Berghouse & Cottages
Holiday accommodation is offered at the Berghouse and Cottages. This destination is situated at the "Gateway" to the Northern Drakensberg, on a private estate. Amphitheatre and Mountain views are features from the windows of the cottages. Panoramic views of the Northern Drakensberg Mountain Peaks that surround this unique and special venue,providing some of the most spectacular views of the mountains in South Africa.
Self-catering accommodation rental in the Drakensberg is a good choice. Cottages are fully equipped with kitchens and kitchenettes, open plan and fully electrified. Log fireplaces can be found in each cottage with wood provided at a small fee. Dinner Bed and breakfast is also an option, all meals are delivered with a smile to your cottage, try this option and be surprised by our chef’s style of country fare.
Accommodation halfway between Johannesburg and Durban, and an approximately 3 hour drive, will deposit you at this best kept secret in the Drakensberg. Visible from the elevated view point in front of the cottages, nicknamed "Mini Stone Henge", is Cathedral Peak.
Listing Details
-28.621639, 29.059256
28°37'17.9"S 29°03'33.3"E
Phezulu - "On Top"
- Privately situated thatched cottage with a romantic atmosphere.
- Jetmaster log fireplace in the bedroom.
- King size bed with Egyptian linen.
- Outstanding mountains views from the windows of this cottage.
- En-suite bathroom(shower),fully equipped kitchenette incl: a stove, microwave and fridge, with a built in braai/barbeque on the patio.
- Don't be surprised to see antelope and rabbits grazing around the cottage.
Thamela - "Bask in the sun"
Comfortable 4 bedroom cottage,3 bedrooms with double beds and 1 bedroom with twin beds and a double bunk/stack bed.Sleeps between 8 and 10 guests.Open plan lounge and kitchen area,with a log fireplace.Fully equipped kitchen,large fridge,gas stove,microwave,crockery and cutlery.Patio with under covered braai.2 bathrooms,shower in the one and bath in the other.Spectacular Drakensberg mountain views.
Thunzi - "Shade"
Thunzi Cottage sleeps four, has a fully equipped kitchenette with an open plan lounge and dining room with a log fire place to make the room cosy. Queen size double bed with en-suite bathrooms and a braai area off the cottage. Beautiful mountain views from the cottage.
Thokomala - "Warmth and comfort"
Thokomala Cottage sleeps up to 12 people in five bedrooms, lapa and braai, large open plan lounge and kitchen area, fully equipped kitchen, serviced daily in the mornings, world class mountain views from the cottage. Patio furniture at both cottages, from which to take in our unique and special environment is there for your comfort. Firewood is available and sold per bundle used.
Thokozela - "A place of many happy returns"
Thokozela Cottage sleeps four with a queen bed and twin beds in the bedrooms. It has a fully equipped kitchenette with a fridge, stove and microwave. There are spectacular views of the Amphitheatre, Northern Drakensberg Mountains and the Maluti Mountains. There is an undercover braai facility.
Thula Thula - "Peace and tranquility"
This spacious open plan cottage, sleep 2 guests. En-suite bathroom(shower his & hers), king size bed, microwave, fridge, toaster, and kettle, offering half-board only(no self-catering facility) Log fire place in the lounge. Drakensberg mountain views from the windows of the cottage, beautiful patio with views of the Mountain Reedbuck and other wildlife that can be seen on the hillside nearby.
Thandanani - "A place that everyone loves"
Thandanani Cottage is privately situated cottage that sleeps two, It is fully equipped to self cater with an open plan design. Bathroom en suite, Queen bed. Fireplace wood provided and sold per bundle used. Braai / barbeque outside the cottage.Spectacular mountain views from the cottage patio.
Phinda - "Return again"
Spacious single bedroom cottage (sleeps two), with a Queen size double bed, ensuite bathroom (corner bath) with a fully equipped kitchenette, large patio with under cover braai / barbeque facility. Located adjacent to Thokozela Cottage.This cottage enjoys spectacular mountain views.
From Johannesburg (approx 3.15 hours drive)
Turn off N3 at Harrismith onto the Bethlehem road,N5, travel for 5 km’s and turn left onto the R712(Phutidijaba, Golden Gate, Clarence),cont for approx 9 km’s,turn off left onto the Bergville, R74 drive for approx 28km’s and turn off right at the 4 way intersection,Drakensberg World Heritage (Northern) road, cont for 3 km’s, turn off right at the Berghouse and Cottages sign, continue up the unpaved driveway for 3 km’s to the reception.
From Durban
Get onto the N3, Northbound, pass Escourt Shell Ultra City service station, next off ramp turn left onto the R74 and continue passed Winterton, pass Bergville, continue on the R74 for 27 km's.Turn off left at the 4-way junction, Drakensberg World Heritage(Northern)sign, continue for 3 km's, turn off right onto the Berghouse unpaved driveway, continue for 3 km to the reception. Enjoy the mountain views!
Experience a mountain atmosphere with breathtaking views, described as the "IMAX Views" of the Drakensberg. This private destination on a 1600 acre estate enables you to reunite the mind, body, and soul, restore the essential "you". Relax and soak up the 270-degree views of the Drakensberg Escarpment.
Our prized feature is the world famous Amphitheatre, part of a world heritage site. View the second highest waterfall in the world during the summer; take in the breathtaking sunsets as you sit feet up, wine glass in hand.
Tugela falls...a day trip from the Berghouse and Cottages
An abundance of wildlife occurs at the Berghouse Cottages, including various species of antelope such as the Drakensberg Eland, Mountain Reedbuck whistle their "welcome calls" in the evenings and early mornings, Grey Rhebuck, Bush Buck as well as the Grey duiker. Other wild animals to look out for are Porcupine, Grey Mongoose, Gennet, Serval Cat, African Wild Cat, Lynx and the ever elusive Leopard. An initiative is currently underway to set cameras on the property and on adjacent properties to study the leopard's movements. Troops of wild Chocma Baboons can be seen and their barks heard from the hills.
Bird life is also in abundance, approx 290 different species may be spotted on the property and in the Drakensberg, including the resident Secretary Birds as they stalk their prey on the hill slopes. Owls are plentiful and can be heard at night along with the delicate calls of the Night Jar. For more information of the birds to see in the Drakensberg visit www.sabirding.co.za
Wildflowers are a sight to behold, the best time of the year to view flowers is from mid-October to March. Miniature horses recently staked their claim on the property, much amusement can be experienced watching them as they run around with their tales in the air, sometimes with the Chantal following them in hot pursuit (all at a full gallop!)
Breakfast and dinner are available on request, essential to book this option well in advance. Breakfast is delivered to your cottage in basket hampers, at no additional charge, remember to mention a time you wish to receive your meal at the reception
Activities you can indulge in at the Berghouse include hiking, horse riding, fishing, four-wheel drive routes, mountain bike trails, bird watching, river swim, tube, and canoe; paraglide and hang-glide take off site is available (equipment not supplied). Please Note: All activities offered at The Berghouse and Cottages should be arranged prior to your arrival, booking essential, to avoid disappointment.
Enjoy an evening sitting around an open fire on our mini "Stonehenge" under the wonderful "Milky Way", listening to the unique African night sounds: jackal, owls, and nightjars included at no extra cost. Take in a thunderstorm over the escarpment in summer - you have to see it to believe it!
The Berg House and Cottages is a well-situated destination, the gateway to the Northern Drakensberg, only 3 hours from Johannesburg and Durban, and is in close proximity to the Royal National Park. We offer a destination that our guests love to return to! We hope you soon will be one of them.