Choosing the right place to stay in the Drakensberg sets the tone for your entire trip. The region offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury lodges with sweeping mountain views to cozy self-catering cottages and family-friendly resorts tucked into peaceful valleys. Many properties are close to walking trails, waterfalls, and rivers, giving easy access to the natural beauty that makes the Drakensberg so special. Guests can enjoy a quiet retreat, a base for adventure hikes, or a relaxed family getaway, with accommodations that make every stay comfortable, scenic, and memorable.
You’ve seen what makes the Drakensberg so stunning—now let’s find the perfect place to stay.
The Drakensberg is made up of several distinct regions, each offering a different experience. Champagne Valley is perfect for families and first-time visitors, with easy walking trails, waterfalls, and family-friendly resorts. Cathedral Peak offers dramatic rock formations and quiet lodges for those seeking peace and breathtaking scenery. Royal Natal National Park gives you close access to the iconic Amphitheatre cliffs and gentle riverside trails. Picking the right place to stay in the Drakensberg ensures your stay matches the kind of adventure you want—active, relaxing, or a mix of both.
The best places to stay in the Drakensberg are the areas that give you easy access to mountain views, gentle walking trails, and peaceful natural surroundings. Here are the top locations travelers enjoy the most.
This is one of the most popular and scenic parts of the Drakensberg.
Why stay here:
This area, centered around the small town of Winterton, is famous for dramatic rock formations and peaceful mountain scenery.
Why stay here:
Tall, striking peaks right outside your door
Quiet, secluded lodges and guesthouses
Beautiful forest walks and riverside trails
Perfect for travelers seeking calm, scenic views
Winterton serves as an ideal base to explore Cathedral Peak and the surrounding mountains. The area feels remote and tranquil, yet it’s easy to reach by road, giving you the perfect balance of accessibility and wilderness.
This area is perfect for travelers who want a peaceful countryside escape with dramatic mountain scenery just beyond their doorstep.
Why stay here:
SUGGESTED READ: Hiking in the Drakensberg
| Traveler / Style | Best Town / Area |
|---|---|
| Mountain‑view lodging, amenities, easy access | Winterton / Champagne Valley |
| Peace, open valleys, family‑friendly cottages | Champagne Valley |
| Quiet countryside, rural pace, gateway to remote routes | Underberg / Himeville |