Introduction

Montusi Mountain Lodge is located in the beautiful Northern Drakensberg area with magnificent views of the Amphitheatre. We have previously stayed on a few occasions at the hotel and decided for this time to try the self-catering options that are available. The self-catering options are booked through the hotel but the individual units are privately owned.

Arrival

Our approach to the Northern Berg area always creates a sense of calmness and serenity as one drives through the towns on Winteron and Bergville. The tops of the mountain ranges start to become more distinct as you edge your way closer and closer. The lodge and surrounding chalets are set in a 1000 hectare area run by the Carte family and started in June 2000. Continuing along the road after you turn off right up to the lodge would take you on to the nearby Alpine Heath resort. We have always received a warm Berg welcome on our arrival at the lodge and this time was no exception. We had a bigger party with us this time as the chalet we were staying in slept six. Directed to our unit we piled back into our car and drove off over the short distance to uncover what awaited us at the unit.

Chalets / Suites

There are 10 garden suites ( each one bedroom and en suite), two more modern mountain suites have larger king size suites, Each one has a bedroom with king-size double bed; and large bathroom with big bath and separate shower; and an airy lounge with private patio. There are four family suites that can accommodate 4 adults in two bedrooms. The "front" bedroom has a king-size double bed and a bathroom with bath and toilet. The second bedroom has either two single beds or a king-size double bed and a bathroom with a shower and toilet. These rooms open onto an entrance area and lounge.

The self-catering options have six privately owned units each one slightly different from the other. Our unit that we stayed in had a main bedroom downstairs with an en suite and a second bedroom and separate bathroom with bath and toilet. A loft room upstairs had its own shower and toilet. The rest of the unit comprised a spacious lounge and dining room open plan onto the kitchen with an external patio and built in Webber braai with sweeping vistas of the Amphitheatre. They are come fully equipped with all the kitchen utensils, linen, crockery and cutlery. You only need to take your food and clothing with you. All the amenities of the hotel are available to you, other than having to pre book for dinner in the evening should you wish to eat there. Lunches are available on demand at the hotel

Activities

There is trout fishing available on the dam nearby the hotel, long walks and hikes in and around on the 1000 hectare reserve. MTB trails are available as well as quad biking for the more adventurous at the nearby All Out Adventures. Short walks to the Waterfall Cave or if you have the energy a longer hike up to the Bushman paintings is a must see. If you would prefer to sit and read a good book curled in next to the fire ( wood can be purchased from the hotel) and sit on your patio sip a drink and gaze in wonder at splendor of the mountains it’s your choice.

We took a drive through to the nearby Royal Natal Reserve to experience an up close and iconic view of the Amphitheatre. On the way back we stopped over for lunch at the Tower of Pizza which proved to be an interesting and eclectic restaurant offering pizzas, pastas and other mouth-watering foods. The self-catering option certainly offers value for money for the traveller with larger parties and or children. The overall experience is really good offering a high quality Berg trip with many options to keep the entire family busy and occupied.