Wildlife thrives
The wildlife thrives in abundance at Berghouse and Cottages, where nature unfolds in its purest form. Graceful antelope roam freely across the landscape, including the majestic Drakensberg eland, grey rhebuck, bushbuck, and the shy grey duiker. As dusk settles and dawn breaks, the distinctive whistle of the mountain reedbuck echoes across the hills — a gentle “welcome call” to the day.
Beyond the antelope, the wilderness reveals its quieter inhabitants: porcupines, grey mongooses, genets, serval cats, and African wild cats. Caracals (often called lynx) move silently through the grasslands, while the ever-elusive leopard remains the true spirit of the mountains. A conservation initiative is currently underway, with camera traps placed across the property and neighbouring lands to better understand and protect these magnificent predators.
Troops of chacma baboons are a familiar sight, their calls carrying across the valleys from the rocky outcrops above.
Bird wildlife is equally extraordinary, with approximately 290 species recorded in the region. Among them, the striking secretary birds can be seen striding across the slopes in search of prey. As night falls, the landscape comes alive with the haunting calls of owls and the soft, rhythmic churring of nightjars — a soundtrack unique to the African wilderness. (For more birding insights, guests can explore www.sabirding.co.za.)
In the warmer months, from mid-October to March, the mountains burst into colour as wildflowers blanket the hillsides — a fleeting yet unforgettable display of natural beauty.
Adding a touch of charm to the wild surroundings, miniature horses now call the property home. Watching them gallop across the fields, tails raised high — often with Chantal in playful pursuit — is a moment of pure delight.
Guests can enhance their stay with optional breakfast and dinner, best arranged in advance. Breakfast is thoughtfully delivered to your cottage in basket hampers at no additional charge — simply let reception know your preferred time.
For the more adventurous, Berghouse offers a range of activities to suit every pace: hiking trails, horse riding, fishing, 4×4 routes, mountain biking, birdwatching, river swims, tubing, and canoeing. For thrill-seekers, paragliding and hang-gliding take-off points are available (equipment not supplied). To ensure availability, all activities should be booked prior to arrival.
As evening falls, gather around the open fire at our unique “mini Stonehenge,” beneath the vast canopy of the Milky Way. Here, the sounds of Africa come alive — the distant call of a jackal, the hoot of an owl, and the gentle chorus of nightjars. In summer, witness dramatic thunderstorms rolling across the escarpment — a spectacle that must be seen to be believed.
Perfectly positioned as the gateway to the Northern Drakensberg, Berghouse and Cottages lies just three hours from both Durban and Johannesburg, and within easy reach of the renowned Royal Natal National Park.
This is more than a destination — it’s a place guests return to, time and time again. We look forward to welcoming you, and to making you part of the Berghouse story.
