Breaking the journey on the way back to Johannesburg, we (Martin), found us a cute place in Bergville. The drive was pleasant and we got there while it was still light. We had no idea really what to expect; we had phoned several places and this was call number 6 or so. It was amazing. http://www.berghouse.co.za/
Berg House is located:
From Jobourg
“Turn off N3 at Harrismith onto the Bethlehem road,N5, travel for 5 km’s and turn left onto the R712(Phutidijaba, Golden Gate, Clarence),cont for aprox 9 km’s,turn off left onto the Bergville, R74 drive for aprox 28km’s and turn off right at the 4 way intersection,Drakensberg World Heritage (Northern) road, cont for 3 km’s,turn off right at the Berghouse and Cottages sign,continue up the unpaved driveway for 3 km’s”
From Durban
Get onto the N3,Northbound,pass Estcout Shell Ultra City service station,next off ramp turn left onto the R74 and continue passed Winterton,pass Bergville,continue on the R74 for 27 km’s.Turn off left at the 4 way junction,Drakensberg World Heritage(Northern)sign,continue for 3 km’s,turn off right onto the Berghouse unpaved driveway,continue for 3 km’s”
….
Driving up the winding dirt track, I thought to myself how my prado would be much better suited for the terrain, and I hoped that this hire car would survive without any scratches. When we eventually got to the top of the hill, the views were breathtaking.We were buzzed in through the electric gate and on either side of us were cottages, and adorable ponies. I have no idea what breed they are, but they are adorable.
Accommodation
The rates vary depended on whether you are on a self catering, bed and breakfast or dinner, bed and breakfast. For most of our trip so far we had catered for ourselves, but heading home, we were tired and didn’t want that worry. We therefore chose the latter option.
The cottage we were in is called Phezulu cottage, meaning “on top” and is apparently one of the favourites due to the thatched roof, the privacy of it and the view. We were lucky that it was available. You walk into a small, fully equipped kitchen, into the bedroom/ dining area which has a log fire, and a king size bed. Incredibly comfortable with Egyptian cotton linen. The room opens up onto a veranda with breathtaking views. The bathroom is nice with double sinks, a large shower and a heater. Down side- there is no ceiling- so no private bathroom time!
Dinner was home made chicken pie, roasted vegetables, salad and home made bread with creme brule for dessert which was brought to our cottage. (I would like to steal their chef!) Breakfast the next morning was cereal, some creamy egg dish with the usual sides, and fresh delicious milk and bread. I wanted more!
Time didn’t allow us to explore the area and I think a full day, or 2 nights is necessary. From the website, there is a lot to do including horse riding, hiking and fishing; none of which we could manage. In spite of that, we had an amazing visit and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it on.
RATES (from their website as of 16 Sept 17)
Sharing:
Self-catering R495pp per night
Bed and Breakfast R630pp per night
Dinner Bed and Breakfast R820pp per night
Single person rates:
DB&B R920
Bed and Breakfast R730
Self-catering R600
Special rates per person for large groups negotiable in the following cottages:
8 Sleeper (Thamela cottage)
12 Sleeper (Thokomala cottage)
Minimum rates apply to the 8 and 12 sleeper cottages over long weekends and peak season:
8 sleeper (Thamela cottage) R3680/night
12 sleeper (Thokomala cottage) R4600/night
Children 3 to 11 years 50% of adult tariff.
STO and Travel agents rates are negotiable, Terms and Conditions apply.
A Kenyan Slice of Life 