LAKE ST BERNARD &
ST BERNARD’S PEAK MOUNTAIN LODGE, KZN
In a quiet corner of southern KwaZulu-Natal, close to the borders with Lesotho and the Eastern Cape, there are two great places to stay in the foothills of the Drakensberg. Both are named after nearby St Bernard’s Peak. The three self-catering houses at Lake St Bernard are on the banks of the lake and can accommodate about 20 people in total. Spend some quality time with the family or book the whole place to celebrate a special birthday. St Bernard’s Peak Mountain Lodge is visible across the lake, less than 2 km from Lake St Bernard. This old Drakensberg hotel has been receiving guests since the 1930s and the same families return year after year. The rondavels date from 1948 and are still in use. All meals are included in the rate so you’re free to enjoy the farm setting (sheep bleating from the kraal; a hadeda calling from a blue gum tree), play Scrabble with a new friend or find a cosy corner to read a book. Things to do? Lake St Bernard has a fly-fishing focus – a fishing permit costs R100 per person per day (catch and release). You’ll also see plains game next to the lake; you can hike in the mountains to rock art or you can paddle on the lake in a canoe. St Bernard’s Peak is all about horse riding – everything from an hour-long ride to an overnight outing in the mountains, even into Lesotho. You can also hike, swim in a rock pool or relax next to the lodge pool. Rates: Lake St Bernard (selfcatering) from R1 200 per night for six people, plus R100 per extra person (maximum eight people). You have to book at least two nights over weekends. St Bernard’s Peak Mountain Lodge from R545 per person (full board). Discounts for children under 12. Camping R50 per person. Where? Drive south-west along the R617 through Underberg. About 58 km from Underberg, turn right onto a dirt road (currently not signposted). The turn-off to both places is about 26 km further along this road. GPS: S30.04949 E29.12439 (Lake St Bernard); S30.05632 E29.10789 (St Bernard’s Peak) Contact: Lake St Bernard 083 268 9357 (Leanne); lakestbernard.co.za St Bernard’s Peak Mountain Lodge 039 747 4313; stbernardspeak.com