Africa Safaris & Holidays

Inkosana Lodge offers Backpackers accommodation at Champagne Valley in the Central Drakensberg mountains, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa - The lodge has welcomed backpacking travellers for 25 years. Inkosana Lodge serves as an excellent base from which to explore the mighty Drakensberg range, a Unesco World Heritage site, or as a tranquil retreat for travellers to unwind before or after a safari in Africa.
 
The backpackers accommodation lodge is set amongst indigenous gardens against the backdrop of the peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains. There are acres of open space, undisturbed grassland, and the rolling hills of the Little 'Berg - all a mere 20 km away from Winterton. Inkosana Lodge attracts a wide range of people, from backpackers tramping through Africa to South Africans looking for a weekend getaway.

Backpacking accommodation consists of a suite in the main house, double rooms, thatched rondavels, dormitories, and a camping ground. The lodge has a self-catering kitchen and braai facilities, although it's quite well known for breakfasts and basic homecooked dinners.

Inkosana is only 7 km from the Monk's Cowl entrance of KwaZulu Natal's spectacular Ukhahlamba Drakensberg National Park and access to the higherst peaks in the Drakensberg, Champagne Castle, Injusuthi, Sterkhorn and Mafadi. It's centrally located making many other areas of the greater Drakensberg National Park accessible by short drives, such as Royal Natal National Park in the north and the Southern Berg.

If you're a serious hiker or climber, you'll find expert advice and guidance for your treks. If you want a pleasant walk, opportunities abound amongst the diverse natural flora and bird life. The Park is a Unesco World Heritage Site, both for it's natural beauty and San (Bushman) rock art paintings and you'll be able to explore both from Inkosana Lodge. Hiking's not the only thing to do from Inkosana Lodge. Many guests enjoy the horse riding and white water rafting in season. The area also features renowned craft centers, sport facilities and the world famous Drakensberg Boy's Choir. Easy access by car to many historical battlefield sites such as Isandhlwana and Spionkp.

The lodge is surrounded by 50 acres of grassland and indigenous gardens in the foothills of the Drakensberg. Facilities include braais/barbecues and a huge freshwater swimming pool.

Rates per person per night in EUR 2012:

In the Lodge:

Ensuite room (EUR 25) sleeps up to four people - it has a double bed and a bunk bed, a sitting area and full bathroom.
Double rooms (EUR 20) sleep up to four people - they have a double bed and a bunk bed.
Dormitory beds (EUR 15) - there are two dormitory rooms, each with six beds.

Separate Rondavels:

Thatched rondavels ensuite (EUR 25) - which sleep two people in a double bed.
Thatched rondavels with shared ablutions (EUR 20) - which sleep two people in a double bed.
Single Thatched rondavels with shared ablutions (EUR 30)
Single Thatched rondavels en suite (EUR 40)

Linen and towels are provided. Rooms are heated in winter and serviced daily by the Lodge staff. All rooms of the mainhouse except the suite use the large communal bathrooms and showers.

Additionally, Inkosana Lodge has a spacious camping area (ZAR 100).
 
The Drakensberg mountains of South Africa suit all hikers and climbers - hiking and climbing challenges for all abilities and aspirations. Inkosana Lodge offers the ideal base. The national park is administered by the Kwa Zulu-Natal Conservation Service which maintains a system of trails throughout the park. The nearest entrance at Monk's cowl in the Champagne castle area is only 7km from Inkosana Lodge and the other areas of the greater national park are within easy driving distance. For example: Giant's Castle, Rainbow Gorge, Cathedral Peak,Tugela falls, The amphitheatre, and in the Injasuthi area, Battle Cave and the highest peaks in South Africa, Mafadi and Injusuthi Peak.

Here is some general information

Geography
The Drakensberg hosts a striking range of ecological regions. These range from the alpine areas of the escarpment, to the grasslands and sandstone rock faces of the Little 'Berg and the indigenous forests found in the low river valleys. Hiking at low elevations is generally not too strenuous. A good number of mountain passes break through the escarpment wall and provide access to the top. Some peaks are accessible to hikers and the remainder provide a range of challenges to climbers.

Weather and Seasons
Hiking is year round in the Drakensberg. Winter (May - Aug.) is the preferred season for South African hikers and climbers since it features the most stable weather: days are sunny and warm, nights are cold and clear. There are occasional snowfalls, but these usually melt off quickly. Summer weather is more unpredictable. Rainfall can be frequent and weather can change unexpectedly, but it is usually good walking weather. Days are warm to hot with nights cool to warm.

Plants, Animals and Humans
Most of the Drakensberg park is classified as a wilderness area which has allowed the flora and fauna to remain relatively untouched. Rhebuck, eland, and troops of baboons are commonly found in the park as are a variety of birds including several species of eagles and vultures. Otters and the wild cats are usually very shy. Anteater and porcupine are only seen at night. As for human contact, the park is relatively under utilized: it's not unusual to hike for a whole day without seeing anyone else!

There are many great day hikes & walks in the Drakensberg approachable from Inkosana Lodge near Champagne Castle. They include Bushman painting sites.

The Monk's Cowl area is set around the Mpofane river valley, at the base of some of the Drakensberg's most spectacular peaks. Day hiking in the park is done on well-defined and maintained trails, and appeals to a wide variety of fitness and experience levels.

If you're looking for a good, easy walk, try the Hlathikulu forest trail as it winds through indigenous forests and the spectrum of Drakensberg wild flowers. Rest in the mist at the base of the magnificent Nandi's Falls and explore the pools along the Mpofane river.

Another great day hike takes you up past the sandstone rock faces of the valley to the grasslands at the base of Cathkin peak where Rhebuck and Eland graze. Bring your binoculars to focus in on the wide selection of bird life.

For fit hikers, two mountain peaks can be reached on day hikes:
Rock scrambling at the end of a four hour ascent will put you on the top of Sterkhorn (2970 m) - a stone's throw from mighty Catkhin peak and perched over the Mwhlazini river valley. The views are fantastic and you'll be able to see the Devil's Tooth at the Amphitheater in the north and Giant's Castle in the south.

Even harder is the 10 hour round trip that will take you up to the plateau of Champagne Castle (3337 m), one of the highest mountains in the Drakensberg. Here you can rest at the top of a 1000 m drop and watch rare bearded vultures circle before heading back down Gray's Pass.

Additionally, Inkosana is within short driving distance of other great day hiking regions of the Drakensberg:

The Cathedral Peak area is defined by a freestanding set of peaks extending from the escarpment, and is a 45 minute drive from Inkosana Lodge. Try the day walk to Rainbow Gorge where the spray from waterfalls form beautiful rainbows. Hard-core hikers can try the day hike to the top of Cathedral Peak (3007 m), one of the best day walks in the Drakensberg.
The Injasuthi area holds the highest peak in the Drakensberg and is especially notable as having one of the best sites of Bush men rock art in the area. This art can be explored with a guided walk to Battle Cave, which displays a battle scene between two Bushmen tribes. Injasuthi is only 45 minutes by car.

Royal Natal National Park is 90 minutes north and lies at the northern end of the Drakensberg range, at the base of the Amphitheater. Day hike up the beautiful Tugela river gorge, or drive an additional hour and walk up to and along the top of the escarpment to the Tugela falls, second highest waterfall in Africa!

Giant's Castle is another great site for Bushman rock art, with the caves only a 1.5 km walk from the entrance gate. Here you'll also find a museum which recreates Bush men life. Serious hikers can reach the top of the Drakensberg escarpment via Langalibalele Pass.

Here are a few examples of overnight hiking trips:
In the Monk's Cowl area, spend a night behind a waterfall while camping in Zulu Cave and continue on to explore the beautiful Didima Gorge. Some of the best San (Bushman) Rock Art can be found nearby in Eland Cave. Or head to the top and spend the night on top of Champagne Castle. Watch the sunrise above the clouds over Cathkin Peak and Kwa Zulu-Natal. Experienced hiking parties can descend via the hectic Ship's Prow Pass.

Around Cathedral Peak, try the three-day overnight hike - Bell Traverse. Begin with an ascent of Cathedral Peak and overnight in a cave at the base of the neighboring Bell mountain. The second day is spent winding your way through peaks at 3000 m and overnighting in spacious Twins Cave. The final day begins with a short trip up Mlambonjwa Pass to the top of the escarpment with magnificent views into Lesotho. Descend the pass, walking and rock-hopping down the Mlambonjwa river back to the valleys of the Little 'Berg.

Starting at Giant's Castle entrance, it's a steep ascent to a mountain hut directly below the basalt cliffs of Giant's Castle, and perched on the edge of a mountain lake. On the second day, a fairly easy walk takes you to the base of Langalibalele Pass. Once at the top, view the Carbineers' Graves which date from the English occupation of Natal. Overnight at Bannerman Cave. The third day takes a spectacular high-altitude traverse past Gypaetus Point where the bearded vultures nest. Ascending an enormous valley one reaches the Injasuthi area with the highest points in the Drakensberg. The evening is spent in Injasuthi Cave. On the final day, the traverse concludes with ridge-walking over a 1000 m drop, culminating with the arrival at Leslie's Pass, and a comparatively easy descent to the welcoming river valley. You may overnight in an indigenous forest or at Junction Cave. The final day needs just an easy two hour stroll to the Injasuthi entrance gate.

You may also reach the Highest Peaks of Mafadi and Injusuthi Peak from the Monks Cowl entrance and arrive at the Injusuthi camp on the third day.