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Description: Lotheni is noted for its magnificent scenery and beautiful camp. Accommodation: Self-contained Bungalows & Self-contained Cottages: The comfortable hutted camp, electrically lit from 17:00 - 22:00, consists of 12 self-contained bungalows, each with its own refrigerator, two-plate gas stove (with a small oven), bathroom and toilet. In addition to the bungalows there are two fully self-contained cottages. In both types of accommodation bedding, cutlery and crockery are provided, but visitors must bring all their own food supplies and do their own cooking. The nearest source of provisions is at the Lotheni store, 14 km from the camp. The curio shop at Lotheni supplies some basic groceries. One deep-freeze unit is situated in the camp kitchen and is available for use by camp visitors, as is a single large gas stove for large family cooking. Simes Rustic Cottage: A rustic cottage is also available. This is equipped with gas, and visitors do their own cooking and supply their own towels, sheets and pillowslips. The cottage is next to a small dam, which has been stocked with trout. The dam is reserved for use by visitors to the rustic cottage only. Other visitors may obtain permission to fish there when the cottage is unoccupied. Camping: A camping ground containing 12 campsites, and served by an ablution block with hot and cold water 2 km into the mountains from the hutted camp. Caves: Lotheni has a number of caves for overnight hiking, which accommodate a maximum of 12 people. These caves are reached by three- to five-hour walks from the office. Fires may not be made in the wilderness area or in caves. For visitors own safety, the Mountain Rescue Register must be filled in. Visitors must ensure that their return is noted to avoid an unnecessary search being launched. Self-Catering Cottages & Bed & Breafasts close by: What To Do On Arrival: An entrance fee is payable at the entrance gate. All visitors must please report to the Camp Manager's office.
What To Bring: Activities: Wildlife to be seen in the park includes such species as common and mountain reedbuck, grey rhebuck, eland, grey duiker and oribi. There is a diversity of birds, which includes black storks, black eagles, bearded vultures, lanner falcons, Cape vultures and giant kingfishers, to name but a few. With a bird list of 172 species, birdwatching is one of the popular activities. Many delightful walks and climbs may be undertaken, and there are excursions of this nature to suit all ages. Visitors going on the longer walks are advised to leave details of their route with the Camp Manager. Thunderstorms are a common occurrence in the Drakensberg during the summer months and visitors are warned of the dangers of lightning. It is advisable to carry warm clothing at all times. Picknicking is popular, and visitors are encouraged to take packed lunches with them. Fires are prohibited except in designated areas, because of the hazard of veld fires, and visitors are reminded that all refuse must be brought back to the camp for disposal. Although chilly, swimming in the Lotheni river is safe unless it is in flood, and there is a very good swimming spot approximately 1 km below the camp. Many walking trails are available to suit all ages. For spectacular views of the Drakensberg , the Emadundwini Trail , a 11.8 km circular route crossing a number of small streams and traveling up a steep incline is recommended. Other trails such as the Eagle, Falls, Canyon, Jacobs Ladder and the historically interesting Gelib Tree are also very rewarding. The park is a popular rendezvous for trout fishermen. Approximately 16 km of the Lotheni River is stocked with brown trout. A Provincial license and daily angling permits are requested, both of which are obtainable from the Camp Manager. Settlers’ Museum - Visitors to the park should make a point of visiting the Lotheni Settlers’ Homestead Museum. An interesting collection of early settler farming implements, home utensils, wagons, etc. is on display at the old Root homestead, which has been restored by the Parks and Reserves of KwaZulu Natal and refurnished in the style of the period.
How To Get There: There is a choice of two routes. For visitors from Durban and Pietermaritzburg the most popular route is via Underberg and Himeville, where the tar ends. The reserve is 45 km from Himeville. From the north it can be approached via Nottingham Road, on the Himeville Road. Approximately 62 km from Nottingham Road, turn right at the Lotheni Store. The entrance to the park is 10 km from this point. Contact Details: Summary:
Accommodation: Caves
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