Toplodge, Royal Natal National Park

Pricing	R390 p/p (single room)
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	View on map | Pricing | Rooms | Features | 15 reviews

Why "Request a Quote"?

About 60% of our establishments are Guest House/Bed & Breakfast/Self Catering establishments, without an online/direct booking system. So unlike other websites that offer Hotels, we also offer the less promoted establishments throughout Africa, which gives you the experience that you are looking for. All of these 60% of establishments are not connected to the internet as Hotels are, so you are not able to book direct.

You can however "Request a Quote" with them, asking them specific questions about your needs. We recommend that you request several quotes in your search, to find the accommodation that best suits your needs. Most establishments reply to your requests within a couple of hours, giving you the opportunity to choose between several establishments and make the best choice available!

Tucked away high in the Mont-Aux-Sources district of the Northern Drakensberg Mountains, above and between the Cavern and Alpine Heath resorts, midway between Durban and Johannesburg, Toplodge offers the ultimate luxurious getaway destination in a completely secluded mountain wildlife sanctuary in beautiful natural surroundings, the perfect mountain wilderness experience for adults and children alike.

Whilst the last 4 km of our access road are navigable only by off road 4x4 vehicles, for guests not travelling in an appropriate vehicle we offer free transfers from and to our neighbouring resort, Alpine Heath, on arrival and departure, as well as daily if required.

Our two stone-and-thatch self-catering cottages, each designed to comfortably accommodate four people, are charmingly appointed and beautifully comfortable. The ground floor of the cottages is open-plan comprising lounge and fireplace, bedroom area fitted with queen size bed and adjacent bathroom with spacious shower and hand basin, separate toilet and kitchenette. The upstairs loft is fitted with two single beds, bathroom with toilet and basin, and built-in cupboard. This design concept provides spaciousness, and the warmth and enchantment of a fireplace in your own bedroom, making chilly winter nights a unique experience. Each cottage is electrified, fitted with fridge and deep freeze, microwave oven, hob, outdoor braai, and fully equipped with linen, bath towels, cutlery and kitchen utensils, everything our guests could possibly need to make their stay a unique and comfortable experience.

Toplodge offers unrivalled peace, tranquility and relaxation, stunning views, superb on-site walks in unspoilt natural surroundings including large tracts of indigenous forest, and our own gorge cascading crystal clear spring water, rock carvings, angling, and a wide variety of indigenous fauna and flora - a birder's paradise. Above all, Toplodge offers an opportunity for children and adults alike to enjoy these unique surroundings in complete privacy, seclusion and comfort.

For those with itchy feet, within easy reach are a number of outdoor activities to choose from, including golf, horse riding, angling, mountain-climbing in the Royal Natal National Park, quad-biking, abseiling and other adventure sports, as well as numerous restaurants, pubs and day trips to a host of interesting places.

Facilities

Parking Available, Garden, Braai/Barbecue, Fireplace, No Credit Card Facilities, Fully Equipped Kitchen

Activities Near

Trout Fishing, Bird Watching, Fishing, Golf, Bicycle Touring, Canoeing / Kayaking, Climbing - Sport, Climbing - Traditional, Fishing - Fly, Fishing - Freshwater, Health & Fitness, Horse Riding, Paddling - Canoeing, Walking, Camping, Trekking, Hiking / Backpacking, Waterhole, 4 X 4 Trails, Bungee Jumping, Quad Biking

Accomm Type

Self-catering

Main Theme

Family, Great Outdoors, Honeymoon Romance

Why "Request a Quote"?

About 60% of our establishments are Guest House/Bed & Breakfast/Self Catering establishments, without an online/direct booking system. So unlike other websites that offer Hotels, we also offer the less promoted establishments throughout Africa, which gives you the experience that you are looking for. All of these 60% of establishments are not connected to the internet as Hotels are, so you are not able to book direct.

You can however "Request a Quote" with them, asking them specific questions about your needs. We recommend that you request several quotes in your search, to find the accommodation that best suits your needs. Most establishments reply to your requests within a couple of hours, giving you the opportunity to choose between several establishments and make the best choice available!

A truly amazing place to stay.

The peace and quiet is an absolute blessing .
The cottages are a haven of peace and quiet.
Definitely a place on our list to revisit soon.

Claire Robinson from South Africa, 02 Jan 2009

Perfect weekend away

Everything was great, beautiful accommodation & surroundings ... very peacefull, perfect weekend away!!

Anonymous from Australia, 11 Jan 2009

Views spectacular

Ease of booking through Safarinow Great

Contact and Info from Gavin clear, helpful concise particularly for international traveler

Getting there, no problems definite 4wd last few kilometers or pick up by Gavin

Lodges. Wonderful, self contained private, comfortable, well serviced, beautifully built and set up, views spectacular

Walks. From low intensity to as adventurous as you want, well signed and set out, waterfalls

Wildlife. We saw,Good birding, Eland, smaller buck, dassie, caracal, baboons. Scat from Porcupines etc.

Host. Couldn’t be more helpful and informative if required



General. Toplodge is situated in a remarkable place and the attention to your comfort and privacy is paramount. The walks and wildlife are spectacular as you want them to be. In a busy distracting world Toplodge offers spiritual, physical and mental relief. Its one of the few truly private places we visited in SA and well worth a stay of a few days.

William Macgregor from Australia, 13 Jan 2009

Toplodge - Fabulous Getaway

We went to Toplodge for a complete break from the big city and chaos that comes with it - it was fantastic. The location is beautiful, secluded and private and the perfect answer for some downtime and getting down to earth! we felt safe and secure and our young children loved the freedom to explore the beautiful farm. The trails were lovely, accommodation quaint and beautifully built, using lots of natural elements but very comfortable and cosy. We will definitely return soon.

Nicole Genovese from South Africa, 25 Apr 2009

Highly recommended

I cannot recommend Top Lodge highly enough - it's definitely in the Top 5 places we've stayed at around the world! My partner and I requested Gavin to do something romantic for our stay, and the red wine, rose petals and chocolates were absolutely wonderful. The walks on the mountain are INCREDIBLE, and the lady who cleaned our cottage, Lucy, is warm, friendly and very professional. Thanks - you'll see us again!

Ronel Alberts from South Africa, 08 May 2009

A wonderful stay

We had at Toplodge, peaceful and tranquil. Also did some walks, and enjoyed the swing!!

Anonymous from South Africa, 18 Jun 2009

Toplodge lived up to and exceeded our expectations.

Gavin is the perfect host always available and willing to meet one's every need.
It is a perfect location for anyone seeking beauty and solitude amid the incomparable Drakensberg mountains as an antidote to the strain and stress of city living.
The cabins are fully equipped to a high standard and everything is provided to ensure a comfortable and relaxed stay.
The remoteness and quietness may not be to everyone's taste but to those who appreciate this atmosphere it is all that can be desired.
The various trails lead up to constantly changing views of the valleys and mountains and although rough and steep in places my 9 year old grandchild had no difficulty in traversing them, indeed she was always ready for more.
As an Octogenarian I had to follow at a more leasurely pace bur rarely required assistance and easily found places to rest while she and her father explored further. So everyone who is reasonably mobile can enjoy the peace, serenity and beauty which Toplodge provides.
Visiting, as we did, in winter the nights are cold but the roaring log fire in the main living area was capable of providing a comfortable and cheery atmosphere when the sun went down and amply bedding kept us warm and cosy during the night.
Ample hot water was always available for washing and showering.
I will always be prepared to recommend Toplodge to anyone who is looking for a
short (or long) break away from the rat race.
Unfortunately having been resident in Australia for the past 20 years this was my 1st return to the Drakensberg since leaving SA and a wonderful reminder of the many family holidays spent in the various resorts around here.
Sadly this may be my last visit but one to be cherished in the years ahead.
To international visitors I would urge you to spend at least a weekend in this unique facility.
Many thanks to Gavin and his wife Joan for their warm hospitality.

Val Pilkington from South Africa, 23 Jul 2009

It was perfect for a honeymoon getaway.

You drive past any sign of life into the beautiful Drakensburg mountain range. Then suddenly a fairy tail cottage appears just after you thought you reached the end of the world. Words to describe our experience would be beautiful silence.

Carel Visser from South Africa, 17 Aug 2009

Great

Great destination and a perfect base from which to explore the Northern Berg. We'll be back again if the opportunity arises.

Anonymous from South Africa, 25 Aug 2009

Really enjoyed our stay

Great place to spend some relaxing time away from the busy, hurried live we experience everyday. Really enjoyed our stay, the cottage was perfect; clean and comfortable and exactly as described on the webpage. Excellent view on the surrounding from the comfort of the cottage. Thank you very much for a relaxing time, will see us again in the near future. Thinus and Rachele.

thinus Labuschagne from South Africa, 09 Nov 2009

Beautiful!

Gavin made us feel at home straight away. Very romantic and upmarket!
Had that fireplace going the whole time. The trip from Alpine Heath up the mountain was fun in itself!!!
Highly recommended!

Greg Bowles from South Africa, 31 May 2010

Awesome Break

Thoroughly enjoyed my stay. Specifically enjoyed the privacy, quiet, and peace provided by the remote location of Toplodge. The lodge provided magnificent 360 degree views of the mountains and landscape.
I will visit Toplodge again!!!

Anonymous from South Africa, 22 Jun 2010

Brilliant!

Over the past four years I have stayed in 10 different places booked through safarinow. This is, without doubt, the best. The building itself it well designed and comfortable (I'm stealing the idea for a fireplace in a corner rather than in the middle of the wall). Everything worked and was well maintained. The location is stunning. The photos here do not do it justice, and the peace and quiet very welcome. Gavin was supremely helpful and was willing to come and pick us up and drive us down to Alpine Heath so that we could watch the football. The only thing that was missing was snow, so I will be looking to book this wonderful place again next year and hope for some of the white stuff. Seriously, if you are looking for a quiet, romantic, getaway, look no further.

Dennis Lane from South Africa, 13 Aug 2010

Toplodge

We had a wonderful time full of peace and quiet, with a magnificent view over the mountains.

Anonymous from South Africa, 17 Aug 2010

Ideal break away

Absolutely stunning place with magnificent views and peace for the soul. Quiet place with great hiking routes.

Herman Fuls from South Africa, 07 Sep 2010