Inkosana Lodge & Trekking - Backpackers Champagne Valley, Drakensberg

Welcome to Inkosana Lodge in the Drakensberg! Lonely Planet choice for the Drakensberg and rated 3, of 10 best in world, LP 2014. Inkosana has a retreat-like feel and is in the lovely Champagne Valley, central Drakensberg. The peaks of Cathkin and  Champagne Castle tower above. Monk’s Cowl Peak is illusive ...

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The Lodge

Inkosana is set in indigenous gardens , with a yellowwood walk, eco pool, herb garden, summer house and many quiet spaces. The lodge is warm in winter and we have books, magazines and games. Excellent homemade meals are on offer and of course  Ed’s expert, honest advice on the whole Drakensberg. There is a laundry service , wifi and tea/coffee all day. The winter climate is fine for hiking with warm days and in summer we get rain, mainly in the form of short showers.

 

The Valley

There are 2 small supermarkets, a bottle store, bakery, restaurants and arts and crafts. The Drakensberg Boy’s Choir performs on Wednesdays in term, of interest is a bird of prey centre and a small reptile centre. Horse riding is available and rafting in the rainy season. There are adventure centres as well as quad biking, a canopy tour, golf  and so on.

 

Hiking

This is what the ‘Berg is all about! There are hikes galore to suite all levels of fitness, we will advise when you are here. We have guide books and maps, above ALL,  - knowledge. Overnight hikes can be arranged. They tend to be expensive for 1 or 2 people and the guides may need prior notice.

We are central to the whole of the northern and central ‘Berg for day hikes. To the north lie Cathedral Peak, M’weni, Royal Natal and the Amphitheatre. (After that, west is Golden gate.) To the south lie  Injisuthi and  Giant’s Castle. (After that lies the way to Sani Pass). 

The highest points in the Drakensberg are in this region. Mafadi and Injisuthi are accessed via the Injisuthu Gate  and Champagne Castle from the Monk’s Cowl gate. These are not day walks. There are a few peaks. which can be done in a day by very fit and experienced hikers. 

See our websites www.inkosana.co.za  and www.drakensbergbackpackers.com

 

Further afield

From here you may visit the battlefields, small game parks and all other Drakensberg areas in the north and central for a day 

 

On departure

We love giving maps and advice and helping to plan your trip to make the most of your travels in south Africa.  

Directions:  Access from the:: south is off the N3 exit 194, Winterton, R600 to here.  north:: N3 exit 230, Winterton, R600 to here.
Do not take exit 207.  GPS:  S 29 00 449    E 29 27 371

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Please contact Inkosana Lodge directly for bookings and enquiries.