# 12 Best Places to Stay in the Drakensberg, South Africa

# 12 Best Places to Stay in the Drakensberg, South Africa

Choosing where to stay in the Drakensberg can be surprisingly difficult.

Not because there aren’t enough options, but because there are so many.

You can wake up in a luxury mountain lodge, spend the weekend in a family resort packed with activities, disappear into a quiet self-catering cottage or stay somewhere where hiking trails begin practically outside your bedroom.

The other thing to remember is that the Drakensberg is huge. It isn’t one destination where you can easily drive from one end to the other every day.

The mountains are generally divided into the **Northern, Central and Southern Drakensberg**, and the best place to stay depends largely on what you want to see.

If you’re visiting for the Amphitheatre and Royal Natal National Park, stay in the north. For Champagne Valley, Monk’s Cowl and Cathedral Peak, the Central Drakensberg makes more sense. And if Sani Pass and Underberg are on your itinerary, head south.

To make choosing easier, here are some of the best places to stay in the Drakensberg.

## 1. The Cavern Resort & Spa

**Northern Drakensberg**

The Cavern is one of those classic Drakensberg resorts where you could arrive, park your car and happily leave it there until it’s time to go home.

Surrounded by mountains and indigenous forest in the Northern Drakensberg, the resort is particularly well suited to travellers who want an active holiday without having to organise every day themselves.

Hiking is a major attraction, but there are also activities such as horse riding and birdwatching, while the spa provides an excellent excuse to spend an afternoon doing absolutely nothing.

Families are well catered for too, making this a good option when you’re travelling with children but still want that peaceful mountain atmosphere.

It’s also conveniently positioned for exploring attractions around the Northern Drakensberg and Royal Natal area.

**Best for:** Families, hiking and longer mountain getaways.

## 2. Montusi Mountain Lodge

**Northern Drakensberg**

If your Drakensberg holiday fantasy involves waking up to enormous mountain views, Montusi Mountain Lodge deserves a look.

Its location in the Northern Drakensberg provides wonderful views towards the Amphitheatre, and the spacious setting makes it particularly appealing for couples looking for somewhere quieter.

Walking trails allow you to explore without necessarily getting into the car every morning, while horse riding is another way to experience the surrounding landscape.

This is the sort of place where the accommodation becomes part of the holiday rather than simply somewhere to sleep between activities.

Leave some empty space in your itinerary. You’ll probably want time to sit outside and enjoy the view.

**Best for:** Couples, scenery and peaceful mountain escapes.

## 3. Little Switzerland Resort

**Northern Drakensberg**

Little Switzerland combines classic mountain scenery with the convenience of a full resort.

Accommodation includes hotel rooms and chalets, making it suitable for couples as well as families wanting more space.

There’s plenty to keep active visitors occupied, including hiking and other outdoor activities, but you can just as easily spend your time enjoying the mountain setting.

It is particularly appealing for family holidays because you don’t have to spend every day driving somewhere in search of entertainment.

And in winter, the combination of crisp mountain air and cosy accommodation makes the Northern Drakensberg feel very far removed from city life.

**Best for:** Families, couples and relaxed weekends.

## 4. Alpine Heath Resort

**Northern Drakensberg**

Travelling with children or a larger group often changes what you need from accommodation.

Suddenly, space and practical facilities become just as important as the view.

Alpine Heath is a good option for exactly that type of trip. The resort is known for its self-catering chalets and wide selection of activities, allowing families or groups to stay together without squeezing everyone into separate hotel rooms.

There’s plenty happening around the resort, while the surrounding Northern Drakensberg provides the mountain scenery you came for in the first place.

It’s particularly useful for longer stays when having your own living space and kitchen makes life considerably easier.

**Best for:** Families, groups and self-catering holidays.

# Best Places to Stay in the Central Drakensberg

If you’re visiting the Drakensberg for the first time and aren’t sure where to base yourself, the Central Drakensberg is an excellent place to start.

Champagne Valley, Cathkin Park, Monk’s Cowl and Cathedral Peak are all found in this broader region, and there’s an excellent selection of accommodation.

## 5. Cathedral Peak Hotel

**Cathedral Peak, Central Drakensberg**

Few Drakensberg hotels have a setting quite like Cathedral Peak Hotel.

The journey into the valley already feels like part of the holiday, with the mountains becoming increasingly dramatic as you approach.

Once you’re there, hiking is one of the obvious attractions. The surrounding Cathedral Peak area offers everything from easier walks to considerably more challenging mountain routes.

But you certainly don’t have to be a serious hiker to enjoy staying here.

The hotel has extensive leisure facilities and is particularly well suited to travellers who want the traditional Drakensberg resort experience where meals, activities and mountain scenery are all close at hand.

This is somewhere you could easily spend several nights without feeling the need to go anywhere else.

**Best for:** Hiking, families, couples and first-time Drakensberg visitors.

## 6. Champagne Castle Hotel

**Champagne Valley, Central Drakensberg**

Champagne Castle Hotel sits deep in one of the most beautiful parts of the Central Drakensberg.

The location is the star.

Mountains dominate the horizon, walking trails lead into the surrounding countryside and the atmosphere feels wonderfully removed from everyday life.

Hotel accommodation is available for travellers who prefer everything taken care of, while self-catering options give families and groups additional flexibility.

It’s an excellent choice if your ideal mountain holiday includes a morning hike followed by an afternoon spent doing very little.

And when the weather rolls across the mountains, staying somewhere this scenic means even a lazy day indoors doesn’t feel wasted.

**Best for:** Couples, families, hiking and mountain views.

## 7. Drakensberg Sun Resort

**Cathkin Park, Central Drakensberg**

Drakensberg Sun is another long-standing favourite in the Central Drakensberg.

One of its biggest attractions is the setting, with mountains, forest and water combining to create that unmistakable Berg atmosphere.

There’s plenty to do around the resort, making it particularly convenient for families or anyone who doesn’t want to plan an excursion every single day.

You can spend time walking, enjoying the resort facilities or simply sitting outside taking in the scenery.

Its Cathkin Park location also puts you in a good position for exploring more of the Champagne Valley area.

**Best for:** Families, couples and easy resort holidays.

## 8. Champagne Sports Resort

**Champagne Valley, Central Drakensberg**

Champagne Sports Resort works especially well when different members of the family have very different ideas about what a holiday should involve.

One person can head for the golf course. Someone else can go walking. The children can find something to keep themselves entertained. And anyone whose holiday plan consists mainly of relaxing beside the pool won’t feel left out either.

The resort has extensive grounds and plenty of facilities, while the mountains provide an impressive backdrop.

It’s also a practical option for multigenerational family trips and groups because there’s enough going on to keep everyone occupied.

If you want peaceful isolation, you might prefer a smaller lodge or cottage.

If you want convenience and lots to do, this is exactly the appeal.

**Best for:** Families, groups, golfers and active holidays.

## 9. AfriCamps Champagne Valley

**Central Drakensberg**

Not everyone wants a traditional hotel.

If you like the idea of camping but aren’t particularly enthusiastic about sleeping on the ground, glamping offers a very comfortable middle ground.

AfriCamps Champagne Valley combines tented accommodation with proper beds and the comforts that make a weekend away feel like a holiday rather than an endurance test.

The mountain setting is the real attraction, and it works particularly well for couples or families wanting something a little different from the large Drakensberg resorts.

It’s also a lovely choice for a romantic weekend when sitting outside with a mountain view is more important than having a long list of hotel facilities.

**Best for:** Couples, glamping and unusual weekend escapes.

# Best Places to Stay in the Southern Drakensberg

The Southern Drakensberg has a different feel from the busier central valleys.

Underberg and Himeville provide access to Sani Pass, while the surrounding countryside is filled with rivers, farms, hiking areas and quieter mountain retreats.

If you want to combine the Drakensberg with a trip into Lesotho, this is the area to choose.

## 10. Premier Resort Sani Pass

**Southern Drakensberg**

If Sani Pass is one of the main reasons for your trip, staying nearby makes life much easier.

Premier Resort Sani Pass sits in the Southern Drakensberg and provides a comfortable resort-style base for exploring the region.

Mountain views are part of the appeal, but families will also appreciate having plenty of facilities available when they aren’t out sightseeing.

From here you can explore Underberg and Himeville or arrange a trip towards Sani Pass and Lesotho.

It’s particularly convenient if you want the adventure of the Southern Drakensberg without giving up the comforts of a larger hotel.

**Best for:** Families, Sani Pass trips and Southern Drakensberg holidays.

## 11. Lake Naverone Holiday Cottages

**Southern Drakensberg**

Sometimes the best Drakensberg accommodation isn’t a hotel at all.

Lake Naverone offers self-catering cottages surrounded by lakes and mountain scenery, creating the sort of environment where slowing down happens almost automatically.

Days here can be filled with walking, boating and exploring outdoors before returning to your cottage in the evening.

It’s especially appealing in winter, when a cosy cottage and cold mountain weather make an excellent combination.

For couples, families or anyone wanting to disconnect for a few days, this is a lovely alternative to the bigger resorts.

Bring groceries, bring a book and don’t plan too much.

**Best for:** Self-catering, families, couples and quiet escapes.

## 12. Moorcroft Manor Boutique Country Hotel

**Himeville, Southern Drakensberg**

For something smaller and more intimate, Moorcroft Manor near Himeville provides a very different experience from the large mountain resorts.

The country setting and mountain views make it a relaxing base for exploring the Southern Drakensberg, while its proximity to Himeville and Underberg is useful if you’re planning a Sani Pass excursion.

A smaller hotel also works well for couples who want a quieter getaway where good food, comfortable accommodation and peaceful surroundings matter more than children’s entertainment and a packed activity programme.

It makes a particularly attractive stop on a longer KwaZulu-Natal road trip.

**Best for:** Couples, romantic weekends and Sani Pass trips.

# Where Should You Stay in the Drakensberg?

The easiest way to choose accommodation is to decide **which part of the Drakensberg you want to explore first**.

Choose the **Northern Drakensberg** if the Amphitheatre, Royal Natal National Park and Tugela Falls are high on your list.

Choose the **Central Drakensberg** for Champagne Valley, Cathedral Peak, Cathkin Park and Monk’s Cowl. It’s also a very convenient option for families and first-time visitors because there are so many resorts and activities concentrated in the area.

Choose the **Southern Drakensberg** if you’re interested in Sani Pass, Underberg, Himeville and quieter mountain scenery.

If you have a week or longer, consider splitting your stay between two regions rather than trying to explore the entire Drakensberg from one hotel.

## Best Drakensberg Accommodation for Families

Families are spoilt for choice.

Large resorts such as **Drakensberg Sun, Champagne Sports Resort, Alpine Heath and Cathedral Peak Hotel** work particularly well because there are activities available without having to get into the car every morning.

Self-catering accommodation can be even more convenient when travelling with younger children or larger families.

The best choice depends on whether you want a full resort experience or the freedom of having your own cottage or chalet.

## Best Drakensberg Accommodation for Couples

For a romantic mountain getaway, look for somewhere where the scenery does most of the work.

**Montusi Mountain Lodge** is a particularly attractive option in the north, while **Champagne Castle Hotel** places you right among the dramatic landscapes of the Central Drakensberg.

In the south, a quiet cottage or smaller country hotel can be perfect if your idea of romance involves fireplaces, mountain views and not seeing too many other people.

## Best Places to Stay for Hiking

If hiking is the main purpose of your trip, location becomes especially important.

Staying close to the trail you actually want to walk can save a surprising amount of driving.

**Cathedral Peak Hotel** is an obvious choice for exploring the Cathedral Peak area, while accommodation around Champagne Valley gives you access to the Monk’s Cowl side of the Central Drakensberg.

In the north, staying around Royal Natal and the Amphitheatre puts some of the Drakensberg’s most famous landscapes within easier reach.

Always check current trail conditions and access arrangements before setting off.

## Hotel or Self-Catering?

Both work brilliantly in the Drakensberg.

A hotel or resort is ideal if you want to arrive and switch off. Having meals and activities taken care of means you can spend more time enjoying the mountains and less time deciding what to cook for dinner.

Self-catering is often better for families, groups and longer stays. It also gives you the freedom to eat when you want and spend evenings around your own fireplace or braai.

For couples, small lodges, cottages and glamping stays can offer more privacy than the bigger resorts.

## How Long Should You Stay?

A weekend is enough for a quick escape, but the Drakensberg rewards a slower visit.

For one area, **three nights** is a comfortable