Blog - INKOSANA Berg Lodge

Activities in Drakensberg

2024-02-14T00:00:00+02:00

Guests visiting the valley can visit the Tourism Office for area maps, activity maps and information regarding accommodation.

Introducing The Farm Kitchen Restaurant

2024-02-14T00:00:00+02:00

Join us at The Farm Kitchen Restaurant for a scrumptious breakfast with freshly sourced local ingredients and farm baked Ciabatta with our favorite plunger of Original House of Coffees.

For reservations: 036 88000 90 or Wapp 071 865 7122

Breakfast and Lunch Specials @ Inkosana Farm Kitchen

2022-07-27T00:00:00+02:00

The Farm Kitchen @ INKOSANA have experienced chefs that specializes in breakfast, light lunches and three course dinners.

Breakfasts includes a portion of cultured yogurt with layers of nut free muesli drizzled with honey and fresh seasonal fruit on the side. A hot plated breakfast with two eggs, bacon, two portions of side veg, farm bread and farm butter with jams.

The lunch menu specials include 200g rump steak, battered hake, Thai chicken salad, 6 veg samosa, veg halloumi wrap, Cajun chicken wraps and a veg platter.

If you are feeling for something sweet then try the fried banana wrapped in pancakes, served with pieces of fresh fruit and a dollop of ice cream or a tower of flap jacks served with fresh fruit, dollops of fresh cream and drizzled with syrup and chocolate sauce.

Kindly contact The Farm Kitchen

Cell: 0815287878

Tel: 036 4681202

Certificate of Excellence 2022

2022-03-22T00:00:00+02:00

The “CERTICATE OF EXCELLENCE” accolade awarded to Inkosana Berg Lodge, a hidden gem in Central Drakensberg. The lodge is located in the midst of The Champagne Valley and offers fantastic views of Champagne Castle, Cathkin Peak, Sterkhorn and the Dragons back.
The lodge is located amongst some of the finest accommodation in the berg, however, Inkosana Berg Lodge offers a variety of affordable accommodation that suits the budget traveller.

The lodge has a restaurant that offers light meals and three course dinners. Inkosana has a rustic bush feel with stunning mountain views. There are a variety of en-suite family rooms, en-suite rondavels and eco-rondavels with outdoor showers.

Room rates start from R795 per room and from R995 per family room, the affordable rates allows the exploring traveller to enjoy the best of the berg without breaking the budget. The lodge is often visited by professionals, young couples and families to retirees.

Inkosana Berg Lodge is 2h45min drive from King Shaka International Airport.

Contact Karen for direct bookings.
Cell: +27 81 528 7878
Tel: +27 36 468 1202

Tourism during Lockdown

2021-07-22T00:00:00+02:00

Attitudes to travel in the “COVID era” have shifted from socializing in large crowds, crowded swimming pools to small private gatherings, with minimum interaction with other guests, hence smaller hotels and lodges had a marginal increase in occupancy.

There’s a demand for accommodation in outlying areas like the Midlands, Drakensberg, St Lucia and other outlying areas rather than cities or highly congested places.

Self catering accommodation gives consumers control in taking care of hygiene, food and having their own private space rather than sharing a communal space with other guests.

However, booking self catering accommodation for shorter stays can be more expensive than booking in a hotel or lodge with restaurant facilities. The costs, time and wastage involved to gather and haul your groceries for a short stay would often cost more than booking at a hotel or lodge with restaurant facilities.

The advantage of booking Establishments with restaurant facilities is guests meals and needs are taken care of while guests can relax, unwind and explore the beautiful surroundings and activities.

Top 5 consumer trends when booking accommodation.

1. Location: Location is everything, location with good infrastructure such as roads, fuel, supermarkets, activities such as golf courses, hiking trails, horse riding, hot air ballooning, river cruises, access to beaches, game parks and national parks makes your vacation more enjoyable and fun.
2. Price vs Value: Neat, clean, hygienic and affordable accommodation with tea/coffee service, free parking, turn down service, breakfast included and most importantly security.
3. Reviews: Google, Establishment and Trip Adviser reviews, unbiased reviews and guest ratings.
4. Previous Experience by Guests: Guests enjoyed their previous stay, repeat booking.
5. Adherence to COVID-19 rules - Visibility, wearing of masks, sanitizing stations etc.

All establishments have prioritized COVID-19 protocols. Establishments follow strict COVID-19 regulations implemented by the government.

MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS

2020-02-05T00:00:00+02:00

The Friday evening performance is Loki Rothman. Loki was one of the Top 6 on the first season of SA’s Got Talent.

The Saturday show is a Pop Gala (performed by the Joburg Youth Orchestra and DBCS)

The Mozart Requiem (performed by DBCS, Joburg Youth Orchestra, DBCS Old Boys, and Symphony Chorus of Pretoria).

The Sunday performance will be of religious nature.

Drakensberg Educational Group Tours

2019-02-16T00:00:00+02:00

Kwazulu Natal has an abundance of historical sites, the Okhahlamba Drakensberg area has the second highest Waterfall in the World, the highest Peak in Southern Africa, Hydro Electric Pump Station that is 31 storeys underground and the world famous Drakensberg Boys Choir performing a variety of music including local Afro-jazz.

THE TOUR:

NELSON MANDELA CAPTURE SITE: Tour the Sculpture, the “long walk”, the actual capture site, Mandela’s favorite store in the area.

DRAKENSBERG BOYS CHOIR: Outstanding talented performances by youngsters, frequented by tourists from around the world.

ESKOM HYDRO ELECTRIC PUMP STATION: This amazing structure is 31 storeys below the ground. You will be intrigued by this two hour maths and science related tour. Learn about the dams that feeds water to the Vaal triangle.

SPIOENKOP: Walk through the “Battlefields”, one on the bloodiest battles in history, you have heard about the Anglo Boer War now be prepared for an interesting tour and learn how this iconic battle relates to the “KOP” at Anfield in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

THE BATTLE OF LANGALIBALELE: Learn about the Langabelele people and how they worked the Kimberly mines and later in 1873 went to battle. Langa township in Cape Town has links to the Langabelele people.

SAN ROCK ART: Rock art dates back to more than 2400 years ago. Visit the rock art cave where the art will be interpreted for you.

INKOSANA Signature Dish - South African OXTAIL

2018-11-12T00:00:00+02:00

This dish is not often found on most menu’s as it takes skill to prepare the Oxtail until the “meat falls of the bone”. The controlled low heat cooking process usually takes between 5-6 hours for the perfect texture andtaste. OX-TAIL is one of the five signature dishes at INKOSANA Berg Lodge, including grilled barracuda, aromatic butter chicken curry, succulent fillet steak and tradional South African potjie prepared in a 3 legged cast iron pot.

The oxtail is served in a coupe plate, presented on a bed of mash with green salad and best enjoyed with a glass of Merlot. The lodge offers a daily special 3 course menu. All meals are prepared from the freshest ingredients and reservations for dinner must be confirmed by 4pm

Guests that have special dietary requirements receive our unwavering hospitality as we try our best to prepare a special meal.

Serving our best each time every time.

Transport to Drakensberg From Durban

2018-10-30T00:00:00+02:00

The closest international airport is King Shaka (DBN), situated on the north of Durban along the N2 National Highway. Travellers have the option of vehicle hire or private taxi’s. The National roads in Kwazulu Natal are in good condition, the secondary roads are driveable but one should be aware of the odd “pot hole” more often after heavy rain. The route to Central Drakensberg is mostly travelled on the national roads, take the N2 from the airport towards Durban and then follow the N3 towards Pietermaritzburg (PMB), continue on the N3 for a further (93km) until you reach exit 179 Central Drakensberg / Estcourt.

Inkosana Berg Lodge offers a shuttle service on Monday’s and Wednesday’s from Durban. Arrangements must be made in advance. Guided overnight hikes will commence the day after arrival. Kindly contact The Lodge for further information and rates.

Hiking Safely in Drakensberg

2018-10-28T00:00:00+02:00

The mountain can be unforgiving, it is very easy the get lost in the mountain especially if you follow the wrong trail. Mountain animals often create their own pathway, this could easily be confused for a human trail.

Overnight Hike from Monks Cowl

2018-10-18T00:00:00+02:00

INKOSANA Berg Lodge has a in-house trained and licensed mountain guide. Our licensed guide is trained to specialized in the Central Drakensberg area. Guides are informative about the surroundings, familiar with fauna, flora, geology, local animals and most important guides are able to predict weather changes and protect you. Weather changes in the mountain can be instantaneous and can lead to flash flooding and risky conditions.

Our Guide will accompany you from the lodge and bring you back to the lodge. He is trained in managing groups, setting up a camp site, minimize and manage safety and emergency incidents, preparation of meals, efficient in first aid but most importantly he is skilled to make your experience a memorable one.

The most popular overnight hikes are Zulu Cave and Staple Cave. These trails are completed in two days. The popular Champagne Castle Peak is hiked over three days.

Please contact INKOSANA Berg Lodge for further information, hikes must be booked and arranged in advance and is subject to the availability of the caves and the guide. The guide can change the trail route should he feel there is an element of risk.

PIZZA IN DRAKENSBERG

2018-10-08T00:00:00+02:00

Breaking Bread @ INKOSANA Berg Lodge has a traditional Naplese style pizza oven. The oven is built with fire bricks and fire cement, material used is some of the finest in the industry thus enhancing the quality of the pizza’s baked in the oven. Pizza’s are cooked at heat levels up to 350 degrees celsius. The pizza base is laid on heated firebricks and cooked to absolute perfection. Some of the favorite toppings are Italian calamata olives, creamy danish feta, caramalised onions, Italian salami, fresh avo’s, butter chicken and coriander to name a few.

Our chef has many years of experience and is skilled in preparing a thin base pizza dough, the base has a light crunch underneath and perfect on top. Thin base dough is a skill that can only be mastered with experience. Visit Breaking Bread @ INKOSANA Berg Lodge for an amazing pizza experience.

INKOSANA Berg Lodge Rated #1 Speciality Lodge in Central Drakensberg - Trip Adviser 2018

2018-08-21T00:00:00+02:00

INKOSANA Berg Lodge is more of a bush lodge in Central Drakensberg. A lodge with a different culture, a traditional South African Experience, “Warm hospitality, great staff and awesome food made with love.” This is what our guests say.

Guests can find a number of nocturnal animals at the lodge including bush buck, Black back jackal, spotted genet, cerval, porcupine, Southern Bush Hare and grey Rhebuck.

INKOSANA Berg Lodge offers various types of accommodation from Backpackers, limited camping, family rooms, Zulu huts and traditional thatched Rondavels. Rates are from R250 pp to R1800 per room during peak periods. The lodge has claim to international accolades and hosts 65-70% international guests, INKOSANA is still rated as the best valued lodge in Central Drakensberg.

INKOSANA was rated No.3 in the World in 2014 - Lonely Planet “BEST VALUE HOTELS.” INKOSANA Berg Lodge has a current rating of 4.5/5 on Trip Adviser with 93% reviews being Very Good/Excellent. INKOSANA is currently rated #1 Speciality Lodge in Central Drakensberg.

Visit Trip Adviser to add your review if you were a guest at INKOSANA.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/Hotel_Review-g7850453-d1545103-Reviews-Inkosana_Lodge-Cathkin_Park_Drakensberg_Region_KwaZulu_Natal.html

ACTIVITIES IN DRAKENSBERG

2018-08-02T00:00:00+02:00

Fresh mountain air with refreshing mountain water, a day filled with adventure, fantastic food and wine with rustic comfortable and luxury accommodation, this is Okhahlamba “Barrier of Spears”

Things to do in Drakensberg.

1. Guided overnight hike to Zulu Cave or a three day hike to Champagne Castle Peak 3477m, the third highest peak in South Africa.

2. Visit the world famous Drakensberg Boys Choir located 3 min from INKOSANA Berg Lodge. (Shows only on Wednesday, closed during school holidays and international tours)

3. A leisure hike from Monks Cowl Park to Nandi Falls (8 Km’s - 4 hour return) carry a light picnic

4. Visit the Cave Museum in Giant’s Castle (Tour every hour on the hour)

5. Eskom Pump Station guided tour (approx 2 hours) Booking is essential

6. Horse riding in the Berg

7. Order a picnic from Inkosana Berg Lodge and enjoy the view from the indigenous garden.

8. The Shiva Statue in Central Drakensberg, located 5km from Inkosana Berg Lodge.

The Berg is filled with activities for the adventurous and for those that just want to relax and bask under the sun with a book or star gaze at night around a cosy fire. Visit the berg and explore your options.

Experience South Africa, Experience Inkosana

BERG & BUSH CYCLE

2018-07-31T00:00:00+02:00

Accommodation at INKOSANA Berg Lodge ranges from R295pppn sharing. The Lodge is located in the valley across the Champagne Sports Golf Course. Winterton is 20 minutes drive from Central Drakensberg. The Lodge allows camping, have Dorm style rooms, family rooms and stunning Rondavels.

Parking is undercover, safe and secure. A social kitchen and fire pits are available to all guests.

Drakensberg INKOSANA Lodge Highly Rated

2018-06-26T00:00:00+02:00

At INKOSANA Berg Lodge guests get to relax, enjoy good delicious food and leave refreshed and rejuvenated. The Lodge is peaceful, quite, tranquil and has lots of open spaces for you to enjoy some time alone with a magnificent view of the mountains. INKOSANA Berg Lodge was rated No. 3 in the WORLD for being THE MOST VALUED LODGE. Certainly we have continued the trend and proved to be the most affordable and valuable lodge in the popular Central Drakensberg. The Lodge has an outstanding traveler rating on Trip Adviser with an amazing 92% of reviews being VERY GOOD to EXCELLENT. INKOSANA Berg Lodge is also rated #1 from 6 Speciality Lodges in Central Drakensberg. The #1 rave is about the delicious food that is served from INKOSANA Lodge kitchen. The Lodge management is passionate about the quality of food served. The Lodge brings in a weekly stock of freshly caught game fish, the most popular is the amazing "Couta", seared on the grill and baked in the oven with aroma of spices and herbs from the garden. The best of the hormone free steaks are served at INKOSANA, the tender "fillet" steak is a popular meal, marinated with the correct balance of spices and seared to perfection, the poultry is free range and hormone free, served grilled or in a North Indian style curry.

The staff are friendly and passionate about their guests ensuring your stay will certainly be comfortable, memorable and rejuvenated at INKOSANA Berg Lodge.

Experience South Africa, Experience INKOSANA

Wedding Packages in Drakensberg

2018-06-18T00:00:00+02:00

INKOSANA Berg Lodge situated in the popular Central Drakensberg is the perfect place for any couple that intends to tie the knot and make their wedding a memorable experience. The Lodge can currently sleep upto 60 guests and set to expand to sleep between 80 to 100 guests.

Weddings are no longer celebrated by crowds of people and extended families. This memorable day is often treasured amongst the closest of families and friends. The number of guests on the wish list is often reduced to 40 to 60 guests which is ideally suited to the lodge. A reduced number of guests is not only affordable but is more private and intimate. If you are looking for a private affair with a tranquil setting then visit INKOSANA Berg Lodge for an affordable wedding package. The package includes live music, fantastic food, accommodation and a perfect setting.

INKOSANA Berg Lodge has a variety of accommodation. Dorm rooms for the kids, family rooms and stunning thatched private Rondavels set away from the lodge. Camp sites are available for the nature lovers that would love to spend the night under the stars.

Meals can be enjoyed under the african stars or in the cosy dining area. A white stretch tent is an option in the manicured lawn. The lodge has stunning areas for photographs, the herb garden has a beautiful fountain with stunning iron work and olde world iron chairs placed around the fountain overlooking Champagne Castle and Cathkin Peak. The summerhouse has a 6m concrete table and wrought iron chairs, the roof is covered with beautiful rose plants and is an amazing feature for photography.

The traditional Zulu hut with beautiful thatched roof is the perfect structure for a bride and groom massage. A pre-wedding treatment to calm and relax your mind, body and soul. A short walk to the fresh water pool with a wooden deck that aged with time gives this area a rustic outlook, the peaks reflects itself onto this stunning pool during the stillest of days. Take the plunge into this chemical free pool filled with mountain fresh water, a plunge to remember.

The garden area in front of the thatched Rondavels is filled with indigenous plants and flowers, with a series of paths leading to the Rondavels. This is an amazing place for the perfect photo's. A wedding, reception and photography in the same venue. This is INKOSANA, the perfect place and a start to your new chapter in life, tranquil, peaceful and blessed.

CONQUER THE HIGHEST PEAKS FROM INKOSANA BERG LODGE

2018-05-28T00:00:00+02:00

Join us on a three day hike from INKOSANA Berg Lodge to the third highest peak in South Africa. Champagne Castle is summitted via Greys Pass, camp will be set at Keith Bush Camp for two nights. This exciting trip starts with your first nigh at INKOSANA Berg Lodge with a three course South African Cuisine. Next morning you will meet at Monks Cowl for registration and final check of your gear. The guides will lead the way to Keiths Bush Camp where you will setup camp. Dinner will be served under the stars. Next morning you will hike to the summit of Champagne Castle, enjoy lunch on the Peak and return to camp. Dinner under the stars for the second night and return to Monks Cowl Parking the next morning. Proceed back to INKOSANA Berg Lodge, enjoy a refreshing shower and a glass of wine around the fire and share your experiences. Dinner will be served and depart the next day.

RATES FROM R3950PP includes the guide, accommodation, meals, park fees.

CAMPING IN DRAKENSBERG

2018-05-19T00:00:00+02:00

INKOSANA Berg Lodge offers a variety of accommodation. This is the reason why INKOSANA Berg Lodge is world famous and you would often find more international visitors at the Lodge rather than locals. Recently there has been a high demand in requests for Camp sites. INKOSANA Berg Lodge offers the perfect venue for picnicking and camping. The campsites are set out on manicured lawns, surrounded by indigenous flora and fauna. The lodge has a fully operational kitchen of which campers are welcome to join for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Picnic and hiking packs are available to guests that have plans to hike all day.

A fully equipped beautiful thatched roof Rondavel styled communal kitchen is available to all guests, complimentary tea and coffee is provided in the communal kitchen. This is a great meeting place for guests to share their adventures and stories. Plug points are available in the communal kitchen for guests to charge their mobile devices . The kitchen is ideally located close to the camp sites and guests have 24 hour access. The communal shower has hot water, guests enjoy the showers with the view of the mountain, this is a truly South African experience.

The lodge has a friendly night guard that sees to guests arriving late at night, he would guide guests to the camp site and assist with pitching up the tents.

INKOSANA Berg Lodge have limited camp sites, booking is essential.

www.inkosana.co.za

Drakensberg Accomodation

2018-05-15T00:00:00+02:00

The Central Drakensberg is noted for some of the most outstanding hiking trails. Monks Cowl is a great base to start, some of the highest peaks such as Champagne Castle, Cathkin Peak, Sterkhorn and Monks Cowl can be accessed from here, these hikes require expertise, experience and endurance. The little berg is stunning at any time of the day. The views are remarkably outstanding from Blindmans corner which is a mere 6 hour return hike from Monks Cowl.

INKOSANA Berg Lodge is a great base to setup your gear for a few days in the Berg. The Lodge accommodates campers, backpackers, family rooms and Rondavels for couples wishing to spend some romantic time away from the everyday madness. INKOSANA Berg Lodge is 7km from Monks Cowl and 2.5km from Drakensberg Boys Choir.

Wedding's in Drakensberg

2018-05-12T00:00:00+02:00

The sun setting beyond the peaks is absolutely amazing, the burnt orange sky is the perfect setting for the amazing pictures. Berg wedding's are becoming ever so popular amongst the young at heart. Couples are opting for smaller weddings often willing to spend this special moment with close family and friends. INKOSANA Berg Lodge offers the awe-inspiring beauty of the Berg, set amongst indigenous plants and trees with literally a Rolls Royce view of the majestic Champagne Castle as the "bonnet", Cathkin Peak as the "Roof" and "Spare Tyre".

The entrance to INKOSANA Lodge from the driveway is rustic and farm like. Driving down the 400m gravel road with 500 Yellow wood trees lined enhances the mood and the setting of this beautiful place.

The rustic beauty of this peaceful and amazing place is a photographers haven. The Lodge is surrounded by stunning settings such as the "herb garden" with a "summer house", summer fountain and shaped lemon and orange trees. A path winds pass traditional Zulu huts and a fresh water pool with a viewing deck onto manicured lawn. This is the perfect place for your memorable photos with the mountain reflecting into the dam, just beyond the manicured lawn are a web of pathways to nine beautiful thatched Rondavels. This is truly a South African experience.

INKOSANA Berg Lodge can sleep up to 60 guests, the lodge has dorm style accommodation, family rooms and Rondavels for couples. INKOSANA has a functional kitchen and uses free range and organic ingredients. A stretch tent overlooking the indigenous plants and trees can be propped for the perfect wedding.

Enquire about special rates for events and weddings.

Mother's Day in Drakensberg

2018-05-07T00:00:00+02:00

The INKOSANA chef has designed three sit down menu's for our special mums this Mother's Day. Mum's have a choice of fish and prawn; aged fillet stake or grilled chicken. INKOSANA'S special soup will be served as a starter and our guests will end their meal with a sweet pudding; Mississippi Mud Pie or Strawberry Cheesecake. Mum's will receive a complimentary glass of wine or a virgin Strawberry Daquiri cocktail. INKOSANA Berg Lodge has rooms available this Mother's Day weekend, lunch and dinner is served daily.

Three Course Dinner from R150 per person..

Bookings are essential: Kindly contact Karen @ 0815287878 for reservations.

Drakensberg Backpackers with Continental Breakfast

2018-05-07T00:00:00+02:00

Usually the next morning is a recovery stage after the previous challenging day of hiking, this calls for a healthy and nutritious breakfast. INKOSANA Lodge and Backpackers serves a unique South African Continental breakfast consisting of fresh fruit and juice, cereals, local porridge, traditional Zulu pan cakes (Magwenya), farm bread, butter, cheese, jams and eggs. The breakfast is the perfect meal for a start to the perfect day.

Dinner is available at a cost of R150 for a three course sit down meal. INKOSANA Lodge do not serve buffets as our meals are organic and free range which is freshly prepared.

Guests can book their meals on checkin or at least 2 hours before dinner, it is adequate time for the chef to prepare a wholesome meal of the highest quality.

Contact Karen for Reservations: 0815287878

BLIND MAN'S CORNER

2018-04-24T00:00:00+02:00

Cheese Cake, Mississippi Mud Pudding, Black Forest cake in Drakensberg

2018-04-24T00:00:00+02:00

INKOSANA BERG Lodge offers this perfect setting with the most delicious cakes. Join us at INKOSANA BERG Lodge for a choice of fridge cakes, baked cakes or hot puddings. Our cakes are absolutely delightful, you will certainly be tempted to try the variety. The range of cakes are best enjoyed with a cup of filter coffee served in a plunger on the porch with amazing views.

The kitchen prepares a three course set meal daily. You can try our free range chicken, hormone free meat or a healthy portion of hake. Winter calls for some of the best soups in the valley, such as our famous chili corn soup with farm fresh bread or our famous corn and mushroom samosas.

A light lunch time menu includes quiche, fish and chips, samosas and toasted sandwiches. A range of beers, ciders, wines, 100% health juices are available.