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This is a call out to all adventure junkies: GET YOUR BUTTS TO DRAKENSBERG!
Drakensberg is a wild area of the central South African plateau, there are so many activities to immerse yourself in this ancient landscape.
With abseiling, hiking, 4×4 adventures, canopy tours, white water rafting, hot air ballooning, slack packing, quad biking, and so much more… There are so many action-packed activities to fill your days with in Drakensberg, South Africa. If you dive in head first, you’ll never be bored.
With easy access to abundant, beautiful Drakensburg nature, you can also just spend some time recharging. Whether you want a relaxing week in the sunshine and countryside, or an action-packed adventure filled with adrenaline, Drakensberg has something for you!
With so much on offer, it can be quite overwhelming when trying to decide where to stay in Drakensberg. But equipped with my easy, step-by-step guide, you’ll find the best areas to stay in Drakensberg to meet your interests and budget!
You’ll be an expert on the areas of Drakensberg in no time and rearing to book your stay in the best area for you.
Without further ado, let’s get into the good stuff.
Photo: Roaming Ralph
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
- Where is the Best Place to Stay in Drakensberg?
- Drakensberg Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Drakensberg
- Drakensberg’s Four Best Neighborhoods to Stay In
- FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Drakensberg
- What To Pack For Drakensberg
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Drakensberg
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Drakensberg
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Backpacking South Africa and looking for a specific stay right now, no time to read on? These are my highest recommendations for where to stay in Drakensberg…
Moorcroft Manor Boutique Country Hotel | Best Hotel in Drakensberg
This exquisite hotel is in the tranquil and undisturbed neighbourhood of Underberg. With outstanding grounds and large spacious rooms, each with its own spectacular view, you won’t want to stay anywhere else.
There’s a beautiful garden where you can enjoy South African wine from the hotel’s cellar and a lovely restaurant where you can try some Drakensberg delicacies!
Sani Lodge Backpackers | Best Hostel in Drakensberg
This is a hostel like no other. Created way back in 1992, this hostel has had plenty of time to ensure that its standards are higher than all the rest.
Not only has it got luxurious features like an outdoor pool, but it is also environmentally conscious. The owners have made an active effort to conserve water and energy and recycle well. So if you want luxury whilst also being a friend to the planet, this is the best hostel in Drakensberg!
Karoo Ridge Cottage | Best Airbnb in Drakensberg
For a truly authentic, rustic stay, look no further than this enchanting cottage! It is an eco-lodge designed to be friendly to the environment but without infringing on your luxury!
The furnishings are simple and tasteful and you can come here with all the family or a large group of friends as there is plenty of room!
Cathkin Park
Cathkin Park is the most visited area of Drakensberg and is definitely the best place to visit if you’ve never been here before.
Underberg
To the southern end of the Drakensberg Park is Underberg. It’s a small town right at the bottom of the valley, and slightly more secluded, making it the cheaper option if you’re travelling on a budget!
Winterton
Winterton is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for cool, unique experiences. To the north of Drakensberg , but not too close to the tourist hub, this area has the perfect balance of busy and relaxed.
Royal Natal National Park
A holiday in South African is the perfect place for a family to bond and spend some quality time together. And Drakensberg is no exception.
With so much history, culture, and scenery to enjoy, Drakensberg is one of the best places to visit in South Africa!
Make sure you know as much as possible before visiting Drakensberg. Use my hiking in the Drakensberg article to gain valuable information and to travel like a pro!
Drakensberg’s Four Best Neighborhoods to Stay In
Beautiful Drakensberg is on the easternmost point of the Great Escarpment, an area of outstanding natural beauty on the central Southern African plateau. This is a vast landscape of glorious mountains and stunning valleys with gorgeous little villages scattered across it. It crosses borders between South Africa and Lesotho, making it an amazing place to visit as you get to experience two different cultures!
If you’re after bustling cities, this isn’t the place for you, but the breathtaking views will make up for the lack of skyscrapers, I promise. Stay in Cathkin Park to be amongst the different kind of skyline this area has to offer! Surrounded by magnificent mountains, this is the perfect place to visit if you like being outdoors and going on adventures!
The wildlife here is also something to boast about. There are 300 bird species and so many other typical safari animals. You can engage with the wildlife, but make sure it’s ethical! Stay in Underberg, my budget option for where to stay in the Drakensberg, and visit one of the biggest bird sanctuaries in the area.
Family adventures are easy to find in the Drakensberg region, especially if you stay near the Royal Natal National Park. The best place to stay in Drakensberg for families, you’ll find something to suit everyones tastes and still be a part of the action!
The culture here is also truly fascinating. You can immerse yourself in village life and get to know more about South African delicacies- including of course, world-famous South African wines! Spend some time in Winterton, my choice for the coolest place to stay in Drakensberg.
Roads may be scarce but there are plenty of local companies who will be willing to guide you around this vast landscape! If you’re travelling here from afar, the nearest airport is Matsaile Airport.
1. Cathkin Park – Where to Stay in Drakensberg for Your First Time
Cathkin Park is the most visited area of Drakensberg and is definitely the best place to visit if you’ve never been here before. You can enjoy the local wildlife and see everything this area has to offer on foot, on a bike, or even from a hot air balloon!
The culture, nature, and history are all so easily accessible from this neighbourhood and the accommodation is fantastic – what more could you want?
The Nest Drakensberg Hotel | Best Hotel in Cathkin Park
This lovely hotel has all the luxury you could wish for without the hefty price tag. Just a 15-minute drive away from some of Cathkin Park’s top attractions, this hotel’s location is fantastic and the scenery from your bedroom will be stunning!
There’s a complimentary breakfast, an outdoor pool and a terrace.
Drakensberg Sun | Best Luxury Hotel in Cathkin Park
This hotel is luxury at its finest. You can tell just how popular this hotel is by the number of great reviews it has received from its customers. It is tastefully and warmly decorated to reflect its stunning surroundings and there are some great facilities to make use of. You simply won’t want to leave.
Rivendell | Best Cottage in Cathkin Park
Right in the heart of the mountains, you’ll find this aptly named oasis – Rivendell. There is a spacious communal kitchen and dining area, with picture windows to enjoy the fabulous panoramic views which surround this cottage.
There are three en-suite bedrooms with access to the patio where you can enjoy a BBQ in the hot sun!
Things to See and Do in Cathkin Park
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Fancy getting active and seeing the incredible sights around you? Why not hire a mountain bike and head out on one of Cathkin Park’s amazing trails? They vary depending on your ability and are a great way to see the countryside!
- Not keen on wheels? That’s no problem, there are equivalent trails available for hikers too!
- Take your hikes to a whole new level with Umphafa Berg Tours. On these tours, you could go on an overnight hike and eat traditional meals in ancient villages along the way!
- Interested in ancient art? Then why not go on a San Rock Art painting tour? This ancient landscape is full of rock art which is hundreds of years old. Be shown around these fascinating sites and have a go yourself!
- The best way to see this spectacular scenery is definitely from the air and the perfect place to achieve this is Hot Air Ballooning SA! Hop into a hot air balloon and gaze over the breathtaking Champagne Valley.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey2. Underberg – Best Place to Stay in Drakensberg on a Budget
Underberg is towards the southern end of the Drakensberg Park. It’s a small town right at the bottom of the valley, and slightly more secluded, making it the cheaper option if you’re travelling on a budget.
But this doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on anything! You’re probably more likely to see some of Drakensberg’s rarer sights as there are fewer people around. There are so many animal sanctuaries and opportunities to see wildlife, so if you’re a nature lover, Underberg is the place for you.
Malachite Manor | Best Hotel in Underberg
This hotel is as luxurious as it is large, with beautifully decorated rooms overlooking the fantastic grounds here. Features include a complimentary breakfast, an indoor pool and a wonderful restaurant. You’ll be really close to the town of Underberg and its outstanding surroundings, so this is a great base for your adventures here!
Sani Lodge Backpackers | Best Hostel in Underberg
This is a hostel like no other. Created way back in 1992, this hostel has had plenty of time to ensure that its standards are higher than all the rest.
Located in The Sani Pass, this hostel has luxurious features like an outdoor pool, and it is also environmentally conscious. The owners have made an active effort to conserve water and energy and recycle well!
Sunset View Cottage | Best Cottage in Underberg
This is a bright and spacious cottage with gorgeous views across the Drakensberg Champagne Valley. There’s a lovely garden where you can enjoy breakfast or a chilled drink in the evening after a hard day of exploring!
Partially powered by solar energy, this studio is the perfect place to stay if you want to be friendly to the environment. If you love animals, there are very friendly dogs, cats, chickens and donkeys on the property who love to play if they’re invited to.
Things to See and Do in Underberg
Photo: Ana Pereira
- Head slightly north to The Crane Centre and Sanctuary, which holds all three species of southern African crane! Guided tours are available for an up-close look at these magnificent birds!
- Sani Pass Tours can take you on brilliant and expertly planned day trips and tours across the border into Lesotho!
- Take a day trip east to Fort Nottingham. Here you’ll find a fascinating museum and a small village with cute cafes and a rustic atmosphere!
- To see some truly beautiful scenery, head to the quirkily named Giant’s Cup Wilderness Reserve. If you’re patient, you’ll see some of South Africa’s most tremendous wildlife, as well as some breathtaking scenery across lakes and up mountains!
- Go for the slowest, scariest, most spectacular drive, down the Drakensberg Escarpment through the Sani Pass and have a drink at Maluti pub, the highest pub in the world!
3. Winterton – Coolest Place to Stay in Drakensberg
Winterton is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for cool, unique experiences. To the north of Drakensberg, but not too close to the tourist hub, this area has the perfect balance of busy and relaxed.
Whether you just want to sit back and enjoy the South African countryside or immerse yourself in the local culture, both are readily available here!
Winterton Country Lodge at Rose Cottage | Best Hotel in Winterton
Tucked away amidst the mountainous countryside is this delightful hotel. There is a swimming pool where you can relax and bask in the sunshine while sipping on a glass of South African wine!
The rooms are large and spacious and there’s free self-parking so you can use it as a base for drives across the plains!
Three Tree Hill | Best Luxury Hotel in Winterton
Overlooking the Spioenkop Game Reserve, Three Tree Hill is the peak of luxury in Winterton. There’s a complimentary breakfast, an outdoor pool and loads of lovely communal areas, making this hotel feel more like a mini village than a resort!
Groeneveld farm retreat | Best Airbnb in Winterton
In the middle of a farm, this accommodation is a traditional thatched rondavel with your own shower and toilet. Situated in an artist’s garden decorated with touches of South African art and craft under the Drakensberg Mountains, this is the place for recharging in nature.
Winterton is just a five-minute drive away from restaurants and if you venture further afield, you’ll find plenty of options for hiking, cycling, even rafting!
Things to See and Do in Winterton
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
- One of South Africa’s most famous and most profitable outputs is wine and the best place to experience this is the Cathedral Peak Wine Estate. You can taste all the wines and have a light lunch while you’re enjoying the grapes!
- Stay at the Cathedral Peak Hotel and take a guided hike to see 1,000-year-old paintings of hunters and lions.
- Fancy a bit of adventure? Head to Four Rivers Rafting and Adventures, where you can enjoy a variety of activities! Zoom about on a Quadbike, team-building and even murder mystery dinners!
- Fancy seeing a bit of amazing wildlife? Head to Falcon Ridge Bird of prey centre, where you’ll see loads of rehabilitated predators taking to the skies!
- The Ushaka Horsetrails will give you yet another way of exploring this amazing landscape – by horseback! These four-legged friends will show you around this amazing area, with beautiful views down the valley!
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Grab an eSIM!4. Royal Natal National Park – Best Neighborhood in Drakensberg for Families to Stay In
A holiday in South Africa is the perfect place for a family to bond and spend some quality time together. Drakensberg is no exception. I recommend the Royal Natal National Park area as a place for families to stay in Drakensberg!
There are so many adventures to go on in this area, whether you’re looking for adrenaline or a slightly more relaxing activity, like trekking. You’ll find activities to suit all generations of the family, without missing out on the amazing scenery around you!
Drakensberg Mountain Retreat | Best Hotel in Royal Natal National Park
Nestled in the splendour of the Drakensberg mountains is this wonderful hotel. Perfect for all the family there’s an indoor pool, games room with a snooker table and a wonderful restaurant serving up all sorts of tasty treats.
This is the perfect place to stay in the Royal Natal National Park area if you want luxury without breaking the bank!
Alpine Health Resort | Best Luxury Hotel in Royal Natal National Park
This village-like hotel will give your family the privacy you need whilst also allowing you to be part of a mini-community. You’ll have your own private areas as well as access to the communal pool, restaurant and games rooms.
If you want to truly relax and enjoy your surroundings, this is the place for you!
Ad Astra Mountain House | Best Airbnb in Royal Natal National Park
With endless mountains stretching around you as far as the eye can see, this house is for you if you love peace and serenity. Set in a remote area near a World Heritage Site, this large and secluded family home is the perfect place to spend quality time together. Ad Astra Mountain House is set high up in the Northern Drakensberg mountains with two bedrooms and the most expansive views.
The property is 121 ha in total area. This includes open grasslands, dense mountain forests, a deep gorge with a waterfall (in the rainy season), and spectacular views. Ideal for people who love to hike, mountain bike or simply relax and take it all in.
Things to See and Do in Royal Natal National Park
Photo: Rock Slatter
- To get a true feel for village life in this area of South Africa, look no further than Wowzulu Mazizini! Get a guided walk around the village, a lesson in weaving, or even a tractor ride up the side of a mountain!
- For a fun-filled day for all the family, head to All Out Adventures! It’s the perfect place to get your adrenaline running, whilst simultaneously taking in the amazing scenery! There’s paintballing, zip wires, a bungee jump and so much more on offer here!
- If you head slightly east of the Royal Natal National Park, you’ll find the stunning Woodstock Dam reservoir, upon which you’ll also find Banana Bridge. This is the perfect place to get some fantastic views across the lake, as well as get up close to the water!
- Take a road trip through Southern Africa’s highest mountain range and see ‘the Amphitheatre’. Hike up the Chain Ladders to look out over Tugela Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the world.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Drakensberg
Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Drakensberg and where to stay.
What To Pack For Drakensberg
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
What is the best area to stay in Drakensberg?
Cathkin Park is where you should stay if you’ve never been to Drakensberg before. Book yourself a dope place, ease into it, and get ready to explore!
Where to stay in Drakensberg for families?
Cavern Drakensberg Resort! Set amongst stunning gardens in the heart of Northern Drakensberg, this accommodation has been established for over 75 years, you will be in good hands. You and your family will be well looked after with three meals and two guided hikes included in the daily room rate.
Trust me when I say this isn’t your typical ‘family-friendly’ accommodation and check it out if you’re flying solo or with a crew too.
Where to stay in Drakensberg to get the best Airbnb?
Ad Astra Mountain House is my top pick, the mountain lodge property is 121 ha in total area. Wide open spaces set in the beautiful Drakensberg Mountains get me going! Mountain Mountain Mountain, I’m in heaven.
This includes open grasslands, dense mountain forests, a deep gorge with a waterfall (in the rainy season), and spectacular views. Ideal for people who love to hike, mountain bike or simply relax and take it all in.
So Many Mountains so little time… What’s your favourite?
Dude. So many to choose from! I could spend a lifetime trekking around this stunning landscape and still not get sick of it… Maybe that’s hyperbole but hey, never let the truth get in the way of a good story am I right? My top 3 would have to be
- Giants Castle
- Cathkin Peak
- Champagne Castle
Remember, you are in Africa, stay safe. I always recommend taking a guided hike.
If you can, hunt out the Black Mambas!
I haven’t turned from an ethical animal aficionado to a snake hunter, hold your horses. The Black Mambas are a boss-ass, all-black group of predominantly female anti-poaching heroes. Like their namesake snake, they’re feared.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Drakensberg
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Drakensberg
Fabulous scenery, all kinds of activities, and a whole host of cultures and history to learn about. It comes as no surprise that the Drakensberg Mountains are the perfect place to visit for all ages!
I hope my guide has already solved any questions you had about where to stay in Drakensberg but if you’re on the fence…
Cathkin Park is the best place to stay in Drakensberg for your first time – the perfect place to go on adventures and see the surroundings! Stay in The Nest Drakensberg Hotel, it is surrounded by lush green fields in the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you are travelling on a budget, then I recommend Sani Lodge Backpackers – comfortable and convenient! Not to mention stunning scenery.
Honestly, regardelss of where you stay, there is so much beauty in the Drakensberg region. I’m sure you will enjoy! Stay safe, have fun, spread love!
Have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments below! Otherwise, enjoy your travels!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around South Africa.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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