AFRICAMPS CHAMPAGNE VALLEY, DRAKENSBERG

Meet Kevin and Chantal, whose hospitality journey began with a tranquil visit to the Drakensberg mountains. It was in this peaceful setting that they envisioned a sanctuary far from the city’s hustle and bustle, a place where guests could breathe pure mountain air and craft lasting memories. Kevin and Chantal also like to enjoy a break away from their city life in Durban and take every opportunity they can to escape to the farm and enjoy the magic of the mountains

With steadfast determination, they transformed Inkosana from its humble beginnings into a charming lodge, situated on a 20-hectare property offering breathtaking views of the majestic Drakensberg mountains. Their vision is to transition the lodge into a boutique hotel and to become a firm favourite for weddings and conferences in the area.

Kevin comes with a rich background in property, while Chantal has spent a decade in banking and finance before stepping into the real estate realm. Together, they’ve become a dynamic duo in tourism and hospitality for the past ten years.

Kevin and Chantal cherish the vision of creating opportunities for their dedicated staff and their families and they take pride in the fact that local communities and small businesses will benefit from AfriCamps’ guests. “As we grow, so does our community, reflecting the ‘Ubuntu’ spirit of our beautiful country.” Guests are welcomed by Limahl and his passionate team.

Joining the AfriCamps family marks the start of a new chapter for the property, offering visitors an unforgettable passage through the captivating landscapes of the Drakensberg.

Check-in: From 14h00 to 17h00 on day of arrival
Check-out: Before 10h00 on day of departure

Check-in arrangements need to be made and guests are kindly requested to inform the specific AfriCamps host of their estimated time of arrival. This way you are ensured of a smooth check-in experience. Full check-in information will be provided in your booking confirmation email.

Yellowwood Walk

Venture right on our property into the enchanting Yellowwood Walk. With over 250 yellowwood trees, it’s a nature lover’s delight. Watch out for fluttering bird species, genets, common duiker, grey rhebok, wild boar, and many other nocturnal animals.

Eco farm pool

Sun, swim, and stunning views! Our eco farm pool offers panoramic vistas of majestic mountain ranges. Whether you’re diving in to cool off, lounging with a book, or picnicking on the grassy banks, it’s your slice of paradise.

The Farm Kitchen @ Inkosana

Craving authentic South African flavours? Indulge in local favourites like farm-style oxtail or traditional aromatic breyani, or opt for wood-fired braai dishes at The Farm Kitchen @ Inkosana. Relish everything from juicy steaks and chicken fillets to traditional boerewors, pap, and the spicy kick of chakalaka.

Wood-fired hot tubs

All 10 tents offer the exclusive use of their own outdoor wood-fired hot tub. A wood-fired hot tub is the purest form of relaxation. Soak up the stunning surroundings while listening to the calming crackle of the fire, or take a dip to cool down on hotter days.

Hiking trails

AfriCamps Champagne Valley is located near entrances to several popular hiking trails, including the Maloti-Drakensberg National Park (18.5 km) and Monks Cowl (2.3 km). See the Hiking Trails drop-down list for more information on hiking trail options in the area.

Drakensberg Canopy Tour

Are you ready for a treetop adventure? Drakensberg Canopy Tour, located just 5 km from the camp in the Blue Grotto forest, offers an unparalleled nature experience. Navigate across twelve zip lines, all while taking in the forest’s serene beauty. Boasting Africa’s first elevated rock face walkway with a good mix of cliff face and treetop platforms, and cable slides up to 60 metres high, it’s a heart-pounding experience you won’t want to miss. Marvel at the Drakensberg’s majestic beauty, its ancient forests, cascading waterfalls, and the gentle stream.

AfriCamps guests receive 15% off at Drakensberg Canopy Tour until 30 November 2025, excl. peak season. Simply use the promo code AFRICAMPS15 when you book!

Horseback adventures

Discover the breathtaking Drakensberg landscapes with uShaka Horse Trails. Situated at the foothills of Cathkin and Champagne Castle ranges, this 243-hectare farm adjacent to Bell Park Dam promises scenic horseback adventures. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, the panoramic views of Mtoti Valley and Culfargie await.

Vertical Rush Cable Trail aka Via Ferrate

For those seeking a blend of adventure and nature, embark on this 300-metre climbing path set amidst an indigenous forest. Even if you’re not an avid climber, with the harness and safety line provided by Vertical Rush, and the trail’s built-in ladders and brackets, you’re set for a European-style climbing experience of note. Duration: Approximately 1h 30min.

Hot air balloon rides

With 15 years of experience in the Drakensberg, the team at Hot Air Ballooning SA offers our visitors a unique perspective of the ‘Berg’ from the skies above Champagne Valley. Ideal for special occasions, it promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Golf courses

Golf enthusiasts, you’re in for a treat! Central Drakensberg boasts two exquisite golf courses: Champagne Sports Golf Course (ranked among the Top 30 Championship Golf Courses) and Monks Cowl Country Club. Both courses are within 3 minutes of the camp.

Dragon Rock Reptile & Nature Centre

Embark on a fascinating journey through the world of reptiles and nature at Dragon Rock Reptile & Nature Centre. This captivating destination features a wide variety of display enclosures and interactive experiences. Be sure not to miss the iconic Shiva Statue, a beloved attraction that has drawn visitors from across the country.

Chocolate tastings

Sweet tooth? Head to Chocolate Memories to sample a variety of artisanal chocolates, enjoy chocolate fondue, and savour freshly brewed coffee. Their chocolates are made with care using only the finest ingredients, including pure cocoa butter and natural bourbon vanilla. The Farm Stall at The Airstrip also sells gifts, crafts, and delicious treats.

Birds of prey

For bird enthusiasts, a visit to the Drakensberg promises encounters with a stunning array of avian wonders. From the brilliant-green flash of a malachite sunbird to the lively chorus of masked weavers, you’ll have the chance to witness the majesty of the rare black eagle, martial eagle, lammergeyer (bearded vulture), or lanner falcon in their natural habitat. Falcon Ridge, a bird of prey centre, offers insightful shows demonstrating these magnificent birds in action after being rehabilitated from injury.

Drakensberg Boys Choir

No visit to the ‘Berg’ is complete without experiencing the world-famous Drakensberg Boys Choir. The 600-seater Ken MacKenzie auditorium, located just 2.5 km from our camp, hosts concerts every Wednesday during the school term. To secure your spot, be sure to book your tickets in advance. Drakensberg Boys Choir School (DBCS) builds character, moulding and developing boys to harness the gift of music to bring hope, impact, and positive change in South Africa and beyond. DBCS offers a unique, complete, and diverse schooling experience that will forever change every Drakie boy’s life by being part of this centre of excellence.

Cathedral Peak Wine Estate

Just a sip away, Cathedral Peak Wine Estate has been perfecting Pinotage and Merlot in the shadow of the ‘Berg’ since 2007. As custodians of the soil, they nurture what grows in it, resulting in exquisite wines that you can savour. As you sample some wine on their veranda, your gaze will drift over the sprawling vineyards, and the large dam below.

Monks Cowl Park

Named after the peak nestled between Champagne Castle and Cathkin Mountains, Monks Cowl Park is your gateway to the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll find breathtaking vistas, from sweeping grasslands in the lower reaches to towering cliffs and a cascading waterfall that stretches for hundreds of meters. Monks Cowl is the ideal destination for hiking, day walks, or simply enjoying a light meal at the tea garden.

Drakensberg Brewery

Drakensberg Brewery‘s brewpub offers a front-row seat to the stunning Drakensberg mountains. It’s the perfect spot to kick back, relax, and quench your thirst. They also offer a DIY platter menu, giving you the freedom to craft the perfect combination from a range of cold meats, cheeses, pickles, and preserves.

Scootours® Drakensberg Adventures

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the mountains in an exciting new way with Scootours® Drakensberg. Their non-motorised scooters provide an eco-friendly mode of transport, taking you through awe-inspiring mountain paths with views of the landscapes. A 4×4 vehicle will take you up the mountain, where you’ll be briefed on scooter operations. Each tour lasts from 90 minutes to 2 hours, making it a delightful adventure to fit into your schedule.

Flowers in the ‘Berg’

The Drakensberg region’s unique ecological diversity and climate result in a rich botanical tapestry. Our escarpment is home to about 2,200 plant species, nearly 400 of which are endemics – plants exclusive to this region. Designated a World Heritage Site in 2000, the area is globally recognised for its rich biodiversity, captivating landscapes, and ancient San rock paintings. While plants are a sight to behold all year round, they’re especially vibrant from November to February after the spring rains. At Inkosana Lodge, the indigenous gardens have flourished over the decades. Their water-wise, slow-growing trees have been nurtured patiently to provide a spectacular backdrop to the majestic ‘Berg’ views.

Zulu Cultural Tour

Head out on a guided self-drive day trip to the breathtaking Injisithu Valley, a beautiful area that is home to the Emangwen tribe. This picturesque area is dominated by the towering Insjisithu and Mafadi peaks, which rise 3,400 meters above sea level. Join expert guide, Cedric, as he unveils the Zulu way of life, from meeting a traditional healer (Sangoma) to helping a family prepare an authentic Zulu meal. For those looking to combine culture with nature, there are hikes where you can bathe in the “Marble Baths” pools, and optionally, visit the Battle Cave to witness ancient Bushman rock art. This moderate 14 km hike provides ample opportunities to connect with nature and history.

Overnight hike

Imagine a night under a canopy of stars or tucked away in a Drakensberg cave. At Inkosana Berg Lodge, we turn that dream into reality. Choose from guided overnight hikes ranging from one to four nights. We tailor each hike to your fitness level, ensuring a unique experience just for you. But remember, spots fill up fast, and advance bookings are crucial. More information is available under the Hiking in the Drakensberg dropdown menu.

AfriCamps Champagne Valley is situated close to the start of various Drakensberg hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to strenuous adventures. These trails vary in length, from day hikes to overnight experiences lasting up to four nights for the seasoned hiker. Our knowledgeable staff are on hand to offer advice on the best Drakensberg day trips and beyond.

DAY HIKES

The Drakensberg, easily accessible from AfriCamps Champagne Valley, boasts a variety of day hikes and walks, including sites featuring Bushman paintings. Here are some top route suggestions:

1. Monk’s Cowl: This area, centered around the Mpofane River valley, is nestled at the base of some of the Drakensberg’s most awe-inspiring peaks. The park’s well-maintained trails cater to all fitness and experience levels.
2. Hlathikulu Forest Trail: For a more leisurely walk, the Hlathikulu trail meanders through indigenous forests and showcases a spectrum of Drakensberg wildflowers. Take a breather in the midst of the magnificent Nandi’s Falls and explore the tranquil pools along the Mpofane River.
3. Cathkin Peak: This hike ascends past sandstone rock faces leading to grasslands at the base of Cathkin Peak. Here, you may spot Rhebok and Eland grazing. Don’t forget your binoculars to observe a diverse array of birdlife.

For the fit and seasoned hiker, two mountain peaks beckon as day hike challenges:

4. Sterkhorn: After a 4-hour ascent, culminating in a rock scramble, you’ll stand atop Sterkhorn (2,970 m), offering unrivaled views, including the Devil’s Tooth and the Amphitheater to the north, and Giant’s Castle to the south.
5. Champagne Castle: A more demanding 10-hour round trip takes hikers to the plateau of Champagne Castle (3,337 m), one of the Drakensberg’s loftiest peaks. Here, you can relax atop a 1,000 m drop, watching the rare bearded vultures soar.

AfriCamps Champagne Valley is a short drive from other iconic day-hiking areas of the Drakensberg:

6. Cathedral Peak: A 45-minute drive from the camp, this region offers breathtaking hikes, including the Rainbow Gorge, where waterfall sprays create mesmerising rainbows.
7. Battle Cave: Situated 45 minutes away by car in the Injisithu area, this cave showcases captivating Bushman rock art.
8. Tugela River Gorge: Located in the Royal Natal National Park, a 90-minute drive away, this hike reveals the splendours of the Tugela River Gorge. A further drive and hike present the spectacular Tugela falls, Africa’s second-highest waterfall.
9. Giant’s Castle: A short 1.5 km walk from the entrance gate, discover enchanting Bushman rock art caves and a museum depicting Bushman life. For the adventurous, the top of the Drakensberg escarpment is accessible via Langalibalele Pass.

OVERNIGHT HIKES

If sleeping under the stars or a night in a cave is on your bucket list, you’re in for a treat! The camp happily arranges guided day or overnight hikes ranging from one to four nights, led by a licensed guide. Learn more about overnight hikes here.

Breakfast Baskets

We offer ‘Cook-Your-Own’ breakfast baskets with freshly packed ingredients for guests to prepare. Pre-order your breakfast basket when making your booking. Breakfast baskets should be booked a day in advance.

Each breakfast basket includes the following:

Savoury bread
Sliced bread
Jam
Butter
Cheese
Yoghurt
Muesli
Bacon*
Breakfast sausages*
Eggs
Fruit juice
Fresh Fruit
Milk
Ground coffee

*Vegetarian option available on request.

Cost: R180 per adult | R140 per child (0 to 12 yrs)

Braai Baskets

We offer ‘Cook-Your-Own’ traditional South African braai baskets for guests to prepare. Pre-order your braai basket when making your booking. Braai baskets should be booked a day in advance.

Each braai basket includes the following:

A selection of 400 g meat (kids basket includes 200 g meat)*
Garlic bread
Green salad
Side dish
Marshmallows on a stick

*Vegetarian option available on request.

Cost: R250 per adult | R180 per child (0 to 12 yrs) 

In order to mitigate the effects of load shedding on our guests, we’ve installed battery power backups in each tent at AfriCamps Champagne Valley for your convenience. These backups ensure uninterrupted lighting and warm water during load shedding periods. Please note that wall plugs won’t be operational during power outages. 

Our tents sleep up to five guests, but our rates are based on a two-person stay. Please note that the rates below are a price indication, please use our online booking calendar to check live rates and availability. Extras like meals, activities and tours are not included in the price unless otherwise stated.

Cleaning Fee: All rates exclude a once-off R250 cleaning fee per booking. This fee will be added to your total during the booking process.

Please find our full terms and conditions here: www.africamps.com/terms-and-conditions/

Accommodation

All tents sleep a maximum of five people. The following items or services are not included in the price unless otherwise stated:

• Food and beverages
• Activities and tours
• Additional daily cleaning service (available on request)
• Wood and firelighters for the wood stove and campfires (for sale at the property shop)

Pets

Unfortunately, no pets allowed on the farm.

Music

No music or parties are allowed unless you have reserved the entire camp for your function. This is a family-friendly camp and we aim to maintain a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

Day visitors

No day visitors are allowed in the camp. Out of consideration for fellow guests, the camp will only accommodate up to 5 paying guests per tent. 

PENSIONER SPECIAL

Enjoy 15% off a midweek stay!

From a discounted rate of R1564 per night for 2 adults sharing, excl. fees

• Valid until 30 April 2025 for midweek stays only
• Excludes weekends and peak season (13 Dec 2024 – 11 January 2025)
• Rates are based on 2 adults sharing
• Self-catering glamping tent (sleeps 5)
• Extra adults can be booked at R295 pn
• Extra kids aged 3-16 are R195 pn
• Person booking must be 60+
• ID number required when booking
• ID to be presented upon check-in
• T&Cs apply

How to book

• Visit www.africamps.com and select the camp and the dates you wish to visit.
• Enter your promo code: GoldenGlamping in the Do you have a promo code field. Click on the apply button.
• In the Special Requests block, at the bottom of the booking form, please enter your ID number.

SINGLE PARENT SPECIAL

Kids stay FREE!

From R1840 per night, excl. fees

• Valid until 30 April 2025
• Excludes long weekends and peak season (13 Dec 2024 – 11 January 2025)
• Self-catering glamping tent (sleeps 5)
• Kids stay free (applies to kids aged 3-16)
• 1 Adult per booking (if an extra adult is added after the booking has been made, the special will no longer apply)
• T&Cs apply

How to book

• Visit www.africamps.com and book your stay.
• In the Special Requests block, at the bottom of the booking form, please enter the voucher code: SingleParentSpecial.
• Select EFT payment, and receive your discounted invoice via email.