Journal
News, trail notes and travel guides from the Berghouse and the Northern Drakensberg.
A plain account of the family-run guest farm behind the cottages: the land we look after, how the cottages sit on it, and what we are working to protect.
Read more: The farm behind Berghouse and Cottages
The estate checklist runs to 249 species across fourteen families. All three southern African cranes are on it, along with seven Drakensberg endemics and both vultures.
Read more: Birding at Berghouse: the Estate ChecklistNew to the saddle? The basics every first-time rider at Berghouse should know: safety, getting on and off, a balanced position, how the reins and your legs talk to the horse, hills, trail manners and what to do if your pony stops or gets nervous.
Read more: Horse Riding for BeginnersAn evidence-led August 2026 update on the proposed Northern Drakensberg cable car, its history, potential benefits and the approvals still required.
Read more: Drakensberg Cable Car Project: August 2026 UpdatePractical guidance for planning a flexible Northern Drakensberg cottage stay, with weather-friendly activities, scenery and proper downtime.
Read more: Family Cottages Drakensberg: A Weather-Flexible Mountain GetawayDiscover the breathtaking beauty of Royal Natal National Park, one of South Africa’s most iconic mountain destinations and part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. Famous for its dramatic mountain scenery, world-class hiking trails, and the spectacular Drakensberg…
Read more: Royal Natal National Park – Drakensberg Hiking, Tugela Falls & Amphitheatre GuideThe 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…
Read more: An Untamed Experience at Berghouse and CottagesThere’s a moment, just as you arrive, when the world seems to fall away behind you. The road climbs gently into the foothills, and before long, you find yourself surrounded by silence, space, and sky. Tucked high above it all lies a private 1600-acre escape — a place where Drakensberg accommodation…
Read more: Where the Mountains Silence the World: A Drakensberg Escape Above It AllSouth Africa’s newest gem the Berghouse and Cottages are founder members. Visit and enjoy the trails through South Africa’s most recently proclaimed Nature Reserve.
Read more: South Africa’s newest gem the Berghouse and Cottages are founder members. Visit and enjoy the trails through South Afri…Royal Natal National Park A Unesco World Heritage site, renowned for its spectacular scenery and famous mountain trails. Named the…
Read more: Royal Natal National ParkThe Berghouse and Cottages “a little mountain paradise” After a four year lease, the property was purchased in 1996 as…
Read more: Introduction to The Berghouse and CottagesExperience The Magnificent Eland Trail A trail named after the famous Drakensberg Eland was named the “Eland Trail” as it…
Read more: Experience The Magnificent Eland TrailDrakensberg Secretary Bird Facts Some interesting facts about our resident Secretary birds, a.k.a Sagittaruis Serpentarius, They have long legs, large…
Read more: Drakensberg Secretary Bird FactsGorge Hiking Trail – Royal Natal National Park (15km’s) Royal Natal National Park’s most popular hiking trail. The longest hike…
Read more: Drakensberg Gorge Trail – The Berghouse and CottagesThe Drakensberg Experience an invigorating mountain atmosphere with outstanding Drakensberg views from the windows of your cottage.This private destination is…
Read more: Country Cottages with Drakensberg mountain viewsChanging Season for the Drakensberg Autumn meets Winter with an amazing contrast of colours splashed throughout the landscape of hills…
Read more: Changing Seasons Northern Drakensberg Mountains South AfricaBerghouse and Cottages is situated a short drive from Bergville off the R74 heading towards Royal Natal National Park. Co-ordinates:…
Read more: Butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies photographed on the Berghouse and CottagesThe Berghouse and Cottages | Rock Pool Designed and built with the help of a landscape artist, many sandbags were…
Read more: Berghouse Rock PoolHorse riding in the Drakensberg Guided horse rides on Basuto crossbred ponies for R220 per person per hour. 1to 3…
Read more: Horse RidingDesigned and built with the help of a landscape artist, the rock pool was built to enhance the landscape and…
Read more: Rock PoolDrakensberg Bushman Rock Art. The Ukhahlamba – Drakensberg Park was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000. International recognition was…
Read more: Rock ArtMagnificent 7 hiking trails. Hiking trails on site vary from easy to moderate in difficulty. Eland trail: duration 3 km’sStarting…
Read more: Hiking TrailsGolfing Trips from the Berghouse. Hlalanathi:9 hole golf course located at Hlalanathi Resort, 8 km’s from our entrance. Harrismith:18 hole…
Read more: Golfing TripsThe Berghouse Fishing. We offer river and dam fishing. Bring your own fishing equipment. Fishing permit R100/day Catch and release,unless…
Read more: Fishing
