus by the Zulu warriors before the white man came. Today called the Drakensberg, Mountains of the Dragon. Evocative names, both equally applicable to South Africa’s mightiest mountain range with its spear-like peaks – reminiscent of the saw-toothed spine of a gigantic dragon.”
“Listen to the streams as they gurgle from their cradles and you will hear the story of the mountains. You will hear fascinating tales if only you listen! Lie next to a stream and listen to the song of the mountains. The smiling faces of the flowers, dancing in the wind. Venture into the remote valleys or stand on a peak at sunrise or sunset, after snow has fallen, and you will hear a song that you will never forget - the Song of the High Mountain".
DRAKENSBERG WILDERNESS PHOTOS © WILLEM PELSER
“IF THERE IS ONE HILL HOUR MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN ANY OTHER IT IS THE SUNSET HOUR. THIS IS THE HOUR OF SPIRITUAL BEAUTY, PEACE, AND UNDERSTANDING.”
UNKNOWN
DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAIN RESERVE ACCOMMODATION
EZEMVELO KZN WILDLIFE RESERVES AND ACCOMMODATION
There are many places available to stay at in the vicinity of the Drakensberg. However, for the hiker, walker and explorer, or if you simply want to stay in close contact with magnificent scenery, there are none better than the accommodation available in all of the KZN Wildlife Reserves.
Staying at the reserves, you are right at the doorstep of the Mountain and Wilderness areas and some spectacular scenery awaits you.
The accommodation and reserves described starts from the Northern Drakensberg and stretches to the Southern Drakensberg. My favorite is the Lotheni Reserve in the Southern Drakensberg because of its magnificent beauty and spectacular landscapes.
Multi-day hikes can be made from one reserve to another, and will take you through some of the most beautiful areas of the Berg. Mountain passes and routes to the escarpment are available from every reserve area. The only limits as to what can be done lies with you. There are a huge number of day-walks available for those who prefer day-walking only. If you prefer to be lazy and just laze around the camp area, you can do that with the backdrop of magnificent mountain scenery at your doorstep.
The Drakensberg is a pristine area and your preservation of this environment is very important. Leave only your footprints and transfer yourself into a spectacular wilderness area.
Arranging accommodation is best done directly with the KZN Wildlife Central Office or by phoning the various reserves. The service is brilliant and hassle free.
Who to contact:
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Reservations Office
PO Box 13069, Cascades, 3202
Telephone: 27 (0) 33 845 1000; Fax: 27 (0) 33 845 1001
General Information: 27 (0) 33 845 1002
Book Online: bookings.kznwildlife.com
Website: www.kznwildlife.com
Email: bookings@kznwildlife.com
Bookings fax2email: 086 505 8889
Customer Service fax2email: 086 554 2297
Email: customerservice@kznwildlife.com
Royal Natal National Park – Thendele, Mahai, & Rugged Glen
Royal Natal boasts some of the most splendid mountain scenery in Africa. The main feature is the world famous Amphitheater, a rock wall approximately 5 kilometers in length, and 500m high. Above the amphitheater is Mont-aux-Sources peak where, as its name implies, the Orange River starts its long journey to the Atlantic Ocean. It is here where the Thukela River cascades down the face of the amphitheater, in one of the highest waterfalls in the world, on its way to the Indian Ocean.
Thendele Camp - Royal Natal
UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK - ROYAL NATAL - THENDELE ACCOMMODATION.
Thendele hutted camp is situated in one of the most picturesque settings in the country, with a view of the world famous Amphitheater from every chalet. The camp nestles below the brooding sandstone cliffs of Dooley among yellow wood forests and protea savanna where visitors can often hear the rumble of boulders in the Thukela River below after a fierce summer thunderstorm.
This beautiful camp has the distinction of being the closest of the KZN Wildlife Berg camps to the main Drakensberg escarpment. Dominated by the Amphitheater which changes mood with weather and season, often covered in snow in winter or with up to eighteen waterfalls cascading down the vertical cliffs after a storm, Thendele is a very special place to visit and is KZN Wildlife's most popular camp.
Home to the Bearded Vulture (Lammergeyer) and Black Eagle who often disport themselves for visitors in the thermals that rise above the Mont aux Sources plateau, the surrounding valleys and ridges offer superb walks through an ever changing landscape with many upland birds and flowers.
Room Description at:
Thendele Camp - Royal Natal
The camp, which is split into upper and lower sections, consists of 26 comfortable self-contained chalets that accommodate either two or four people each. There are also two delightful 6 bed cottages and the luxurious Thendele Lodge with 3 en-suite bedrooms and other facilities in keeping with 5-star accommodation in its own special space well away from the main camp.
The cottages and the lodge each have their own cook who will prepare delicious meals from the provisions supplied by the visitors. The camp shop has a wide range of curios and sells basic groceries and supplies for visitor’s convenience.
CAMPING: Royal Natal has two popular camping grounds which are served by the main Reception Center which includes a large well stocked curio shop which also sells provisions and alcoholic beverages.
UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK - ROYAL NATAL CAMPING - MAHAI & RUGGED GLEN
Royal Natal National Park boasts some of the most splendid mountain scenery in Africa. The world renowned Amphitheater, a rock wall strung between the spectacular Eastern Buttress and Sentinel peaks. Horseback trails are available at Rugged Glen with a variety of short trails available through the mountains where riders can enjoy unique close up sightings of mountain wildlife. Mahai is a beautifully situated campsite featuring 120 large campsites nestled along the Mahai River with magnificent mountains forming the backdrop. Half the sites have electric plug points and barbecue stands, and the non-electrified section share barbecue facilities. All sites have shared cold-water taps. Mahai campsite is serviced by five, modern ablution blocks with hot baths and showers, flush toilets, laundry machines and dishwashing facilities. The more secluded Rugged Glen campsite features twenty campsites with shared cold-water taps. Ten of these campsites feature electrical plug points. The ablutions have hot baths and showers, flush toilets and dishwashing facilities. There are no laundry facilities at Rugged Glen.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Rates Include:
Accommodation, community levy, emergency rescue levy and 14%VAT.
Rates Exclude:
Optional extras and excursions
Extra information
Gate Opening and Closing Times:
Summer (October to March) 05:00 to 22:00
Winter (April to September) 06:00 to 22:00
Office Hours: The office is open from 08:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 16:30
Distance and Time from Gate to Camp: 3km to Mahai campsite and 6km to Thendele camp
Check Out Time: 10:00 Check In Time: 14:00
Shop: The shop is well stocked with curios and supplies.
Special Precautions: The weather is subject to change at short notice and hikers should be well equipped and fill in their details in the Mountain Rescue Register.
Facilities for people with disabilities: Limited
The nearest towns are Bergville and Harrismith, both 45km away, which has a full range of services.
NO Pets are allowed in the reserve.
For your own safety, hikers must complete the mountain rescue register before and after their hike
Didima – Cathedral Peak
Cathedral Peak with the magnificent Didima Valley and its many examples of San Rock art, is a hiker’s paradise offering routes that range from a few hours to several days. This section of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park is 32 000 hectares in extent and borders the upper Thukela area in the north and east; Lesotho in the west and Monk's Cowl in the south.
For the visitors less inclined to physical activity or whose time is limited, Mike's Pass provides an opportunity to drive to the top of the Little Berg near the head of Didima Gorge for spectacular views of the main escarpment and the surrounding lowlands.
While hiking, a wide selection of plants and animals can be seen in the extensive grasslands and forest patches characteristic of this part of the 'Berg.'
The San People and their rock art can be appreciated in the modern interactive interpretive centre which l allows visitors a glimpse into the lives of these First People.
Didima Resort’s restaurant and bar provides guests with the option of fully catered meals in its warm and relaxed atmosphere.
Room Description at:
DIDIMA CAMP
Didima Camp, at Cathedral Peak has been themed around the art of the San people.
Didima camp features:
· 63 x 2-bed chalets
· 2 x 4-bed chalets
· 1 x luxury honeymoon suite
· A 6-bed bungalow.
·
Each of the two-bed chalets is back to back and an inter-leading door allows the two chalets to be converted into a four-bed family unit with self-catering facilities.
The two four-bed cabins have 2 bedrooms each en-suite, a lounge/dining area and a kitchen, and the 6-bed chalet has three bedrooms, each with en-suite facilities, a lounge/dining area and a kitchen.
All accommodation at Didima boasts satellite television and cozy fireplaces. The central lodge provides a restaurant and bar, fireplaces throughout, an intimate lounge and a shop for groceries and curios. The state-of-the-art conference facility seats 140 delegates and a large breakaway facility doubles as a wedding chapel with a full height glass wall framing the splendor of Cathedral Peak.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Rates Include:
Accommodation, community levy, emergency rescue levy and 14% VAT
Rates Exclude:
Optional excursions
Optional Meals
Extra information
Gate Opening and Closing Times:
24 Hour Gate
Office Hours:
The office is open from 07h00 to 19h00
Emergency/After hours
Didima Resort Manager 036 488 8022
Distance and Time from Gate to Camp: 1.5kms
Check In Time: 14h00
Check Out Time: 10h00
Facilities:
There is a shop that sells curios and limited supplies and a Restaurant, Bar and special Smoking Lounge with DSTV and a swimming pool is available at Didima. Petrol may be purchased from the Cathedral Peak Hotel (4 km from the control gate)
Special Precautions:
When hiking be prepared for rapid changes of weather and extreme conditions especially cold. Before hiking the Mountain Rescue Register must be completed.
The nearest towns which have a full range of services are Bergville and Winterton which are both 45 kms away.
Monk’s Cowl
Monk's Cowl is the gateway to some of the most magnificent mountain Wilderness areas in Africa. Taking its name from the distinctive mountain between Champagne Castle and Cathedral Peak, Monk's Cowl marks the access to the Mlambonja and Mdedelelo mountain Wilderness areas.
The area is known for its splendid scenery, and provides hikers with access to wonderful mountain trails that weave through the deep valleys and forests rising up onto the main escarpment of the Northern Drakensberg.
Hiking routes vary from a few hours to several days and provide sufficient diversity to accommodate all levels of experience and fitness. Overnight hiking is available, but must be booked in advance.
Camping at Monks Cowl consists of 38 spacious Campsites ( 12 Electrical and 26 Non Electrical) with basic barbeque facilities. Firewood and charcoal are can be purchased from the shop.
The campsite is serviced by Ablution Blocks with hot showers, baths and flush toilets. Facilities include dishwashing and laundry basins and instant boiling water is available to campers for tea or coffee by means of a Hydro-boil geyser near the dishwashing area.
Reservations for Campsites and Caves:
Tel: 036 - 468 1103 Fax: 036 - 468 1150
The Curio shop and Tea Garden are situated near to the campsite and entrance of the park. The curio shop and office are open from 08hOO to 16hOO daily.
The Tea Garden boasts bottomless Tea and Coffee and a great menu of light meals to be taken away or, you can sit down and enjoy the view. The Tea Garden is open from 08hOO 16hOO daily and Back Pack Picnics are available: These consists of a hikers back pack With all cutlery and utensils and place for a Champagne bottle for those special occasions, as well as assorted menus to choose from:
For orders Tel: 036-468 1103.
Champagne Breakfast - order the day before required
The Hungry Monk lunch- order the day before required
Sundowner Snack pack - order by the morning of the day required or day before.
Giant’s Castle
Giant's Castle Game Reserve lies in the Central Berg region of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park. Its name comes from the silhouette of the mountain escarpment that resembles the profile of a sleeping giant.
Giant's Castle camp is situated on a grassy plateau among the deep valleys running down from the face of the High Drakensberg, offering glorious views for hikers and mountain climbers. Well preserved San rock art is high among its special attractions. Visit the Main Caves Museum for a fascinating insight into the past lifestyle of the San people.
Eland and the majestic bearded vulture are 2 of the popular wildlife found in the Giant's Castle Game Reserve. The vulture restaurant is open in winter for visitors to watch bearded vultures and other endangered species feeding.
Izimbali Restaurant and Bar provides guests with the option of fully catered meals in its warm and relaxed atmosphere.
Room Description at:
The resort has:
· 37 x 2-bed chalets with en-suite facilities, a lounge / dining area and fully appointed kitchens
· 3 x 4-bed chalets with 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, a lounge / dining area and a fully equipped kitchen
· 3 x 6-bed chalets featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a lounge / dining area and a fully appointed kitchen
· 1 x honeymoon suite
· 1 x 6 bed Rock Lodge boasts a magnificent honeymoon suite built into the side of a massive rock and all three twin-bed bedrooms feature luxurious en-suite facilities. The lodge provides satellite television and a resident cook that prepares excellent meals with food supplied by the guests.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Rates Include:
Accommodation, community levy, emergency rescue levy and 14% VAT.
Rates Exclude:
Optional excursions.
Extra information
Gate Opening and Closing Times:
Summer (October to March) 05:00 to 22:00
Winter (April to September) 06:00 to 22:00
Reception Hours:
The office and curio shop are open from 08:00 to 16:30 daily.
Distance and Time from Gate to Camp: 7km and 20 minutes.
Check In Time: 14:00
Check Out Time: 10:00
Facilities:
The Main Caves Bushman Museum is a half hour walk from the camp.
The shop sells a wide range of curios and supplies.
The camp has been extensively upgraded and extended and now includes a restaurant and pub.
Special Precautions: The weather is subject to change at short notice and hikers must be well equipped as it can get extremely cold. Hikers must also fill in their details in the Mountain Rescue Register before proceeding on a hike.
Pets are not permitted into the reserve.
Injasuthi
Injisuthi is in the northern section of the Giant's Castle area of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park. This hutted camp is cradled between the Injisuthi and Cowl Fork rivers at the head of the Injisuthi Valley. It is surrounded by magnificent scenery and is dominated by Cathkin Peak, Monk's Cowl, and Champagne Castle.
Visitors may undertake many interesting walks into the Mdedelo Wilderness Area, as well as a guided walk to the Battle Cave, famous for its bushman rock art.
Several kilometers of trout waters provide an excellent opportunity for fly-fishing.
Accommodation in Injisuthi KZN Parks
Self –Catering
UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK - INJASUTHI
The hutted camp consists of fifteen 4-bedded cabins. They are fully equipped, self-contained units with two bedrooms.
Electricity is available between 17:30 and 22:00 only. There are no plug points in the chalets. All units have a fireplace for cold winter nights. Each unit also has its own barbecue facilities. Charcoal and wood are sold at the curio shop. Four caves, the Lower Injisuthi Cave, Upper Injisuthi Cave, Marble Baths cave and Grindstone Cave are ideal overnight stops for hikers.
Room Description at:
The resort has fifteen four-bedded fully self-contained cabins each consisting of 2 bedrooms, a lounge/dining-room, bathroom, toilet and kitchenette with a refrigerator and stove available.
Visitors are required to do their own cooking and washing up.
Electricity is available between 17:30 - 22:00 only and there are no plug points available.
There is also one eight-bed fully self-contained cabin with a barbeque facility.
There are also three two-bedded safari-tents.
Visitors must supply their own linen, bedding, cutlery and crockery.
There is also a communal TV room and coffee shop available.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Rates Include:
Accommodation, Community levy, emergency rescue levy and 14% VAT.
Rates Exclude:
Meals, Optional extras
Extra information
Gate Opening and Closing Times: Summer( October to March ) 05:00 to 19:00
Winter (April to September ) 06:00 to 18:00
Office Hours: The office is open from 08:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 16:30
Distance from Gate to Camp: 5 kilometers
Check Out Time: 10:00 Check In Time: 14:00
Shop: Curios and limited supplies.
Special Precautions: The weather is subject to change at short notice and can become very cold. Hikers are advised to ensure that they are well equipped and that they fill in the Mountain Rescue Register.
Facilities for people with disabilities: None
The nearest town, which has a full range of services is Escourt, which is 60 kilometers away.
Pets are not permitted into the reserve.
Highmoor
Highmoor is situated in the central region of the Drakensberg. The reserve is 28 151 ha in extent and offers the visitor a variety of experiences. It is renowned for its excellent trout dams and scenic views.
Many delightful walks may be undertaken and there are excursions of this nature to suit all ages. It is advisable to carry warm clothing at all times.
Camping is at the order of the day in this reserve and no chalets are available. It is the highest camping area in South Africa.
ACCOMMODATION - CAMPSITE
· There are seven campsites which are serviced by an ablution block with hot and cold water showers.
· A braai area is provided per campsite.
ACCOMMODATION - CAVES
· The reserve offers two caves for overnighting, which need to be booked for in advance.
· Hikers need to provide all their own provisions and supplies.
· NB: Fires may not be made in the wilderness area or in caves.
ACCOMMODATION - CARACAL CAVE
· Caracal Cave accommodates 12 people and is approximately a 3,5 km walk from the camp office.
ACCOMMODATION - AASVOËLKRANS CAVE
· Aasvoëlkrans Cave accommodates 12 people and is approximately 4 km from the camp office.
· This is an easy hike and is ideal for novices and family groups.
· Hikers must please remember that only official overnight stops may be used.
· Spades and trowels must be carried for toilet use.
Kamberg
Kamberg nestles in the foothills of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, its central position is ideal for visits to many other well-known Berg areas from Lotheni to Giants Castle.
Kamberg is a delightful spot in its own right with three attractive picnic sites near the river and trout dams, which provides a relaxing alternative to the scenic attractions of the many well maintained walks in the area.
Room Description at:
Kamberg camp provides guests with the option of one six-bed chalet, one five-bed chalet and five two-bed chalets. The five two-bed chalets have been extensively renovated and now boast en-suite bathroom facilities and kitchenettes. A communal lounge is also available for the convenience of guests.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Rates Include:
Accommodation, community levy, emergency rescue levy and 14% VAT.
Rates Exclude:
Optional excursions
Extra information
Gate Opening and Closing Times: Summer (October to March) 05:00 to 19:00
Winter (April to September) 06:00 to 18:00
Office Hours: The office is open from 08:00 to 11:30 and from 14:00 to 15:30
Sundays: 09:0 to 11:30 and 14:30 to 15:30
Distance Gate to Camp: 500 meters
Check out Time: 10:00 Check In Time: 14:00
Facilities: Trout fishing, dams, and river.
Shop: Limited curios and supplies available at reception. No petrol/diesel available.
The nearest town, which has a full range of services is Mooi River, which is 40 kilometers away.
Pets are not permitted into the reserve.
Lotheni
Lotheni is a magnificent mountain haven renowned for its scenery and atmospheric camp. Situated in a spectacular section of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, the main activities revolve around mountain hiking with many scenic trails. The Emadundwini Trail (12 kilometers) is highly recommended and other hikes include the Eagle, Falls, Canyon and Jacobs Ladder Trails.
· Lotheni is situated in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, South Africa’s first cultural and environmental World Herbage Site.
· The exceptional natural beauty of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is evident in its soaring basaltic buttresses, golden sandstone ramparts, rolling high altitude grasslands, steep-sided river valleys and rocky gorges. The area has incredibly rich biodiversity including man endemic species.
· This spectacular natural landscape also has many rock shelters, containing the largest and most concentrated group of paintings in Africa, south of the Sahara.
· These were created by the San people over a period of at least 4 0 years. The rock paintings are outstanding in quality and diversity representing the spiritual life of the San people who no longer live the region.
The Gelib Tree Mountain Bike Trail (8 kilometers) winds past breathtaking views with the historic Gelib Tree en-route. The bird list has 172-recorded species and 16 kilometers of the Lotheni River is stocked with brown trout for the enjoyment of fly-fishermen. Lotheni campsite lies in a beautiful setting with fourteen caravan and/or tent sites. Four sites take small caravans only and seven take tents only. All campsites have their own barbecue facilities with firewood available for sale. Cold-water taps are shared and there is no electricity. The ablution block has hot water and dishwashing and laundry facilities.
Accommodation - Lotheni Hutted Camp
· The comfortable hutted camp,
· electrically lit by generator form 17:00- 22:00, consists of 12 self-contained chalets,
· each with its own refrigerator, two- plate gas stove (with a small oven), bathroom and toilet.
· In addition to the chalets there are 2 six-bed fully self-contained cottages.
· Visitors must bring all their own food supplies and do their own cooking.
· The nearest source of provision is at the Lotheni store, which is 14 km form the camp.
· The curio shop at Lotheni supplies some basic groceries.
· A deep-freeze is situated in the camp kitchen and is available for use by camp visitors, as is a single large gas stove.
Accommodation - Simes Cottage
· Simes cottage is a converted old farm house and can accommodate 10 people in four rooms.
· It is equipped with gas and visitors do their own cooking and need to bring their own towels, sheets and pillow-slips.
· The cottage is situated next to a small dam, which is regularly stocked with trout.
· The dam is reserved exclusively for visitors staying at Simes cottage.
Accommodation - Campsites
· There is a campground containing 14 campsites and served by an ablution block with hot and cold water, situated 2 km from the camp, further up the Lotheni Valley into the mountains.
Facilities for people with disabilities: None
· Wildlife includes species such as common and mountain reedbuck, grey reedbuck, eland, grey duiker, Oribi, Cape clawless otter, mongoose and baboon. There is a diversity of birds, including black stork, verreaux’s eagle, bearded vulture, lanner falcon, Cape vulture and giant kingfisher.
· Many delightful walks and climbs may be undertaken and there are excursions of this nature to suit all ages. It is advisable to carry warm clothing at all times as the weather is often unpredictable.
· Mountain biking is allowed in designated areas. Picnicking is popular and visitors are encouraged to take packed lunches with them.
· Although chilly, swimming in the Lotheni River is safe unless it is in flood. There is a very good swimming spot approximately 1 km below the camp at Cool Pools. The park is popular rendezvous for trout fishermen. Approximately 16 km of the Lotheni River is stocked with brown trout. Should you wish to fish, the payment of a daily rod fee is required to be made at the Camp Office. Only fly tackle is permissible.
Settler's Museum
· Visitors should make a point of visiting the Lotheni Settler’s Homestead Museum. An interesting collection of early settler farming implements and home utensils is on display at the old Root homestead, which has been restored and refurnished in the style of the period.
General
· No pets are permitted in the park
· Camping anywhere other than in designated areas is forbidden
· Gate entry time
· Summer (1 October- 31 March) 05: 00- 19:00
· Winter (1 April- 30 September) 6:00- 18:00
· The making of fire is strictly prohibited, except in designated areas in the camp and campsite, because of the hazard of veld fires.
· Hikers are reminded that all refuse must be brought back to the camp for disposal.
· Hikers must complete the mountain rescue register at the camp office before and after their hike.
Gate Opening and Closing Times:
Summer (October to March ) 05h00 to 19h00
Winter (April to September ) 06h00 to 18h00
Office Hours:
The office is open from 08h00 to 12h30 and from 14h00 to 16h30
Distance and Time from Gate to Camp: 4 kms
Camp Telephone Number: (033) 7020540
Camp Fax: (033) 7020540
Check Out Time: 10h00
Check In Time: 14h00
Shop:
Limited curios and supplies.
Special Precautions:
The weather is subject to change at short notice and can become very cold. Hikers need to be well equipped.
The nearest town which has a full range of services is Underberg which is 50 kms away.
How to get there:
From the south turn off the N3 at the Underberg Bulwer on R617 and proceed to Underberg. Lotheni is 50 kms away on a gravel road except for the first 5 kms. From the north turn off the N3 to Nottingham Road and follow the signs in the village. The reserve is 62 kms away about half of which is gravel.
Pets are not permitted into the reserve.
The End.
Safe Hiking.
References and Acknowledgements
From the book – General
Photos: ©Willem Pelser
Compiled by: Willem Pelser
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