Do I need vaccinations to travel to South Africa?

No vaccinations are required for entry unless arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic country, in which case a Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory. Travellers are advised to be up to date with routine vaccinations such as hepatitis, typhoid, and tetanus. Malaria is present in the north-east, including Kruger National Park and parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo, and prophylaxis is strongly recommended for these areas. Malaria is not a risk in Cape Town, the Garden Route, or Johannesburg.

What is the best time to travel to South Africa?

South Africa can be visited year-round, but the best time depends on the region. The dry winter months from May to September are ideal for safaris, as wildlife gathers around waterholes and vegetation is sparse. The warmer summer months from November to March are better for Cape Town, the Garden Route, and the beaches, although this is also the rainy season in much of the country.

Do I need a visa to enter South Africa?

Visa requirements depend on nationality. Citizens of many countries – including most EU states, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, Israel, and Japan – may enter South Africa without a visa for visits of up to 90 days. Nationals of some countries, such as Malaysia, Turkey, Seychelles, Thailand, Mozambique, and Cyprus, are visa-exempt for up to 30 days. Travellers from countries not on the visa-exempt list must obtain a visa before arrival. All passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the entry date and contain at least one blank page for entry stamps.

What languages are spoken in South Africa?

South Africa has eleven official languages, reflecting its cultural diversity. English is the main language of business, government, and tourism and is widely understood in cities and tourist areas. Afrikaans, Zulu, and Xhosa are also commonly spoken, along with several other regional languages.

What currency is used in South Africa?

South Africa uses the Rand (ZAR). Foreign currency can be exchanged at airports, banks, exchange offices, and ATMs, which are widely available in towns and cities. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, lodges, restaurants, shops, and at most petrol stations. Travellers should check with their bank or card provider before travel to ensure their card will work in South Africa. It is also advisable to carry some cash for tips, small purchases, toll roads, and when visiting remote areas where card facilities may be limited.

Is South Africa safe for tourists?

South Africa is a popular destination but travellers should take standard precautions. In cities, avoid displaying valuables, keep belongings secure, and do not walk alone in quiet areas after dark. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. When self-driving, plan fuel stops in advance, as distances between towns and petrol stations can be long. In national parks, never leave your vehicle except at designated points and always follow park regulations when viewing wildlife.

What plugs and electricity are used in South Africa?

South Africa mainly uses Type M plugs with a 230-volt supply at 50 Hz, although Type C sockets are also found in some places. Travellers should carry a universal adaptor to ensure compatibility. Power cuts, known locally as load-shedding, can occur, but most hotels and lodges provide back-up systems such as generators or solar power.

Can I self-drive in South Africa?

When driving in South Africa, travellers can use their valid foreign driver's licence if it meets specific criteria: it should be in English (or any other official South African language) or have an official English translation, and include a photo and signature. Road conditions vary by region. In the Western Cape, roads are generally well-maintained. In areas like the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal, occasional potholes may be encountered. To navigate, we recommend using Google Maps for the best routes, which will likely correspond to well-kept roads.

Currently seeing:
Berghouse and Cottages - Self catering, Drakensberg, South Africa (1 of 14)

Drakensberg

Berghouse and Cottages

From $62 /person

A family-run mountain estate of log-fire cottages facing the Amphitheater

The Berghouse and Cottages are set in the foothills of the Northern Drakensberg Mountains, facing the world-renown Amphitheater Mountain, with mountain views of the entire Central and Northern Drakensberg mountain spires. The property is part of the new Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve. There is a R40 pp conservation fee to be paid at the end of your stay. This 540 Ha estate is family owned and operated. We offer accommodation in country cottages with mountain views where you can relax and enjoy nature. Each cottage is uniquely decorated ,so that our return guests have a different experience. You can select either , Self-catering , Bed and Breakfast and a Dinner . Our kitchen offers delicious, hearty home-cooked dishes. If you have booked the self-catering option and require a breakfast or a dinner, please book the meal 24 hrs prior to arrival. The cottages do not have a television. All cottages have WIFI. Situated midway between Johannesburg and Durban, approximately 3 hours away on either side. We have a 3km unpaved road up to the establishment. Log fireplaces can be found in all the cottages. Firewood for sale at the reception. Numerous activities are offered on-site, such as, horseback riding with a guide, top mountain bike single track trails, trail running, hiking, fishing in dams and river, and bird watching. 9 hole golf course next door and the Royal Natal National Park 16 km's away with excellent hiking trails.

The Berghouse and Cottages are set in the foothills of the Northern Drakensberg Mountains, facing ...

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Rooms

Standard Cottage - no.1

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A freestanding cottage set apart from the rest, with a heated ensuite holding both shower and bath. The kitchen is equipped for self-catering, though without an oven. A large patio looks over the mountains and down to the tranquil rock pool below. No children allowed.

From $87

Standard Cottage - no.1 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (2 of 9)

Standard Cottage - no.1 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (3 of 9)

Standard Cottage - no.1 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (4 of 9)

Standard Cottage - no.1 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (5 of 9)

Standard Cottage - no.1 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (6 of 9)

Standard Cottage - no.1 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (7 of 9)

Standard Cottage - no.1

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From $310

Standard cottage - no. 2 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (2 of 13)

Standard cottage - no. 2 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (3 of 13)

Standard cottage - no. 2 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (4 of 13)

Standard cottage - no. 2 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (5 of 13)

Standard cottage - no. 2 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (6 of 13)

Standard cottage - no. 2 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (7 of 13)

Standard cottage - no. 2 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (8 of 13)

Standard cottage - no. 2 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (9 of 13)

Standard cottage - no. 2 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (10 of 13)

Standard cottage - no. 2 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (11 of 13)

Standard cottage - no. 2

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From $62

4 bedroom ensuite - Cottage 3 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (2 of 10)

4 bedroom ensuite - Cottage 3 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (3 of 10)

4 bedroom ensuite - Cottage 3 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (4 of 10)

4 bedroom ensuite - Cottage 3 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (5 of 10)

4 bedroom ensuite - Cottage 3 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (6 of 10)

4 bedroom ensuite - Cottage 3 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (7 of 10)

4 bedroom ensuite - Cottage 3 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (8 of 10)

4 bedroom ensuite - Cottage 3

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From $451

Superior Cottage - no. 4 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (2 of 11)

Superior Cottage - no. 4 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (3 of 11)

Superior Cottage - no. 4 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (4 of 11)

Superior Cottage - no. 4 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (5 of 11)

Superior Cottage - no. 4 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (6 of 11)

Superior Cottage - no. 4 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (7 of 11)

Superior Cottage - no. 4 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (8 of 11)

Superior Cottage - no. 4 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (9 of 11)

Superior Cottage - no. 4

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From $87

Standard Cottage - no. 5 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (2 of 9)

Standard Cottage - no. 5 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (3 of 9)

Standard Cottage - no. 5 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (4 of 9)

Standard Cottage - no. 5 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (5 of 9)

Standard Cottage - no. 5 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (6 of 9)

Standard Cottage - no. 5 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (7 of 9)

Standard Cottage - no. 5

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From $62

Standard cottage - Suite 6 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (2 of 12)

Standard cottage - Suite 6 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (3 of 12)

Standard cottage - Suite 6 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (4 of 12)

Standard cottage - Suite 6 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (5 of 12)

Standard cottage - Suite 6 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (6 of 12)

Standard cottage - Suite 6 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (7 of 12)

Standard cottage - Suite 6 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (8 of 12)

Standard cottage - Suite 6 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (9 of 12)

Standard cottage - Suite 6 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (10 of 12)

Standard cottage - Suite 6

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From $62

Standard cottage - Suite 7 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (2 of 12)

Standard cottage - Suite 7 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (3 of 12)

Standard cottage - Suite 7 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (4 of 12)

Standard cottage - Suite 7 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (5 of 12)

Standard cottage - Suite 7 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (6 of 12)

Standard cottage - Suite 7 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (7 of 12)

Standard cottage - Suite 7 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (8 of 12)

Standard cottage - Suite 7 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (9 of 12)

Standard cottage - Suite 7 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (10 of 12)

Standard cottage - Suite 7

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From $62

Superior Cottage - no. 8 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (2 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no. 8 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (3 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no. 8 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (4 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no. 8 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (5 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no. 8 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (6 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no. 8 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (7 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no. 8 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (8 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no. 8 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (9 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no. 8 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (10 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no. 8 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (11 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no. 8 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (12 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no. 8 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (13 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no. 8

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From $87

Superior Cottage - no. 9 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (2 of 17)

Superior Cottage - no. 9 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (3 of 17)

Superior Cottage - no. 9 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (4 of 17)

Superior Cottage - no. 9 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (5 of 17)

Superior Cottage - no. 9 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (6 of 17)

Superior Cottage - no. 9 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (7 of 17)

Superior Cottage - no. 9 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (8 of 17)

Superior Cottage - no. 9 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (9 of 17)

Superior Cottage - no. 9 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (10 of 17)

Superior Cottage - no. 9 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (11 of 17)

Superior Cottage - no. 9 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (12 of 17)

Superior Cottage - no. 9 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (13 of 17)

Superior Cottage - no. 9 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (14 of 17)

Superior Cottage - no. 9 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (15 of 17)

Superior Cottage - no. 9

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From $87

Superior Cottage - no.10 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (2 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no.10 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (3 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no.10 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (4 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no.10 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (5 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no.10 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (6 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no.10 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (7 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no.10 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (8 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no.10 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (9 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no.10 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (10 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no.10 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (11 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no.10 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (12 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no.10 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (13 of 15)

Superior Cottage - no.10

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From $87

Superior Cottage - no.11 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (2 of 18)

Superior Cottage - no.11 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (3 of 18)

Superior Cottage - no.11 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (4 of 18)

Superior Cottage - no.11 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (5 of 18)

Superior Cottage - no.11 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (6 of 18)

Superior Cottage - no.11 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (7 of 18)

Superior Cottage - no.11 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (8 of 18)

Superior Cottage - no.11 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (9 of 18)

Superior Cottage - no.11 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (10 of 18)

Superior Cottage - no.11 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (11 of 18)

Superior Cottage - no.11 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (12 of 18)

Superior Cottage - no.11 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (13 of 18)

Superior Cottage - no.11 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (14 of 18)

Superior Cottage - no.11 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (15 of 18)

Superior Cottage - no.11 at Berghouse and Cottages, Drakensberg, South Africa (16 of 18)

Superior Cottage - no.11

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From $87

Facilities

The below facilities are available at this stay:

Wi-Fi
Free parking
Outdoor Pool
BBQ / Picnic area

Best time to go to Berghouse and Cottages

Summer (November–March) is green and warm, with full rivers, waterfalls and dramatic afternoon thunderstorms. Winter (May–August) brings crisp, clear days ideal for hiking and riding, cold nights by the log fire, and snow on the high peaks. Open year-round, with autumn quietest.

Best
Good
Acceptable

January
From $62
February
From $62
March
From $69
April
From $69
May
From $69
June
From $69
July
From $69
August
From $69
September
From $69
October
From $69
November
From $69
December
From $69

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Have Questions?

Our FAQs about Drakensberg

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What our travellers are saying

All Reviews

With super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!

Margherita

Verified Traveller

Our Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.

Stefano

Verified Traveller

We booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!

Linda

Verified Traveller

I spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.

Manuel

Verified Traveller

From the first contact to trip preparation and implementation as well as support during the trip, Viatu always acted very professionally. Our wishes and the given financial framework were taken into account. The hotels, the food, the activities - everything was excellent and highly recommended.

Nadja

Verified Traveller

We booked our honeymoon with Viatu. From the first minute on, we had good communication going with our travel agent, and she suggested a very nice itinerary right away. After some little adjustments that were easily done, we were ready to go.

Nora

Verified Traveller

I'm very thankful for my first Viatu experience. The 3-week trip across Namibia combined incredible landscapes and nature, mindblowing eco-friendly lodges and utter peace of mind. The organisation and support of the Viatu team were spot-on - this is the way to impress. Thanks a lot!

Christoph

Verified Traveller

The recommended accommodations were perfect for us and everything was as expected. Even though we booked on very short notice, everything went smoothly and was well managed by Viatu.

Jan

Verified Traveller

We had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.

Valerie

Verified Traveller

Because of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.

Nicole

Verified Traveller

With super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!

Margherita

Verified Traveller

Stefano

Verified Traveller

We booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!

Linda

Manuel

Nadja

Nora

Christoph

The recommended accommodations were perfect for us and everything was as expected. Even though we booked on very short notice, everything went smoothly and was well managed by Viatu.

Jan

Valerie

Nicole