Inkosana has a retreat–like feel, there is a herb garden, swimming dam and yellowwood walk set in the acres of indigenous gardens. The peaks of Cathkin and Champagne Castle tower above. There is no bar, loud music or TV (although nearby pubs can fulfill this need.) The water is drinkable and the area malaria free.
The lodge has two serviced communal kitchens and stacks of charming public areas. Excellent meals are served and there are a wide range of rooms, most popular being the ethnic rondawels. See www.inkosana.co.za on links page for details and rates.
The valley offers wide range of activities such a horse riding, rafting in the wet season and of course hiking. There is Ardmore, a ceramic studio of note and other high quality arts and crafts a bakery, two super markets and restaurants. The Drakensberg Boys Choir gives performances on Wednesday afternoons in term. The raptor centre features a wide collection of birds of prey and gives daily performances excepting on Fridays
Inkosana is very central and offers easy access to all other areas of the ‘Berg, see the page About KwaZulu-Natal and also www.inkosana.co.za on the links page.
Hiking from Inkosana
There is a range of hikes in this valley for Inkosana guests. The park entrance here is called Monk’s Cowl, after a peak by that name which is hidden behind Cathkin Peak.
A good 4-hour walk leads to Sterkspruyt Falls, Hlatikulu Forest and Nandi Falls. A moderate hike takes one up to Blind Man’s corner at the base of Cathkin Peak and back in not more than 6 hours .
Long day walks of 8 hours can be made to Eland fence or the Makhuramani forest.
It is possible to ascend Sterkhorn Peak or Champagne Castle in a day. This is only for the very fit, experienced and committed. Special directions and advice from us is necessary!!!!
Ed has a good knowledge of the Drakensberg and can give advice on hikes and trails in the entire region. There are hikes to suite all levels of fitness in this, the central ‘Berg and other areas within a short drive. See Inkosana Lodge on the page About KwaZulu-Natal and also www.inkosana.co.za for more details on hiking.
Finding us
The GPS co ordintates are:
29 00’ 28.05” S
29 27’ 20.68” E
From the north take the N2 to Harrismith, then N5 direction Bethlehem, left on R712 and left on R74 to Bergville-Winterton .Take the R600 RIGHT and continue 25km.
From the south take N2, EXIT 179, left for half an hour and left on R600, 10 minutes to us.
We do not do shuttles from any bus service. It is possible to catch a mini bus from bus stations in Estcourt or hitch in the daytime. This depends on the individual and discretion is advised.
It is generally a good idea to hire a car for the Drakensberg leg of your trip. This enables you to get around to other regions in the mountains. Different valleys are not that far apart but one has to travel in and out and around these.Use a good road map and look at the maps on www.inkosana.co.za
Contact details:
Tel: +27 (0)36 468 1202
inkosana@inkosana.co.za
www.inkosana.co.za
