Property Details of Kwa Zulu Natal Lodge

THE LODGE

We are found near the foot of the Amphitheatre, close to the bottom section of Royal Natal National Park with a picture postcard view of the Amphitheatre from the lawn. The lodge has a swimming pool, independent self-catering chalets, restaurant and a thatched cocktail bar.

A river wends its way through the lands and there is a small dam. For those with a head for heights we offer rapp jumping from mountain peaks and bridges.

We also offer day trips within more traditional communities (including Lesotho) and guided mountain hiking.

The area has wonderful cycle and horseriding routes.

For those wishing to explore Cathedral Peak for the day we are a mere 40 minute drive.

Other day trips include visits to a nearby game reserve (Rhino, Giraffee etc.) and historic visits to battlesites including Rorkes Drift.

Local Area Details

ACTIVITIES.
Our tours are extremely popular! I have written a small explanation of each tour for you to look at. Besides our main tours we also offer guides to take people through the Mazizi area (the tribal lands you drive through on your way to the bottom park.) Please note that we have all been approved and assessed by THEATA.

Please note that all trips must be booked the night before the tour's departure AT the hostel. No bookings are taken in advance for tours.

1) HIKING OPTIONS:

A) TUGELA FALLS/ MONT AUX SOURCES/ SENTINEL HIKE

As you can see this trip has many different names. It is the most famous hike in South Africa as it takes one to the highest waterfalls in Africa (the second highest in the world!!) It is not particularly difficult, but really spectacular.

The trip starts at Amphitheatre Backpackers at 7:30 am. We drive around the spectacular Sterkfontein Dam, through Qwaqwa and up the side of the Amphitheatre via Witsieshoek Pass. If one decided to walk from the BOTTOM (Mahai campsite) to the TOP then it would take about 3-4 days to get there and back again. This is why we cheat and travel the extra distance to the base of the Sentinel where we walk to the TOP and back in one day (the perfect hike for impatient people!)

We then set off around the massive Sentinel Peak, up the kloof gully and to the TOP of the Amphitheatre (over 3000m up) and the TOP of the Drakensberg. From here you get your first view of the Devil's Tooth and the 1km drop down the Amphitheatre Wall into the bottom section of Royal Natal.

Off we tramp across the escarpment and along the Tugela River where folk can dip in the rock pools. Here you can stand a chance of catching a glimpse of the elusive and famous Bearded Vulture. To your right is the highest point, Mont Aux Sources, (and the source of 4 of our major rivers.)

Then it's on to the lip of the Amphitheatre to watch the highest waterfall in Africa (2nd highest in the world) as it drops 1km down the Basalt Cliffs. Here we have lunch, explore the plateau and then off back to the car with knee-tingling chain ladders on your descent.

The trip goes whenever we have customers who wish to take the trip.

This is a full day, costing R250, which includes lunch, entrance fees, community levy, a guide and transport.

B) SHUTTLE TO ROYAL NATAL BOTTOM PARK.

We take people to the lower park every morning and fetch them in the afternoon. The shuttle is R20 per person (R10 there and R10 back.) You pay your own entrance fee.

D) OVERNIGHT HIKING.

If you wish to do overnight hiking we will organize this for you. There are great hiking trails across the escarpment towards Cathedral, Champagne and even as far as Sani! Be prepared.

2) LESOTHO

This day trip is very special as no other tourists ever travel to the area that we visit. We take you over Monantso
Pass (a rugged pass on the side of the Amphitheatre) and into Lesotho. This mountain Kingdom is still as it was hundreds of years ago. The secret of the area that we visit is that it is not featured in any of the travel books and so it remains completely "untouristy."

The day begins from Amphitheatre Backpacker's at 7:30am.

The bus travels around Sterkfontein Dam and through Qwaqwa, a town that has an interesting mix of both Sotho and Zulu people. It was also one of South Africa's first "homelands" during apartheid.

It takes about 60 minutes to arrive at the South African border post. Visitors must ensure that they have a "multiple re-entry" visa into South Africa in order to be allowed back across this border on their way back.

The day is spent hiking to San cave paintings, visiting sangomas (witchdoctors,) tasting Sotho food and beer, playing sport if there's a match on, visiting a local school and basically taking part in anything that is happening in the area at the time . A percentage of the money received from visitors is used to buy books etc. for a local school. This is an extremely popular trip and highly recommended.

This trip is also R250 and includes guide fees, food, transport, donation to the school, Sotho food and beer.

3) CYCLING.

There are also a number of mountain bike routes that take you past various points of historical and geographical interest.

These include cycling with zebra, wildebeest and other game, visiting the vulture feeding site (where you have the opportunity of spotting the elusive Bearded Vulture) and going off road to the cave where the first settlers signed their initials in the 1800's

The mountain bikes are kept in good condition in order to ensure you are able to take in the beautiful surrounds! We also provide maps that we have personally designed for the trails, which highlight the different sites. You can choose whether to travel on or off the tar roads.

Half a day is R25 and a full day is R40

4) HORSERIDING.

Spend a day enjoying top quality horse riding with a conservation ranger. Prices range from R75 to R165 depending on their length. The rides are extremely popular. This is at the BOTTOM of the Amphitheatre. Get there by taking our daily shuttle there and back or driving in your own car. The shortest ride is an hour and the longest six hours.

5) FISHING.

We have a fly-fishing guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand There are numerous dams in the area that are stocked as well as wild trout in the rivers, but one of the most famous aspects of this area is that Sterkfontein Dam (which we are next to) besides being the longest and deepest of South Africa's dams is also the dam with the largest variety of indigenous fish which includes Yellowfish that are far better fighters than trout or bass!

For those who prefer spin fishing we have rods and spinners available for catching Bluegill, Yellowtail, Bass, Catfish and numerous other fresh water varieties.

He charges R60 for half a day. This means morning or evening. Entrance fees into dams and rivers, guide, equipment, transport and drinks are included.

A full day is R100. Entrance fees into dams and rivers, guide, equipment, transport, lunch and drinks are included.

6) WINDSURFING.

In the area is the longest dam in South Africa (Sterkfontein Dam) with a beautiful view of the Drakensberg around its perimeter. The dam costs R10 per person to enter and can be accessed by hiking, cycling or getting a lift there. We also rent out windsurfers to those interested.

7) ABSEILING / RAPP JUMPING.

Abseiling and Rapp jumping activities both involve descending down a cliff face with the aid of harnesses and ropes. Rapp jumping and abseiling both cost R70 for 3 jumps.

Those interested in Rock climbing can speak to the guides about more challenging options.

Similar Properties in Kwa Zulu Natal

  Protea Hotel Imvubu Lodge
  Bushwillow

Property Features

* Has a Pool
* Close to a golf course
* Children are allowed

Contact Information for Drakensberg accomodation South Africa South Africa

Name:	Amphitheatre Backpackers
Telephone:	+27364386675
Alt Telephone:	+27364386106
Fax:
Its completely free to send an enquiry! Use this opportunity and email the owner below to ask as many questions as you wish about this Lodge in Kwa Zulu Natal.