Berg House and Cottages

Berg House and Cottages, Self-catering accommodation in Bergville Kwazulu Natal

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CONTACT DETAILS Central Reservations Office Tel: 0861 276 237 Int. Tel: +27 51 924 0585 Fax: 086 684 1011

It’s the ideal getaway for those looking for peace, privacy and spectacular, memorable views.

Experience a mountain atmosphere with breathtaking views, described as the "IMAX Views" of the Drakensberg.

This private destination on a 1600 acre estate enables you to reunite the mind, body and soul, restore the essential "you". Relax and soak up the 270 degree views of the Drakensberg Escarpment.

Our prized feature is the world famous Amphitheatre, part of a world heritage site. View the second highest waterfall in the world during the summer; take in the breathtaking sunsets as you sit feet up, wine glass in hand.
The Berghouse and Cottages is a privately owned, 1650 acre estate, offering you Drakensberg accommodation and numerous activities in the Northern Drakensberg of the KwaZulu Natal province. Situated only 3 hours from either Johannesburg or Durban, this stunning Drakensberg getaway is surrounded by mountains - their massive sandstone cliffs will remain etched in your memory forever. The property provides you with unique, panoramic views of the Drakensberg spires from as far as the Monks Cowls and Cathkin Park, Cathedral Peak, to the south and the Amphitheatre and Maluti Mountains in the Northern Drakensberg, as well as the "Little Drakensberg"including Seletwane peak to the north east, Sungubala and Montusi Mountain peak to the North, the Cavern Berg to the Northwest, bordering the Freestate province, A Drakensberg experience par excellence awaits you. If you are in search of serenity, tranquility, then this is the destination to visit. You will be suspended in moments of magic, "like a balm to your troubled soul"."It's as though time stands still and one's worldly concerns just simply melt away or perhaps carried off on the gentlest of breezes, on the wing of one of the many beautiful birds that inhabit the estate, you will be left unencumbered to experience an exquisite lightness of being".

Comfortable accommodation awaits you in 5 well-furnished, privately situated cottages, each with fully equipped kitchens, kitchenettes and log fireplaces, with an abundance of firewood on site.

Each cottage offers you spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

Home cooked cuisine awaits those who choose to have dinner and breakfast, picnic hampers are also provided (meals and hampers by prior arrangement).

Ideal for family and friends getaways,1/2 way between Johannesburg and Durban (3hours drive) or a romantic weekend for two – we have something unique and special to offer you. 

Things to bring:

• Costume and towel.
• Sunscreen.
• Lip ice.
• Sandals  (that fasten) for the river tubing.
• Old T shirt to use on the river.
• Good pair of hiking boots/shoes.
• Long pants to horse ride in.
• CD/Radio combination.
• Fire lighters.
• Charcoal.
• Matches, if self-catering.(some supplied)
• Candles, if self-catering,(some supplied)
• Wind breaker jacket.
• Binoculars.
• Bird book.
• Book on Wild Flowers.
• Own Mtn Bikes.(2 x bikes for hire)
• Refreshments.
• Complete supply of groceries (if self-catering).
• Torch.
• Hikers backpack.
• Warm clothes.
• Snacks for longer hikes.
• Camera.
• Mosquito spray.
• Plaster and ointment for blisters.
• Own 4x4 for the 4x4 trails.
• Own fishing rods.(rods available for hire..limited number available
• 
  
• Accommodation

(Thamela - "Bask in the sun")

• 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
• Sleeps 9 guests (including bunk bed for kiddies)
• Open plan lounge and kitchen area
• Huge log fireplace
• Excellent mountain views

(Thunzi - "Shade")

• 2 bedroom thatched cottage, both with en-suite bathrooms, bath off the main bedroom and shower in the second room.
• Log fireplace in the open plan lounge and kitchen area.
• Fully equipped kitchenette.
• Built in Braai/Barbeque facility outside the cottage.
• Jungle gym for kiddies outside the cottage.

(Thokomala - "Warmth and Comfort")

• 4 bedrooms, 2 rooms with double beds and 2 with single beds, sleeps 8 guests in total.
• 2 bathrooms(showers)
• Open plan lounge and kitchen area with a large logfire place.
• Under cover Braai/Barbeque facility.
• Situated high up on the side of a hill, this elevated position offers spectacular views of the entire Central, Northern and Little Drakensberg.

(Thula Thula - "Peace and Tranquility")

• Ideal venue for "Honeymoon couples"
• Privately situated.
• Queen size double bed with a logfire place in the bedroom.
• Ensuite bathroom.
• Patio on both side's of the cottage.
• Spectacular views of the "Amphitheatre" from the cottage.
• Tucked up amongst giant trees.

(Thandanani - "A place that everyone loves")

• A fully self-contained cottage.
• A queen size bed and log fireplace can be found in the bedroom
• En-suite bathroom facilities
• Grand Mountain views from the cottage

ATTRACTIONS - THINGS TO DO

The Berghouse and Cottages offers an extensive range of activities including hiking with various degrees of difficulty to choose from on site as well as in the neighbouring "World Heritage" site in the Royal Natal National Park, approximately 16 km away. Guided horse riding trails on "Basuto" ponies through splendid scenery, fly fishing both in dams and on the 7 km river on the western boundary of our property, mountain biking and 4x4 trails are some of the activities we invite you to indulge in.

• On Site Activities: (See also under separate pages)
  • Horse riding 1 to 3 hours guided: Cost R80 ppp hour.
  • Clay pigeon shooting on site R40/5 shots. Minimum number of participants 4
  • Fishing in dams and river R80/day/fisherman
  • 4x4 trail R180 per vehicle.
  • Tube riding the Tugela river R40 pp and R150 to fetch and carry/group.
  • Hunting: wing and game by arrangement, not on site.
  • Mountain biking trails, bikes for hire @ R100/4 hours/rider.
• Polo in Bergville during the winter season on saturday afternoons.
• Bowls and tennis in Bergville.
• 9 hole golf course next door aprox 8 km's.
• 9 hole golf course at Cathedral Peak hotel, aprox 80 km's.
• 18 hole championship golfcourse 16 km's (under const)
• 9 hole golf course in Harrismith (oldest golf course in RSA)50km's
• 18 hole Championship golfcourse aprox 80 km's
• Hiking:
  • Royal Natal National Park aprox 16 km's to the entrance to the park, aprox 130 km's of trails in the park.Various routes and degrees of difficulty. Vaughn has spent much time in this region and can help with advice if required.
  • The Drakensberg Amphitheatre Ascent via the Chain Ladders 
  • Tugel Falls via Witsieshoek, Sentinel Mountain and the chain ladder, aprox 1hour 30 min drive, 2.5 hours to the top.
  • Golden Gate to Clarence, day trip, aprox 1hour 30min drive.
• Sterkfontein dam, for fishing,World class fly fishing "Yellow fish" aprox 30 km's, view the vultures feeding at the "Vulture's restaurant" aprox 20 km's.
• Tugela Vaal Hydro Electric Power station tour, aprox 12 km's away. pre booking essential.
• All out adventures aprox 10 km's, swings, trapeze,trampoline, paintball and quad biking offered.
• Anglo Boer War excursions to Spionkop aprox 80 km's.
• Falcon show "World Class" aprox 60km's.
• Drakensberg Boys Choir, aprox 60 km's.
• Giants Castle aprox 100 km's "San Bushmen paintings"
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Fishing
Rate per fisherman R80 per day, min fee and paid in advance.
Rod hire R45 per rod, terms and conditions apply.
Dams and river fishing offered on site, Yellow fish and trout in the river, blue gill and bass in the dams.

Guided fishing trips:
Yellow fish angling on Sterkfontein dam. Internationally renowned fishing for the elusive" Yellow Torpedo"
Advanced bookings essential, guided trips on the Sterkfontein dam charged per day, includes all meals tackle etc.

Golfing Trips

Hlalanathi:
9 hole golf course located at Hlalanathi Resort, 8 km's from our entrance.

Harrismith:
18 hole golfcourse located at Harrismith 50km's away. This is the oldest course in South Africa.

Clarence:
18 hole golfcourse aprox 80 km's away, an additional 9 holes recently constructed to create a magnificent course with fantastic views of the surrounding sandstone mountains. Pleasant shopping experience in the town for your non playing family members and girlfriends.

Champagne Sports Resort:
18 hole championship golfcourse located aprox 80 km's away in the Central Drakensberg.Beautiful mountain vistas and an excellent golfcourse.

Nondela Championship glofcourse:
Located 16 km's away, presently under construction, this Ernie Els signature course will be completed by the end of 2008. 

Hiking

On site:
We offer various routes on our property from easy to slightly advanced, with " World class 360' mountain scenery" situated on 1600 acres of land.

Off site:
An unlimited choice of hiking routes. The Royal Natal National park is only 16 km's from our entrance. 130 km's of trails await you in this " World Heritage site" Spectacular scenery. Guided trips may be arranged in advance.

Sentinel Car park, Tugela falls, via Phutidijaba resort for a day trip is highly recommended, guided trips incl meals offered.

Climbing

Horse riding:
Offered on site.Between 1 to 3 hour guided trips, enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery @ ZAR 90 per rider per hour min charge.

 Tubing:
White water tubing down the Tugela River on site.
R30 per tube
R150 fee to fetch and carry.

SERVICES & FACILITIES

Conference facility for max 15 delegates, total accommodation capacity 25 guests.

Excellent cellphone reception.

Fully catered, including teas and condiments.

Great team building venue.

RATES

11th June 2010 to the 11th July 2010 (min rates per night).

Peak season rates apply for 5 nights and more:
Thula Thula and Thandanani R600/night self-catering
Thunzi and Thokozela R1100/night self-catering
Thamela and Thokomala(4 bedroom) R2000/night/self-catering
Catered accommodation:
More than 5 night stays:
B&B R360 pppn
DB&B R460 pppn.

Less than 5 night stay between 11th June to 11th July 2010, the following rates apply:

Thamela and Thokomala cottage ZAR 2800.00 per night

Thunzi and Thokozela ZAR 1400.00 per night

Thula Thula and Thandanani ZAR 700.00 per night.

Rates self-catering ZAR 350.00 pppn.

B&B incl ZAR 450.00 pppn.

DB&B incl ZAR 550.00 pppn