Halfway between Johannesburg and Durban, situated in a private sanctuary measuring over 500 hectares, is where you’ll find Berghouse & Cottages. It’s a popular destination that’s been run by the same family – the Picciones – since 1996.
The welcome is as warm as the setting is rural, and you’ll stay in one of the country cottages dotted around the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains. That means on the other side of the windows to your cottage is Amphitheatre Mountain – which is as majestic as it sounds. Also Tugela Falls – in the record books for being the highest waterfall on Earth. Not many cottages offer up views this legendary.
Cottage is such a cosy sounding word, isn’t it? And the accommodation here certainly lives up to the description, whatever time of year you stay, but especially during the winter months. That’s when the real log fireplaces are lit and the bed warmers get to work ensuring you sleep as snug as a bug in a rug.
Cottages come in different styles and sizes, sleeping 2 to 10 guests. They have unique designs – some with thatched roofs, others slate. All have kitchens with every appliance you’re likely to need whether you’re self-catering or staying half board and enjoying dinner plus breakfast, delivered to your cottage by your hosts. Either way, be sure to make the most of your private patio – a chance to get that bit closer to the nature all around you, with rabbit and antelope regular grazers in the area.
There’s enough space between the cottages for you to enjoy privacy, but you’ll get the chance to meet others who’ve chosen this as their place to stay in South Africa.
The outdoor swimming pool is a popular place to gather, especially as it’s designed to resemble a rock pool and gives you great views of the mountains, whether you’re in the water or relaxing around its edges.
If you’re planning to get active during your stay, the on-site hiking trail is a good starting point. Then you can up the pace by mountain biking, before taking part in guiding horse riding, paragliding, canoeing, and more.
If that all sounds a little too much for the relaxing holiday you’ve got planned, maybe some fishing or birdwatching is more your thing. Close to 300 species of bird have been sighted in this part of the world, so you’re bound to see something you’ve never set eyes on before. That will also most likely be the case if you take a trip to the Royal Natal National Park, which is barely over 20km away.
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