A choice of four welcoming chalets in the little explored Southern Drakensberg in the Ongeluksnek Valley at the border between the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, and Lesotho. Constructed by local people with traditional designs and materials, they offer a unique getaway destination for family groups, backpackers, and adventure seekers.
Rustic yet homely, they provide:
- Hot showers and flush toilets
- Boma for evening braais
- Separate bedrooms (twin or dormitory) with linen and towels
- Communal lounge and kitchen
- Self-catering or catered accommodation options
- Gas cooking facilities and paraffin lamps
- Each chalet equipped for 12 people
- Permanent staff for daily servicing
All chalets offer private seclusion with stunning views of mountains and rural scenery. Each chalet serves as an overnight stopover for people doing the Mehloding Adventure Trail.
Fair Trade Tourism SA Member
The Mehloding Community Trust subscribes to Fair Trade ethics and code of practice, benefiting local communities through employment and sustainable ecotourism.
| Service | Rate |
|---|---|
| Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (solo) | R800.00 |
| Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (2+ people) | R800.00 pp |
| Self-catering (solo) | R350.00 |
| Hiking only (entry fee) | R100.00 pp |
| Baggage transfers while hiking | R1,600.00 |
| Return transfer from Matatiele (group of 7 or less) | R1,400.00 |
| Transfer between chalets (per group) | R1,600.00 |
Each chalet is 40-50km from Matatiele
This chalet comprises one main rectangular house with two bathrooms, kitchen, and dining room, a boma for evening braais, and three rondavels sleeping 4 to 6 each. A short hike will take you to the Mission or to the Jordan River for a refreshing swim.
Situated above Mpharane village, this chalet provides one communal rectangular building with a kitchen, two bathrooms, and a dining room opening onto a terrace for evening drinks and braais. Accommodation is in three rondavels: one dormitory sleeping 6 and two rooms sleeping 2 people each. The chalets are quite close to the village, so you can wander down to meet the local people and buy produce from the local spaza shops.
Right beneath the Three Sisters ridge, this chalet has one communal house opening onto a terrace with stunning views, two bathrooms, a dining room, and a kitchen. There are two rondavels: one dormitory style and one divided into two twin rooms. This is the most isolated of the chalets and will suit nature lovers and hikers wishing to explore the walks to rock art and waterfalls.
Built from local rock and surrounded by protea trees, this chalet consists of one main house with two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a dining room opening onto a covered terrace with mountain views. Accommodation is in two rondavels: one dormitory and one divided into two twin rooms.
After completing Day 4, you can overnight at Masakala Chalet near Matatiele before heading home. This is also where you can safely leave your vehicle at the start of your hike. Horse riding is available at Masakala.