The Cavern Drakensberg Resort and Spa

Named after the infamous Cannibal Cavern, a massive cave just above the hotel where evidence of cannibals was found back in the 18th century, the Cavern Resort and Spa is nestled in the foothills of the Northern Drakensberg in the Amphitheatre World Heritage Site area.

The Cavern is a place of captivating beauty, surrounded by majestic mountains, lush indigenous forests and clear streams. It is a place where families bond, friendships are formed and memories are made.

Being a natural paradise, there is a wealth to do in the vicinity of this incredible region. They include 2 daily guided hikes, exploring the caves and Tugela Gorge, fly-fishing, and horse trails for the experienced and for the ‘not-so-sure’.  If you are keen on mountain biking, the nearby trails will keep you busy for days.

If you prefer taking it easy, the pool is the perfect place to relax with a book, a tray of tea or a cold beer, or enjoy a quiet read in one of the attractive lounges.  The Forest Retreat offers relaxing spa treatments with the peaceful sound of a stream cascading below the treatment rooms.

The standard rooms are set in landscaped gardens, where a vibrant mix of indigenous plants attracts hundreds of birds that fill the days with birdsong, and the evenings with the sounds of crickets, frogs and other friendly creatures.

The superior suites overlook an ancient fern forest, and each have their own private patio where guests can relax in the sun, listen to the forest streams and unwind in the peace of this untouched mountain wilderness.

Rates Include

Three meals per day; tea served at 11:00 and 16:00; and guided morning hikes are included.

Children Policy

Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request.

Directions For Drivers

From Durban: take the N3 beyond Estcourt. Around 6 km after the Shell Ultra City, leave the N3 via exit 194, and turn left onto the R74 towards the Northern Drakensberg, Bergville and Winterton. Travel through the towns of Winterton and Bergville, and on towards Harrismith. Around 29 km beyond Bergville, turn left towards the Northern Drakensberg (at the base of the Oliviershoek Pass), and continue towards Royal Natal National Park for 6 km only. Just after the Tower of Pizza, turn right at the sign to The Cavern, Alpine Heath and Hlalanathi. The Cavern is at the end of this 10 km tarred road.

From Johannesburg: Travel to Harrismith on the N3. At Harrismith take the N5 route towards Bethlehem for 4 km, and then turn left towards Qwa-Qwa, (R74 and R712), for 8 km. After this, turn left, following the R74 towards Bergville and the Oliviershoek Pass. Travel for 38 km, continuing a little way beyond Little Switzerland. As the Pass levels out turn right at the Northern Drakensberg sign. Continue towards the Royal Natal National Park for 6 km only and follow the directions above.

General Information For Guests

Each room has an en-suite bathroom, tea/coffee making facilities and a patio to soak up the sun and enjoy the mountain splendour. There are no TV’s in the standard accommodation. In addition, superior suites have a fireplace.

The superior rooms and suites have private patios, a TV and bar fridge.

The resort has a restaurant, cave bar, wine cellar, swimming pool, playground, tennis courts, and a bowls lawn.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided in the main lounge area.

The Forest Retreat Spa offers a range of relaxing treatments and massages (additional cost). The spa is open Monday to Saturday from 08:30 till 17:00, and on Sunday from 09:00 to 13:00.

Activities that are available at the resort include guided hikes, fly fishing, horse riding and short self guided walks.

There are a number of hiking and mountain bike trails that can be accessed from the lodge. The hiking trails range from easy ones for young families as well as informative nature walks through dense fern forests, including one to Cannibal Cavern.

For mountain bike excursions, you must first go to the reception to purchase a pass and a map (additional cost).

The guided hikes/walks depart every morning at 09:15 and 09:30. Another popular activity is the breakfast walk, ending off with a scrumptious breakfast, overlooking the picturesque Cavern Valley.

Boma breakfasts and snack evenings are organised weekly.

Popular Alternatives to The Cavern Drakensberg Resort and Spa

These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at The Cavern Drakensberg Resort and Spa, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that The Cavern Drakensberg Resort and Spa was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.

If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.