From charming cottage life at Three Tree Hill near Bergville, to full-on family fun at The Cavern, we discovered the magic of the Drakensberg – one walk, one delicious meal, and one simple pleasure at a time.
There’s no denying that the Drakensberg is ideal for family travel. Open space, fresh air and the kind of setting that encourages you to slow down and simply be together. We stepped away from the usual routine and found a slower pace, where the days felt fuller and the distractions fewer.
First stop: Three Tree Hill
Perched on a ridge overlooking the historic Spioenkop battlefield, Three Tree Hill is more than a lodge – it’s a love letter to heritage, history and nature. The area is rich in stories of the South African War, and battlefield tours can be arranged for those interested in exploring this significant chapter of our past. Our cottage – the original farmhouse – was all charm and comfort, with wooden floors, cosy decor and stunning bushveld views from a wide veranda. But what truly set this place apart was the attention to detail – bedtime storybooks and teddies waiting for the kids, freshly baked rusks at the tea station, and little baskets to collect eggs each morning.
We spent our days walking, exploring the beautifully-curated library and looking for animals from our veranda. In the evenings, we sipped wine while the children ran around outside. It was slow living at its finest. Each meal was lovingly prepared – think charcuterie boards with homemade pickles and preserves, and fresh bread baked daily.
Kid-friendly highlight
The Magic Faraway Tree walk: A gentle, self-guided stroll to a beautiful old Acacia tree on the farm, complete with a giant swing and plenty of space for a picnic.
Then, to The Cavern
Just an hour away, The Cavern welcomed us with its signature blend of warm hospitality and old-school holiday magic. The setting is just beautiful – the thatched hotel (which dates back to 1941) is surrounded by mountains, and the atmosphere is utterly relaxed. There’s a rhythm to life here – breakfast, walk, tea, lunch, kids’ activities, sundowners, dinner – that makes it so easy to just be. From the get-go, the kids were swept into a world of pony rides, painting, scavenger hunts and games with the fabulous childminders, giving us a blissful break.
The rooms were spacious and bright, with views straight onto the gardens. We fell asleep to the sound of frogs and woke to the chatter of birds. No alarms. No to-do lists. Just simple, beautiful days.
It must be said, the food alone makes the trip worthwhile. And yes, we went back for seconds. Every time. Breakfasts are relaxed and leisurely, lunches feature a wholesome harvest table, and dinners are a three-course affair. A personal favourite? Creamy mushroom risotto with herb and parmesan shavings, followed by maple and sesame-roasted duck with blueberry port sauce, and a sweet finish of crème caramel with fresh fruit, brandy snap and ice cream.
Family-friendly gold
The Cavern is perfectly equipped for families and offers:
1. Dedicated kids’ playroom and activity programme
2. Trained child minders who adore children
3. Early dinners for the littles ones
4. Guided walks and pony rides
Details: www.threetreehill.co.za; www.cavern.co.za
