Hotels in uKhahlamba Drakensberg Mountains

In the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park

Hikers who want to stay overnight in the mountains must book their huts and caves through the eZemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife office closest to the trail (tel. 033/8451000; www.kznwildlife.com); the camps below are the best bases for walking -- hikes start literally from your front door. Note: Have your entry fee ready: R25 per adult and R13 per child for all the parks.

Cathedral Peak has a comfortable good-value alternative; KZN Wildlife developed Didima Camp, the most "modern" of the official parks camps, in 2002, with each of the 63 comfortably outfitted two-bed chalets vaguely shaped to resemble a cave (from R840 double for two adults, depending on chalet type). There are also two self-catering four-bed chalets and a three-bedroom lodge; all units are equipped with satellite TV and fireplaces. There is also a restaurant, bar, and lounge, as well as a San Art Interpretive Centre.

If you decide to visit the Ardmore Studio (on the R600, which leads to Champagne Castle), stop at Thokozisa Restaurant, Deli & Information Centre, 13km (8 miles) from Winterton (tel. 036/488-1827), for a light meal made with organic produce. A little farther is the oldest of all the Berg resorts, The Nest (tel. 036/468-1068), where filling food (roasts, cottage pie) is served in a rather fusty atmosphere. For overnight stays in Champagne Valley, the old-fashioned Champagne Castle Hotel (tel. 036/468-1063; www.champagnecastlehotel.co.za; also off the R600; R660-R990, depending on the room type and season) is closest to the mountains and enjoys the best views, though it's nowhere as remote or charming as Cathedral Peak.