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| Inkosana Lodge and Trekking, nr Winterton |
Inkosana Lodge is a great place from which to explore the Drakensberg.
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Location:
Drakensberg, KwaZulu Natal
Type:
Backpackers
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Price Range:
Budget > R200 pps
Atmosphere:
- Tranquil
- Informal
- Relaxed
- Casual
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Guest Rating:
Official Grading:
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About
Inkosana is one of the 'original' lodges that was around way before tourism became a buzz word. It was set up in 1983 as a base for hikers and climbers in the 'Berg'. Back then,
a backpacker was a person hiking with a rucksack and this is who Ed and Inkosana
Lodge catered for. Ed led hikes and trails up all the peaks and also
long treks traversing the summits of the Drakensberg Mountains into Lesotho.
After 26 years or so they really know what they're doing and are getting better and better. Regard Ikosana more as a space than a place. The emphasis is on the mountains rather than being more the traditional loud, TV-watching, busy, party establishment.
The Lodge serves as an excellent base from which to explore the mighty Drakensberg
range, or as a tranquil retreat for travellers to unwind. It is set amongst indigenous
gardens in the Champagne Valley against the backdrop of the (Central) Drakensberg Mountains.
There are acres of open space, undisturbed grassland, and the rolling
hills of the Little 'Berg' with the Champagne Castle and Cathkin peaks in the background.
Inkosana attracts a wide range of people, from backpackers tramping
through Africa to South Africans looking for a weekend getaway.
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Contact Details
Contact Person:
Ed
Email: inkosana@inkosana.co.za
Website: http://www.inkosana.co.za/
Cellphone:
Phone:
27(0)36-468-1202
Fax:
Street:
PO box 60, Winterton
City:
Drakensberg
State:
KwaZulu Natal
Country:
South Africa
Directions
Directions: Inkosana is in the Champagne Valley of the Central Drakensberg. The
nearest town is Winterton. If coming by car, Inkosana is 4 hours from
Johannesburg, 2.5 hours from Durban, and 1 hour from Ladysmith. Roads
are all paved.
- From Johannesburg, take the N3 to Harrismith, then the N5
(the Bethlehem Road) and in a short distance, turn onto the R712
(towards Qwa-Qwa). Take the R74 to Bergville and continue on to
Winterton. Turn onto the R600 towards the mountains, Inkosana is 25 km
from Winterton.
- From Durban, take the N3 to exit 179 (Estcourt north), exit
left, away from Estcourt and towards Loskop. Continue until coming to
the R600 (the Thokozisa restaurant) and turn left. Inkosana is 12 km
onwards.
- From Ladysmith, take the N11 and turn left on the R600 to Winterton. Continue 25 km on the R600 to Inkosana.
Those coming on public transport/Baz Bus will have to make their own way to the lodge. It is quite easy to hitch the 7 kilometers from the lodge to the trail heads. Shuttles are not provided.
It is recommended that guests have their own transport. Using Inkosana as a base it is convenient to visit all areas of the central and northern 'Berg for day trips as well as the eastern Free State and Battlefields.
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Facilities
Facilities include braais / barbecues and a huge freshwater
swimming pool.
Meals
Inkosana is quite well known its good meals.
Breakfasts are served on the veranda with views of the mountain peaks,
and begin with seasonal fresh fruit, yoghurt, and juice. A selection of cereals
and porridge is offered, followed by scrambled eggs and either bacon or sausage.
Dinners are even more substantial, featuring a main course, a number
of side dishes, salads, homemade bread, and a dessert. Special provision is
made for vegetarians.
A self-catering kitchen's is provided if you want to prepare your own food
and the Lodge has three braai / barbecue areas. Tea and coffee are complimentary
and the dishwashing is done by the staff periodically.
There are shops close
by to buy food supplies. For those who want to eat out, the area also has
a number of good restaurants.
Attractions
Hike Central Berg
Hlathikulu forest trail
Sterkhorn (2970 m)
Overnight hikes:
Zulu Cave & Didima Gorge
Accommodation
No. of rooms:
10+
Pricing:
Budget > R200 pps
Children Policy:
By prior arrangement
Usual Guests:
- Singles
- Independent travellers
- Nature Lovers
- Mature
Best time to visit:
Anytime is good because the 'Berg' is stunning all year round. If hiking and climbing are your game then winter (May-Aug) is more dependable but can be very cold with snow. Summer thunderstorms are scary but rainy weather can close the mountains in for long periods.
What to pack:
This is mountain country so if you are hiking please be prepared. Staff at the lodge will gladly give advice. Please listen to the locals, they are the people who risk their lives to get you off the mountain when you can't!
Summers are warm so pack swim gear and hat, rain slicker for downpours.
Bring woolies for the winter. Days are normally warm and sunny with cold nights. Cold fronts bring snow.
Atmosphere:
- Tranquil
- Informal
- Relaxed
- Casual
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Why visit
Inkosana Lodge and Trekking
Best Features:
Great advice about the local hiking and climbing, with maps available. The "Squire" has personally walked and guided most of the trails at some time or other. The ethnic rondavels (round hut) are well priced and private. Good food. This is a very "chilled" place to relax without breaking the bank.
Bear In Mind:
This lodge exists for and because of the Drakensberg mountains. It is a place created to give you the opportunity to hike and climb the 'Berg' so if you are a sloth, respect the early rise and sleep patterns of others.
You are not 'in' the Berg as they say but as close as it gets.
Ideally you need transport to fully appreciate the area.
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Things to Do and See
If your prime reason is to explore the Drakensberg then you've come to the right place. The Drakensberg mountains suit the abilities and aspirations of all hikers and climbers.
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 and the other areas
of the greater park are within easy driving distance - eg: 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.
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.
There are also many other activities within short driving distance of Inkosana:
-horse riding,
-river rafting,
-Ardmore Craft Studios,
-golf,
-battlefields tours & game reserves.
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Low season
In the Lodge
- A suite (R250) sleeps up to four people.
It has a double bed and a bunk bed, a sitting area and full bathroom.
(Special rates may apply for more than 2 people per room) - Double rooms (R200) sleep up to four people.
They have a double bed and a bunk bed.
(Special rates may apply for more than 2 people per room) - Dormitory beds (R150).
There are two dormitory rooms, each with six beds.
Groups may inquire about booking an entire dormitory room.
Separate Rondavels
- Thatched rondavels en suite (R250),
which sleep two people in a double bed. - Thatched rondavels with shared ablutions (R200),
which sleep two people in a double bed. - Single Thatched rondavels (R300)
- Single Thatched rondavels en suite (R400)
- Linen
is provided but towels are not. Rooms are heated in winter and serviced
daily by the Lodge staff. All rooms except the suite use the large
communal bathrooms and showers.
- Additionally, Inkosana has a spacious camping area (R100 pp/pn).
Mid season
In the Lodge
- A suite (R250) sleeps up to four people.
It has a double bed and a bunk bed, a sitting area and full bathroom.
(Special rates may apply for more than 2 people per room) - Double rooms (R200) sleep up to four people.
They have a double bed and a bunk bed.
(Special rates may apply for more than 2 people per room) - Dormitory beds (R150).
There are two dormitory rooms, each with six beds.
Groups may inquire about booking an entire dormitory room.
Separate Rondavels
- Thatched rondavels en suite (R250),
which sleep two people in a double bed. - Thatched rondavels with shared ablutions (R200),
which sleep two people in a double bed. - Single Thatched rondavels (R300)
- Single Thatched rondavels en suite (R400)
- Linen
is provided but towels are not. Rooms are heated in winter and serviced
daily by the Lodge staff. All rooms except the suite use the large
communal bathrooms and showers.
- Additionally, Inkosana has a spacious camping area (R100 pp/pn).
Peak season
In the Lodge
- A suite (R250) sleeps up to four people.
It has a double bed and a bunk bed, a sitting area and full bathroom.
(Special rates may apply for more than 2 people per room) - Double rooms (R200) sleep up to four people.
They have a double bed and a bunk bed.
(Special rates may apply for more than 2 people per room) - Dormitory beds (R150).
There are two dormitory rooms, each with six beds.
Groups may inquire about booking an entire dormitory room.
Separate Rondavels
- Thatched rondavels en suite (R250),
which sleep two people in a double bed. - Thatched rondavels with shared ablutions (R200),
which sleep two people in a double bed. - Single Thatched rondavels (R300)
- Single Thatched rondavels en suite (R400)
- Linen
is provided but towels are not. Rooms are heated in winter and serviced
daily by the Lodge staff. All rooms except the suite use the large
communal bathrooms and showers.
- Additionally, Inkosana has a spacious camping area (R100 pp/pn).
Specials
Speak to the Staff about seasonal specials on accommodation and at the individual adventure companies.
Terms & Cond
Terms & Conditions
Enquire on booking
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Accommodation 
