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OUR PLACE
Nestled in the heart of the majestic Southern Drakensberg, on 30 hectares of land bordering the World Heritage Site, Sani Lodge offers guests a multitude of amenities and activities such as: direct access to the Drakensberg Park for hiking to peaks, caves, rivers and waterfalls as well as the Famous 5-day Giant's Cup Trail; an on-site Restaurant, Bar, and Craft Shop; a Cheesery using milk from our small Jersey cow herd; a resident Ceramicist offering clay workshops, a new Conference Venue and Drakensberg Adventures Tour Company. Family run since opening our doors in 1992, we have built up a loyal following of guests who return year after year. 20% DISCOUNTED RATES ARE SHOWN FOR ACCOMMODATION BOOKINGS MADE ON THIS WEBSITE. For those seeking private, self-contained units, we have two lovely cottages and two rondavels with mountain views and private wood-fired Hot Tubs: perfect for a family getaway, relaxing with a group of friends, or as a couples romantic retreat.
EXPERIENCE THE DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS IN STYLE
Whether you'd rather doze on a sun lounger next to the swimming pool with stunning mountain views, relax in your private wood-fired Hot Tub, enjoy a cocktail at our restaurant - before a three-course dinner created with locally sourced, quality ingredients - or simply sip a cold beer by the braai, whilst the sun sets on another stunning African day, Sani Lodge & Cottages is the perfect setting. The Southern Drakensberg stands proudly as one of the favourite holiday and adventure destinations in the country, earning it World Heritage Status for both natural environmental diversity and cultural history preserved in wondrous rock art paintings by the Bushmen people. This pristine wilderness area is renowned for being non-commercialised: you will not find any noisy helicopters on tourist flights overhead disturbing the peace. With its towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ancient rock art sites, the Drakensberg stands as an impressive year-round destination, captivating visitors from near and far.
"Thank for the awesome help getting there. Arranging me supper and a warm shower and a clean bed as well as the best breakfast. I arrived after 10 hours on a motorcycle and you guys had everything waiting for me a smile on your face. I felt very secure and comfortable. I will definitely be back to see you all. Even its just too see your smiles. Thank you for everything. What a pleasure it was too meet you all."
LESOTHO TOURS
Sani Lodge & Cottages is situated at the foot of the legendary Sani Pass. This places us a mere 16 km from the South African border post at the foot of the Sani Pass from where the tortuous 4x4 track proceeds 8 kilometres up to the Lesotho border post. Drakensberg Adventures is our on site Fair Trade Tourism partner tour company which operates a variety of day and multi-day tours which we aim to tailor to your sense of adventure, itinerary, budget. Our various tours include experiencing the unique Basotho culture, superb views, hiking and pony trekking. Each tour supports individual Basotho stakeholders: craftspeople, shepherds, homestay and meal providers, pony owners, mountain guides, schools and sheep shearers, empowering them to create their own sustainable futures.
AMENITIES & ACTIVITIES
Our fantastic location on the border of the Drakensberg World Heritage Site National Park enables guests direct access from Sani Lodge, to enjoy unique wilderness outdoor experiences, such as self-guided hikes to crystal clear mountain waterfalls and over-nighting in caves. On-site amenities and activities include: use of our Conference Venue; swimming in the outdoor pool; strolling our Nature Trail; getting creative in Simone's Paint on Clay studio; enjoying a game of table tennis; hand-milking our Jersey cows; picking fruit in summer for our jam-making; learning to bake bread; or observing our Cheesery in action. At the end of the day, if you have booked Honeyguide or Aloe cottages, Kingfisher or Woodpecker rondavels, with their own private wood-fired Hot Tubs, you can treat yourself to some well deserved, therapeutic relaxation in warm mountain water, with a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. Other activities that we arrange in the area include visits to Reichenau Mission, a Vulture Hide and Himeville Museum.
GIANTS CUP CAFE
Our on site restaurant offers a variety of affordable meals baked and cooked using quality ingredients - many of which are grown on-site -and placing an emphasis on our own organic dairy produce and preserves, as well as local produce from ethical sources. We offer comprehensive breakfast options, a daytime menu and a three course set menu dinner each night. For in between, our own lovingly baked Dutch apple pie and baked cheesecake make the ideal accompaniment to a Cappuccino made with Fair Trade coffee and our own Jersey cow milk.
PHUZABOOZA BAR
Located at the Giant's Cup Cafe for guest convenience, the bar offers a variety of beverages to match the time of day and your meal. The availability of Fair Trade wines produced by sustainable farming methods in South Africa are a great choice to support the local economy and travel responsibly. Craft beers, produced by a small scale local brewery, are highly popular amongst beer fans. Cocktails with unique local names that will challenge your oral dexterity to pronounce, are the perfect sundowners to finish off your day.
MAKING YOUR WAY HERE
Sani Lodge is located 20 km from Underberg in the Southern Drakensberg. We are accessible to all vehicles by a tar / sealed road. Shuttle services are available from Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Kokstad.
What does Fair Trade Tourism mean?
Sani Lodge and Drakensberg Adventures promote Responsible Tourism via:
- Good Business practice governed by 197 criteria related to the principles of FTT – Fair Wages, Democracy, Respect, Reliability, Transparency and Sustainability.Â
- Local social and economic benefits.
- Cultural Heritage.
- Environmental impact – water, energy, refuse management.
- Biodiversity ecosystems and landscapes.
Awards recognising Sani Lodge and Drakensberg Adventures Responsible Tourism Practices include:
- African Responsible Tourism Silver Award for Poverty Reduction in Rural Communities in KwaZulu Natal, Lesotho and Bushmen in the Transfrontier Kgalagadi National Park.
- Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation recommendation for ‘Best Practice in support of rural communities’.
- World Responsible Tourism longlisted for ‘Best for engaging people and culture’.
- South Africa Tourism selected, as one of five tourism entities in the country, for Responsible Tourism Practices.
GET IN TOUCH
Whichever method you choose, we will respond to you as quickly and informatively as possible.
Give Us a Call
Call our reception on +27 83 987 3071. Someone will be available between 7am and 7pm everyday. South African time is GMT+2. This number can also be used for WhatsApp messages and calls.
Send Us an Email
Send us an email or complete the contact form. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Drop By and Talk
We'd love to share our detailed knowledge of the local area with you.
