The Hostelz.com Review
Inkosana Lodge -- this spacious, friendly hostel -- is a favorite with hikers and others who have come to explore the central Drakensberg range, and this popularity is reflected in slightly higher prices than comparable South African hostels. These are not publicized but referred to as “subject to change.” Management are very knowledgeable about the attractions of the area, especially hiking, and eagerly distribute sketch maps and advice.
The Location
The lodge is located in an area known as Champagne Valley just off Highway R600, which runs from the small town of Winterton, not far from the A3 freeway with links to Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and Johannesburg, and ends at the Monk’s Cowl Nature Reserve, a major scenic and hiking area of the Drakensberg mountain range. It is easy to find, as there is a prominent sign pointing to the entrance on Highway R600.
Self-caterers are advised to stock up with groceries at Winterton, Begville, or Estcourt, if they have not already made their purchases further afield, as food shopping facilities are limited and more expensive in Champagne Valley. There is a kilometer-long single track unpaved driveway to the properly, which is a little scary for drivers of low clearance vehicles, as the center of the track is overgrown with grass and weeds. There is free, covered parking for around a dozen guests’ vehicles opposite the main entrance to the property.
Travellers without their own vehicles would find it awkward to get there and also to connect with the Drakensberg trailheads, although the hostel may be able to arrange guided hikes. The closest cities served by long-distance bus lines are Estcourt and Ladysmith, although shared minibus taxis go as far as Winterton.
Rooms and Bathrooms
There are single-sex dormitories and shared single-sex bathrooms in the main building. The dorms are not usually locked and do not have lockers, so guests would need to approach management about storage of valuables. Other sleeping accommodation consists of double rooms -- some of them with private bathrooms -- and a lawn with ample space for tents at the rear of the property up a flight of steps. There is also a row of rondavels (traditional, round African-style buildings) containing double rooms.
One of the rondavels is a mixed-sex bathroom with two showers and two toilets shared between campers and those rooms which do not have private bathrooms. There is space to change in the shower area, and there are hooks for clothes and soap dishes. This area at the rear of the property provides an excellent view of the Drakensberg peaks, especially at sunrise.
Common Spaces
These are all spotlessly clean, and smoking is not permitted in enclosed areas. The presence of smokers in certain areas of the property should not disturb nonsmokers. There is a reasonably well equipped kitchen and dining area in the main building, and adjacent to the camping area there is another well-appointed kitchen shared by the campers and the occupants of the rondavels. This kitchen had a rodent problem when we visited. Guests are asked not to wash their dishes, as this will be done by the servants. Both kitchens provide free tea, instant coffee, and milk.
The main building has a huge, bright, cheerfully decorated lounge with a dining area which extends into the courtyard for the benefit of those guests who prefer to dine outside, and there is also a library of travel-related books, some of which are for sale, and a book exchange,. Meals are available if ordered in advance. Outside, there is a “braai” (barbecue) with covered dining area and a tank for swimming, which does not look particularly clean. There is “easy listening” music played in the lounge as a reasonable volume, and no doubt guests’ music requests could be met. This is not really a party hostel, rather one where hikers can relax over a meal and a drink and share travel experiences.
Summary
This hostel is recommended to travelers with their own transportation, as it provides one of the most convenient bases from which to explore one of the most scenic areas of South Africa.
The Location
The lodge is located in an area known as Champagne Valley just off Highway R600, which runs from the small town of Winterton, not far from the A3 freeway with links to Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and Johannesburg, and ends at the Monk’s Cowl Nature Reserve, a major scenic and hiking area of the Drakensberg mountain range. It is easy to find, as there is a prominent sign pointing to the entrance on Highway R600.
Self-caterers are advised to stock up with groceries at Winterton, Begville, or Estcourt, if they have not already made their purchases further afield, as food shopping facilities are limited and more expensive in Champagne Valley. There is a kilometer-long single track unpaved driveway to the properly, which is a little scary for drivers of low clearance vehicles, as the center of the track is overgrown with grass and weeds. There is free, covered parking for around a dozen guests’ vehicles opposite the main entrance to the property.
Travellers without their own vehicles would find it awkward to get there and also to connect with the Drakensberg trailheads, although the hostel may be able to arrange guided hikes. The closest cities served by long-distance bus lines are Estcourt and Ladysmith, although shared minibus taxis go as far as Winterton.
Rooms and Bathrooms
There are single-sex dormitories and shared single-sex bathrooms in the main building. The dorms are not usually locked and do not have lockers, so guests would need to approach management about storage of valuables. Other sleeping accommodation consists of double rooms -- some of them with private bathrooms -- and a lawn with ample space for tents at the rear of the property up a flight of steps. There is also a row of rondavels (traditional, round African-style buildings) containing double rooms.
One of the rondavels is a mixed-sex bathroom with two showers and two toilets shared between campers and those rooms which do not have private bathrooms. There is space to change in the shower area, and there are hooks for clothes and soap dishes. This area at the rear of the property provides an excellent view of the Drakensberg peaks, especially at sunrise.
Common Spaces
These are all spotlessly clean, and smoking is not permitted in enclosed areas. The presence of smokers in certain areas of the property should not disturb nonsmokers. There is a reasonably well equipped kitchen and dining area in the main building, and adjacent to the camping area there is another well-appointed kitchen shared by the campers and the occupants of the rondavels. This kitchen had a rodent problem when we visited. Guests are asked not to wash their dishes, as this will be done by the servants. Both kitchens provide free tea, instant coffee, and milk.
The main building has a huge, bright, cheerfully decorated lounge with a dining area which extends into the courtyard for the benefit of those guests who prefer to dine outside, and there is also a library of travel-related books, some of which are for sale, and a book exchange,. Meals are available if ordered in advance. Outside, there is a “braai” (barbecue) with covered dining area and a tank for swimming, which does not look particularly clean. There is “easy listening” music played in the lounge as a reasonable volume, and no doubt guests’ music requests could be met. This is not really a party hostel, rather one where hikers can relax over a meal and a drink and share travel experiences.
Summary
This hostel is recommended to travelers with their own transportation, as it provides one of the most convenient bases from which to explore one of the most scenic areas of South Africa.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
April 2010
Their Description
Inkosana Lodge Details
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Hostelz.com Guest Reviews
Excellent hostel. the place to be! Actually this was one of the best hostels in our trip. We stayed in a comfortable hut. The only inconvenient was that the showers were partly outdoors so you have to wait till the morning if you don't want to freeze. But apart from that everything was perfect. Nice kitchen, really tastful and pleasant living room and helpful staff without forgetting the stunning views of the drakensberg. if i have the possibilty i will return! — Mar , Spanish (2009-07-06)