Surrounded by low hills, on the R600 between Ladysmith and Winterton near the Drakensberg mountains, Spion Kop Lodge is an amazing destination for those seeking adventure and history.
‘Spion Kop’ or ‘Spioenkop’ actually means ‘Spy or lookout hill’ and was given to this impressive hill by the Voortrekkers in 1837. Needless to say, it witnessed several significant historical battles even bringing together Winston Churchill, Louis Botha and Mahatma Gandhi.
In 1998, your hosts, Raymond and Lynette Heron, bought this historic 700-hectare game farm and set about restoring it into the important historical destination it is today. Raymond is also a registered and knowledgeable guide – just the man you need while exploring the many historic battlefield sites.
Many of their previous guests also note the excellent hospitality and warm reception they received from the owners.
Accommodation at Spion Kop Lodge
At Spion Kop Lodge, you have a choice of full board or self-catering accommodation. There are well-appointed Lodge Rooms as well as comfortable colonial-style chalets located in park-like grounds. Each offering is individually furnished to offer luxury, relaxation and privacy.
There are eight luxurious, double en-suite rooms in the Lodge. You will find the rooms spacious with large, comfy beds and clean linen. Other amenities include TVs with DStv, a cozy fireplace, full kitchen and sitting areas.
Suited for families or travelling groups of up to six people, the Acacia Cottage consists of two bedrooms – a double and a twin room, as well as one small additional room, most suitable for a child. It also comes with a lounge, TV with DStv, tea or coffee station, a fully-equipped kitchen and braai facilities.
If your group or family has up to four people, then you might want to opt for their Aloe Cottage. This unit consists of two bedrooms – one double bedded and one twin bedded. Inside is a bathroom with tub and shower, TV with DStv, tea or coffee station, lounge, a fully-equipped kitchen as well as braai facilities outside.
Book your stay online HERE. Take advantage of their accommodation specials HERE.
Facilities at Spion Kop Lodge
Standard facilities at the lodge include free Wi-Fi access, an outdoor swimming pool, free, secure parking for your vehicles as well as a bar/lounge where you can relax with your favorite thirst-quencher in hand following a day of adventure.
In addition to a library with an excellent collection of historical books, their restaurant is also known for serving amazing breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Planning to take your conference out of the city? Spion Kop Lodge’s well-equipped conference venue offers exceptional packages and team building activities. The venue can accommodate up to 40 delegates.
Things to do in Drakensburg
You don’t have to leave the Spion Kop Lodge property for exciting activities. Their sunset boat cruises on the Spion Kop Dam are popular with guests. On this cruise, you can expect to see rhino, giraffe, a variety of antelope and over 320 bird species.
If you love history, Spion Kop Lodge has you covered. Join your host, Raymond, or his son, on the Battlefields Experience and discover the many historic sites that dot the area. Walk in the footsteps of great leaders like Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi and General Louis Botha. Tours to the various battlefields can be made on horseback or in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle.
There is still plenty to do in the Drankensberg mountains area including hiking, photography, nature walks, game viewing, 4×4 driving and mountain biking.
Reviews from previous Spion Kop Lodge guests
“Spent 10 nights here (lodge). Great location. Fantastic staff. Great hospitality from Raymond and Lynette. Rooms had everything we needed and were tidied every day. Quick laundry service. Mostly self-catering but we ate in the restaurant several times – food was plentiful and delicious. Can’t wait to visit again,” wrote aratelli on their TripAdvisor page.
Elise F added; “We had a very good stay, Lynette and Raymond were extremely friendly and helpful. The rest of the staff were equally as friendly and eager to help. Lynette was very helpful with the return of possessions we had left behind. The environment is beautiful and the grounds are well-kept. We also did a history tour, which was very informative and thoroughly enjoyable.”
“We spent 2 nights at the lodge and they could not have possibly been more friendly or accommodating to our unique needs. Friendly staff and owners make you want to go back. Next time we are doing the tour!” said Ryanjoffedesigns.
Spion Kop Lodge is located on the R600 between Ladysmith and Winterton in the Drakensburg. For bookings, call +27 (0) 36 488 1404 / +27 (0) 82 573 0224 / +27 (0) 82 573 0225 or email spionkop@futurenet.co.za. Here is their location on Google Maps. Also follow them on Facebook HERE.
