Sungubala is an Eco Camp set on a secluded farm in the Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve of KwaZulu-Natal. This unique camp has a range of self catering cottages situated in a pristine wilderness area directly below the peaks of Hlolela and Sungubala (7000ft), just north of the EZEMVELO KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Area - Royal Natal. Surrounding the farm is approximately 30 000 to 40 000ha of conserved wilderness of World Heritage Site and the Maloti - Drakensberg Transfrontier Park and mountain environment, to which we have access.
This is a self-catering camp, ideal for a nature lover’s active getaway. The camp is equally suited for just relaxing. The Sungubala Farm is also home of the Silent Woman, a rock carving crafted in the 1950s by artist and wanderer, William Chalmers.
Accommodation and Facilities:
- 2 x 5-sleeper Thatched chalets; 2 bedrooms with en suite shower/loo, kitchen & lounge with spectacular mountain views.
- 2x 2-sleeper Thatched Chalets; 1 bedroom with en suite shower/loo, kitchen & lounge with beautiful valley views.
- 1 x 6-sleeper Mountain Bungalow; 2 bedrooms each with own shower/loo. Rustic without mountain view
- 3 x 4-sleeper Interleading Rondavels; 2 bedrooms each with en suite shower/loo. Sharing communal cooking facilities
- 2x 2-sleeper A-frames, en suite, sharing communal cooking facilities.
- In keeping with the eco theme, all power is solar generated. Gas is used for cooking, and water heating.
Shared facilities:
- The communal facilities include the boma, fire-pit, 2 kitchens, lounge, braai area, which makes Sungubala Eco Camp ideal for groups and gatherings.
- The entire camp can be booked for exclusive getaways.
- The camp has a small swimming pool on site
- The Sungubala Store is stocked with a few self-catering essentials, frozen meals, conveniences and the option of buying farm-fresh. Open by arrangement from 15h00 to 16h00 Monday to Saturday
Activities in the area:
- Expert Guided hiking
- Self guided hiking on marked trails
- Outings to local attractions, can be coordinated - including:
* Drakensberg Boys Choir,
* Cape Vulture feeding sites,
* Cultural and Tribal Tours to the Amazizi and Amangwane communities,
* Visits to Royal Drakensberg School & the Khanyisela Project
* Voortrekker Pass and monument. - Access to horse riding (day and overnight trails may be arranged), trout fishing, trapezing, paint ball, quad biking tours & golf
Special Attractions:
- The world's one and only "Silent Woman"
- Bushman Paintings
- Cannibal Cavern where people sought refuge from King Shaka
- Indigenous forests
- Sitting, under African night skies, around a roaring camp fire
- The ambience created by the camp fire at night
Location:
- Midway between Johannesburg (385km) and Durban (300km)
- In proximity to Natal battlefields near Spion Kop & Ladysmith
- Adjacent to Royal Natal National Park with the Amphitheatre and Tugela Gorge
- Visitors need a vehicle with good clearance to reach the camp. We have upgraded most of this dirt track with concrete strips . Most sedans can make it.
Why Sungubala?
- Sungubala is not just accommodation - it is a true Drakensberg mountain experience with unparalleled views within a nature reserve.
- An extensive range of hiking trails
- 80kms of MTB trails
- The benefit of South African rates that are not inflated for the overseas visitor
- Sungubala is ideal for group bookings
Seasons in the Drakensberg.
Summer - November to February
Day time Temps: 20 degrees to 30 degrees C
Night time Temps: 12 degrees to 15 degrees C
Mornings usually clear and hot with thunderstorms brewing from mid morning to midday and breaking in the afternoon or early evening
Winter - June to August
Day time Temps: 15 degrees to 20 degrees C
Night time Temps: 8 degrees to 12 degrees C
Days sunny and clear, nights cool to cold. Cold Fronts bring freezing temperatures with snow on the summit
Spring - September to October and Autumn - March to May
Day time Temps: 18 degrees to 25 degrees C
Night time Temps: 10 degrees to 15 degrees C
Days sunny and clear, nights cool to cold. Rainy Cold Fronts bring freezing temperatures with snow on the summit and 3-4 days of rain in spring
Summit Hiking Trips:
The above average temperatures are cooler by an average of 15 degrees C.
You Bring:
- Your self-catering requirements
- Umbrella
- Plastic refillable water bottle for hiking
- Torch
- Walking shoes
- Clothing suitable for all weather
- Swimming towels
We Provide:
- Linen & towels
- Body soap
- Dish-washing liquid and dish-towels
- Fridges and Freezer
- Fully equipped kitchens
- Electric lighting at night, by solar charged batteries
- Charging facilities for cell phones, laptops and cameras