iKhayalamafu Mountain Reserve

iKhayalamafu Mountain Reserve was established by proprietors who cared about conservation. It combines eco-friendly accommodation with the wild grandeur of the Drakensberg. This 95-hectare eco-estate grew from private property into an award-winning hideaway that is known for how well it fits in with the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg World Heritage Site. Our moniker, “Mountain Mist Home” in isiZulu, comes from the soft clouds that always seem to be dancing over our peaks before daybreak.

Private Cabins for Connection in a Forest at iKhayalamafu Mountain Reserve

Two cottages built by architects provide you two different ways to enjoy the wilderness:

Inyoka Cabin

This timber-and-stone refuge is surrounded by old yellowwoods and the sound of the Breakfast Stream. It has:

• An open-plan living area with a king-size bed that looks out over the forest from floor to ceiling
• A fireplace made by hand out of sandstone from the area
• Outdoor shower with tree ferns all around it

Ingwe Cabin

Set atop a quartzite outcrop with views of Little Berg all about, some of the best features are:

• Glass-fronted design framing Cathedral Peak
• A sunken lounge with a built-in window seat for observing storms
• A private rock pool fed by mountain springs

Both cottages feature:

• Kitchens with Smeg appliances that run on solar power
• Linen and toiletries that are ethically sourced
• A carefully chosen collection of field guides and local books

Eating and Wellness: Food in Nature

Our Mountain Pantry system sends breakfast baskets with honey from our estate, free-range eggs, and artisanal bread. Guests may hire private chefs who specialise in traditional Zulu food or go on foraging trips to find food for their evening meals.

The Cloud Spa comes to you in your cabin and provides services like hot stone massages with river-smoothed basalt and facials with wild garlic and buchu.

Facilities for the Estate

• 95 km of private hiking paths with access to caves that only you can get to
• A solar-heated infinity pool with a view of Cathkin Peak
• A conservation centre with maps for monitoring animals

Why Should You Choose iKhayalamafu?

We are Fair Trade Tourism certified and take part in projects to breed vultures. Our design doesn’t have any walls, so eland and bearded vultures may roam freely over the estate. Our hydroelectric system fuels all of our activities. The reserve is just 15 minutes from the Monk’s Cowl trailheads, yet it seems like it’s in another world from busy tourist paths.