Located in the heart of the Northern Drakensberg, Montusi Mountain Lodge offers breathtaking views of the Drakensberg Mountains, valleys and rolling hills of the KwaZulu-Natal countryside, providing a perfect escape for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature. The resort is situated on a 1,000-hectare conservation estate, which is home to a variety of wildlife, birds and plant species.
Guests can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Amphitheatre, which is a massive rock wall that stretches for over five kilometres and rises over 1,200 meters high. The Amphitheatre is one of the most impressive natural landmarks in South Africa and is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.
Situated midway between Johannesburg and Durban, it is the perfect halfway holiday or wedding venue for families living in different provinces. The lodge was established in June 2000 by the Carte family and has created a unique opportunity for guests to indulge in the freedom of the wild Drakensberg experience. Montusi Mountain Lodge is known for its commitment to sustainability, conservation, and eco-friendliness.
Their conservation is focused on environmental management: investing their efforts in clearing alien vegetation and managing the estate to conserve the irreplaceable grassland, as well as promoting pockets of indigenous forests, making the water catchments healthy and protecting wetlands. They recycle waste and use biodegradable cleaning products. They also support the local community by sourcing produce and products from nearby farmers and artisans.
In terms of facilities, Montusi Mountain Lodge offers a range of amenities to make guests’ stays comfortable and enjoyable. The lodge boasts 16 beautifully appointed garden, mountain and family suites. Each unit is beautifully designed with modern amenities, with its own fireplace, set in open gardens each with panoramic views of the Amphitheatre and surrounding mountains and features a private deck or patio with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. All the suites are equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities and a bar fridge. A minibar facility in the suite is available upon request.
The lodge offers a wide range of activities for guests to enjoy, including hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, bird watching, and fishing. Guests can learn about the area’s unique natural history and ecology through guided hikes and tours.
We took a lovely afternoon walk past the horses and down to the waterfall and cave. We loved that the lodge asks for you to let them know if you go out on walks alone – the safety of their guests is of utmost importance to them. The property also has a tennis court, a beautiful rock swimming pool, a spa, as well as a bar, making it an ideal destination for those who want to combine adventure and relaxation.
The comfortably ambient restaurant with a log fireplace is renowned for sumptuous local cuisine with innovative menus made with fresh, local ingredients. As it was summer, we dined outside on the Phumleni with the Amphitheatre view, enchanting the guests while enjoying their meals. We loved the meal options and were pleasantly surprised at the high standard of the meals.
Their cuisine is the subject of much-deserved praise, including their vegan and vegetarian menus, which have blown away those restricted eaters!
Overall, Montusi Mountain Lodge is an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of South Africa’s Northern Drakensberg Mountains. The resort’s comfortable accommodation make it a top choice for travellers seeking an authentic Drakensberg experience. It is such a beautiful location and the team really focus on great service. Everyone had a smile with time to chat and be friendly.
The food was very good and we love that breakfast and dinner are included. It just adds to the extreme need to just relax and enjoy the surroundings without any worries or concerns. The little extras like the water in flasks, the rusks, the fresh milk in the fridge and the nougat were all very nice added touches. We loved our time there, and will definitely be back!