Sani Lodge Backpackers

Southern Drakensberg, KZN

Our place

Set in the heart of the majestic Southern Drakensberg, on 30 hectares of land bordering the World Heritage Site, Sani Lodge offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, hearty meals, and well-deserved relaxation. We are one of the oldest lodges in the country, welcoming guests from around the world for over 30 years. In addition, we are leaders in the field of responsible and sustainable tourism. This has gained us global recognition for our ethical practices in social upliftment as well as nature conservation.

Only good vibes

Our cosy common room area with a log fireplace, provides a laid-back, sociable environment in which to connect with fellow adventurers. It has been the starting point of many a great story, berg exploration and friendship. Whether you’d rather catch a tan next to the pool, enjoy a cocktail at our restaurant before a 3 course supper created with locally sourced, quality ingredients or simply sip a cold beer by the braai whilst the sun sets on another stunning African day, Sani Lodge Backpackers is the perfect setting. For those seeking private, self-contained units, we have lovely cottages which are perfect for a family getaway or group of friends.

Beds, rooms & cottages

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, an escape with the family or are on a bucket-list backpacking adventure, we have something for you.

Woodpecker rondavel

Sleeps 2 En suite Tea, Coffee, Kettle

Room description

The thatch rondavel is a traditional African dwelling, taking is name from its round shape. Captivating mountain views from your double bed make this a great romantic getaway and perfect base for your ‘Berg exploration. Set alongside a copse of indigenous trees you may be lucky enough to hear the “tap tap” of the woodpecker bird after which this rondavel has been named. This room is ideal for those seeking peace and quiet with the small stream gurgling nearby attracting a multitude of mountain birds, 19 of which are endemic to the Sani Pass area. All bedding and bath towels are provided, and an oil heater is available for the cold winter months. A tray with a kettle, tea and filter coffee makes you feel at home right away. We provide creamy farm milk from our own herd of Jersey cows. Guests have access to a fully equipped communal kitchen, sitting room with open fireplace and central braai boma area.

Amenities

1 Double Bed – Double bed with en suite shower, toilet, basin.
Lodge Swimming Pool Access – The crystal clear pool and stunning views from it will take your breath away.
Mountain Views – Immerse yourself in the heart of the Southern Drakensberg.
Essential Toiletries Provided – Find shower gel, hand soap as well as hand lotion in your bathroom.
Private Entrance – This standalone rondavel has a private lockable entrance.
Parking – Free parking in the main lodge car park nearby.

Kingfisher Rondavel

Sleeps 2 En suite Tea, Coffee, Kettle

Room description

The thatch rondavel is a traditional African dwelling, taking is name from its round shape. Captivating mountain views from your double bed make this a great romantic getaway and perfect base for your ‘Berg exploration. Set alongside a copse of indigenous trees you may be lucky enough to glimpse the dazzling little Kingfisher bird after which this rondavel has been named. This room is ideal for those seeking peace and quiet with the small stream gurgling nearby attracting a multitude of mountain birds, 19 of which are endemic to the Sani Pass area. All bedding and bath towels are provided, and an oil heater is available for the cold winter months. A tray with a kettle, tea and filter coffee makes you feel at home right away. We provide creamy farm milk from our own herd of Jersey cows. Guests have access to a fully equipped communal kitchen, sitting room with open fireplace and central braai boma area.

Amenities

Francolin rondavel

Sleeps 2 En suite Tea, Coffee, Kettle

Room description

The thatch rondavel is a traditional African dwelling, taking is name from its round shape. Set amongst a copse of indigenous trees you may be lucky enough to hear the chirruping of the francolin birds after which this rondavel has been named. This room is ideal for those seeking peace and quiet with the small stream gurgling nearby attracting a multitude of mountain birds, 19 of which are endemic to the Sani Pass area. There is a double bed, with bedding and bath towels provided, and an oil heater is available for the cold winter months. A tray with kettle, tea and filter coffee makes you feel at home right away. We provide creamy farm milk from our own herd of Jersey cows. Guests have access to a fully equipped communal kitchen, sitting room with open fireplace and central braai boma area.

Amenities

1 Double Bed – One double bed with en suite shower, toilet, basin.
Lodge Swimming Pool Access – The crystal clear pool and stunning views from it will take your breath away.
Garden Views – Drift off to the sound of birds chirruping and the stream bubbling by.
Essential Toiletries Provided – Find shower gel, hand soap as well as hand lotion in your bathroom.
Private Entrance – This standalone rondavel has a private lockable entrance.
Parking – Free parking in the main lodge car park nearby.

Hoopoe rondavel

Sleeps 1, En suite Tea, Coffee, Kettle

Room description

The little thatch rondavel is a traditional African dwelling, taking is name from its round shape. Set amongst a copse of indigenous trees you may be lucky enough to see the African Hoopoe bird after which this rondavel has been named. This room is ideal for a single person seeking peace and privacy away from the main lodge with the small stream gurgling nearby attracting a multitude of mountain birds, 19 of which are endemic to the Sani Pass area. The cosy room has one single bed and en-suite shower, toilet and handbasin. All bedding including feather duvet, sheets, blankets, bath towels and shower gel are provided. A tray with a kettle, tea and filter coffee makes you feel at home right away. We provide fresh, creamy farm milk from our Jersey cows. Guests have access to a fully equipped communal kitchen, sitting room with open fireplace and central braai boma area.

Amenities

1 Single Bed – Single bedroom with en suite shower, toilet, basin.
Lodge Swimming Pool Access – The crystal clear pool and stunning views from it will take your breath away.
Garden Views – Drift off to the sound of birds chirruping and the stream bubbling by.
Essential Toiletries Provided – Find shower gel, hand soap as well as hand lotion in your bathroom.
Private Entrance – This standalone rondavel has a private lockable entrance.
Parking – Free parking in the main lodge car park nearby.

Guinea-fowl cottage

Sleeps 4, Private Bathroom, Kitchenette

Room description

A lovely compact thatched family cottage ideal for 2 adults and 2 children: built from pole and dagga and set amongst indigenous gardens. A small stream gurgles past attracting a multitude of mountain birds, 19 of which are endemic to the Sani Pass area. Behind the cottage is its own private little garden adjacent to the stream that supplies our drinking water. There is a braai stand in the garden. Ntshitshi cottage, Francolin and Hoopoe rondavels are close by. This cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms,one with a double bed and the second small room has 2 bunk beds. All bedding including feather duvets, sheets, blankets and bath towels are provided. The fully quipped kitchenette has a stove, microwave, kettle, pots, cutlery and crockery provided. A tray with tea and filter coffee makes you feel at home right away. We provide creamy farm milk from our own herd of Jersey cows. NOTE: This cottage may be booked for a minimum of 2 people. Please contact us directly if your group is less than 4.

Amenities

1 Double Bed & a Bunk Bed – Two bedrooms. Double bed in one and a bunk bed (i.e.: two single beds arranged as a bunk) in the other.
Lodge Swimming Pool Access – The crystal clear pool and stunning views from it will take your breath away.
Garden Views – Drift off to the sound of birds chirruping and the stream bubbling by.
Essential Toiletries Provided – Find shower gel, hand soap as well as hand lotion in your bathroom.
Private Entrance – This cottage has a private lockable door.
Parking – Free parking in a carpark 42 metres away.

Aloe cottage

Sleeps 4, Queen Bed, En suit Kitchenette

Room description

A lovely 2 bedroomed family cottage ideal for two adults and two children, set in an indigenous garden with stunning mountain views from every window. The main bedroom has a queen bed with en-suite bathroom with shower. The second room is small with twin beds and an en-suite bathroom with bath. All bedding and bath towels are provided. The fully equipped kitchen has a stove, microwave, fridge, kettle, pots, crockery, cutlery. This cosy cottage is well suited to the berg winters with a wood burning fireplace in the open plan lounge / dining room area. A tray with tea and filter coffee makes you feel at home right away. We provide creamy farm milk from our own herd of Jersey cows. The garden has a braai stand.

Amenities

1 Queen Bed & Two Single Beds – Two bedrooms. Queen bed in one and two single beds in the other. Both en suite.
Lodge Swimming Pool Access – The crystal clear pool and stunning views from it will take your breath away.
Mountain Views – Immerse yourself in the heart of the Southern Drakensberg.
Essential Toiletries Provided – Find shower gel, hand soap as well as hand lotion in your bathroom.
Private Entrance – This standalone cottage has a lockable private entrance.
Parking – After reception check in and Covid screening tests, Guests are given directions to the cottage which is accessed off the Sani Pass road via a manually opened farm gate, and then a second manually opened farm gate that must both be closed afterwards to keep our dairy cattle from straying onto the road. Parking is on the other side of our water source stream just 35 metres from the cottage.

Ntshitshi cottage

Sleeps 6, Private Bathroom, Kitchenette

Room description

A rustic, sunny self-catering family cottage with ethnic decor and crafted wood furnishings. Ntshitshi can sleep 6 people in three bedrooms; main bedroom has a double bed and second bedroom has twin beds. The third bedroom is only accessible by a private entrance to the porch. Set in an indigenous garden near 3 other thatched chalets within a copse of the trees from which it takes its name, this cottage is ideal for those looking for an affordable family nature break. A small stream gurgles past attracting a multitude of mountain birds 19 of which are endemic to the Sani Pass area. There is one bathroom with shower, toilet and handbasin. All bedding including feather duvets, blankets, sheets and bath towels are provided. A fully equipped kitchenette has a stove, fridge, microwave, cutlery, crockery, pots and kettle. We provide tea, filter coffee and fresh farm milk from our Jersey cows to make you feel right at home. There is a braai stand next to garden benches to enjoy the outdoors. NOTE: This cottage may be booked for a minimum of 3 people. Please contact us directly if your group is less than 6.

Amenities

1 Double Bed & Four Single Beds – Three bedrooms. Double bed in one and two single beds in each of the others.
Lodge Swimming Pool Access – The crystal-clear pool and stunning views from it will take your breath away.
Garden Views – Drift off to the sound of birds chirruping and the stream bubbling by.
Essential Toiletries Provided – Find shower gel, hand soap as well as hand lotion in your bathroom.
Private Entrance – Two private entrances to this cottage.
Parking – Free parking in a carpark 42 metres from the cottage.

Lourie standard room

Sleeps 2, Shared Communal Kitchen

Room description

This room has twin beds. All bedding including feather duvet, sheets, blankets, bath towels and shower gel are provided. A tray with a kettle, tea and filter coffee makes you feel at home right away. We supply guests with our own fresh farm milk from our Jersey cows. Guests have access to unisex ablutions with hot showers, a fully equipped communal kitchen, sitting room with open fireplace and central braai boma area.

Amenities

2 Single Beds – Two single beds in a private room.
Lodge Swimming Pool Access – The crystal clear pool and stunning views from it will take your breath away.
Garden Views – Drift off to the sound of birds chirruping and the stream bubbling by.
Essential Toiletries Provided – Find shower gel, hand soap as well as hand lotion in the shared bathrooms.
Private Entrance – This room has a private lockable entrance.
Parking – Free parking in the main lodge car park nearby.

Nightjar standard room

Sleeps 2, Shared Communal Kitchen

Room description

This room has twin beds with a garden view and mountains in the background. All bedding including feather duvet, sheets, blankets, bath towels and shower gel are provided. A tray with a kettle, tea and filter coffee makes you feel at home right away. We provide farm milk from our Jersey cows. Guests have access to unisex ablutions with hot showers, a fully equipped communal kitchen, sitting room with open fireplace and central braai boma area.

Amenities

Wydah standard room

Sleeps 2, Shared Communal Kitchen

Room description

This room has a double bed. All bedding including feather duvet, sheets, blankets, bath towels and shower gel are provided. A tray with a kettle, tea and filter coffee makes you feel at home right away. We provide farm milk from our Jersey cows. Guests have access to unisex ablutions with hot showers, a fully equipped communal kitchen, sitting room with open fireplace and central braai boma area.

Amenities

Double Bed – Double bed in a private room.
Lodge Swimming Pool Access – The crystal clear pool and stunning views from it will take your breath away.
Garden Views – Drift off to the sound of birds chirruping and the stream bubbling by.
Essential Toiletries Provided – Find shower gel, hand soap as well as hand lotion in the shared bathrooms.
Private Entrance – This room has a private lockable entrance.
Parking – Free parking in the main lodge car park nearby.

Sunbird standard room

Sleeps 2, Shared Communal Kitchen

Room description

This room has a queen sized bed with garden and mountain view. All bedding including feather duvet, sheets, blankets, bath towels and shower gel are provided. A tray with a kettle, tea and filter coffee makes you feel at home right away. We provide farm milk from our Jersey cows. Guests have access to unisex ablutions with hot showers, a fully equipped communal kitchen, sitting room with open fireplace and central braai boma area.

Amenities

Queen Bed – Queen bed in a private room.
Lodge Swimming Pool Access – The crystal clear pool and stunning views from it will take your breath away.
Garden Views – Drift off to the sound of birds chirruping and the stream bubbling by.
Essential Toiletries Provided – Find shower gel, hand soap as well as hand lotion in the shared bathrooms.
Private Entrance – This room has a private lockable entrance.
Parking – Free parking in the main lodge car park nearby.

Dassie standard room

Sleeps 1, Shared Communal Kitchen

Room description

This small room has one bed. All bedding including feather duvet, sheets, blankets, bath towels and shower gel are provided. Guests have access to unisex ablutions with hot showers, a fully equipped communal kitchen, sitting room with open fireplace and central braai boma area.

Amenities

Single Bed – One single bed in a private room.
Lodge Swimming Pool Access – The crystal clear pool and stunning views from it will take your breath away.
Garden Views – Drift off to the sound of birds chirruping and the stream bubbling by.
Essential Toiletries Provided – Find shower gel, hand soap as well as hand lotion in the shared bathrooms.
Private Entrance – This room has a private lockable entrance.
Parking – Free parking in the main lodge car park nearby.

Dorm beds

Private Locker, Shared Communal Kitchen

Room description

Four bunk beds in each unisex dormitory sleeping a total of four people. Base sheet, top sheet, blankets, feather duvet and pillows provided. Own entrance. Shared ablutions nearby. There is a fully equipped communal kitchen, common room, and large braai boma. Tea, coffe and our fresh farm milk is provided in the kitchen.

Amenities

Bunk Bed – Single bed in a shared dormitory. Each dorm room sleeps four people on two bunk beds.
Lodge Swimming Pool Access – The crystal clear pool and stunning views from it will take your breath away.
Private Lockers – Each person has their own locker in the room for your peace of mind.
Essential Toiletries Provided – Find hand soap as well as hand lotion in the shared bathrooms. Bath towels are not provided.
Garden Views – Drift off to the sound of birds chirruping and the stream bubbling by.
Parking – Free parking in the main lodge car park nearby.

Ibis standard room

Sleeps 3, Shared Communal Kitchen

Room description

This room has three single beds with a garden view. All bedding including feather duvet, sheets, blankets, bath towels and shower gel are provided. Guests have access to unisex, shared ablutions with hot showers, a fully equipped communal kitchen, sitting room with open fireplace and central braai boma area. Free WIFI at the restaurant.

Amenities

Three Single Beds – Three single beds in a private room.
Lodge Swimming Pool Access – The crystal clear pool and stunning views from it will take your breath away.
Garden Views – Drift off to the sound of birds chirruping and the stream bubbling by.
Essential Toiletries Provided – Find shower gel, hand soap as well as hand lotion in the shared bathrooms.
Private Entrance – This room has a private lockable entrance.
Parking – Free parking in the main lodge car park nearby.

Camping

Shared Communal Kitchen

Campsite description

A simple, small camp area next to the road and our cow milking shed set amongst peach trees. Whilst there are no demarcated sites, our small camp area has grass coverage, one unisex shared ablution and a basic kitchen. It is worth noting that there are no power points.

Amenities

The camping area is very basic without designated sites and limited capacity. There are 6 braai stands in total, 3 of which can be used by campers parked near with their vehicles. Vehicles cannot be parked near to the other 3 braai stands due to this area being fenced off to keep the grass growing. There is only one unisex ablution block with 2 gas geyser hot showers, 2 toilets and 2 handbasins. A small room houses recycling bins, a sink (no hot water) a fridge and 2 hot plates. Campers may use the campers’ kitchen in the camping area (equipped with gas burners, stove kettle, sink, work surfaces) but should bring all their own cutlery and crockery, pots and pans. Please use the recycling bins in the kitchen to dispose of your rubbish. The kitchens at the main lodge are not to be used by campers. There are no electrical points available for camp fridges. This camping area is not suited to campervans and caravans that need power points.
Garden Views – Drift off to the sound of birds chirruping and the stream bubbling by.
Lodge Swimming Pool Access – The crystal clear pool and stunning views from it will take your breath away.
Parking – There is a small section for vehicles to park next to their tents. The rest of the camping area is for tents only and vehicles may be parked in the restaurant carpark adjacent to the camp site.
Essential Toiletries Provided – Hand soap is provided.

Honey Guide Cottage

Sleeps 6, Two Bathrooms Kitchenette

Room description

A lovely bedroomed family cottage set in an indigenous garden with magnificent mountain views. It is named after the bird that is found here. The garden has a braai stand and parking right next to the cottage. The main bedroom has a double bed with en-suite bathroom, the second bedroom has twin beds and the third bedroom is ideal for kids as it is small with 2 bunk beds. All bedding and bath towels are provided. The fully equipped kitchenette has a stove, fridge, microwave, kettle, pots, crockery and cutlery. This cosy cottage is well suited to the berg winters with a wood burning fireplace in the open plan lounge / kitchenette area. A tray with tea and filter coffee makes you feel at home right away. We provide creamy farm milk from our own herd of Jersey cows.

Group Facility

Shared Communal Kitchen

Room description

This is a 30-sleeper double storey building with 7 dormitory rooms suited to school and hiking groups needing basic budget accommodation. A fully equipped kitchen has two stoves, fridge, microwave, kettle, sink, pots, pans, cutlery, crockery. There is a small dining area and sitting room with fireplace. BATHROOMS On the ground floor the first bathroom has two showers, one toilet and one hand basin, whilst the second bathroom has one shower, one toilet ,and a hand basin. Upstairs you will find two toilets and two more hand basins. There are also two more showers attached to the building accessible from outside the back door. Please note that guests need to bring their own bath towels and toiletries. All bedding is provided. And of course there is a braai / barbeque area out front in the garden. GROUND FLOOR Bedroom 1 – 4 bunk beds Bedroom 2 – adjoins bedroom 1 and has 4 bunk beds and 1 single bed. Bathroom one is ensuite for these two adjoining rooms. UPSTAIRS Bedroom 3 – 2 bunk beds and 2 single beds Bedroom 4 – 4 bunk beds Bedroom 5 – 2 bunk beds and 2 single beds Bedroom 6 – 2 bunk beds and 3 single beds Bedroom 7 – 2 bunk beds and 2 single beds The building faces the Sani Pass road and is next to the Giants Cup Cafe and restaurant.

Amenities

Bunk Bed – Single bed in a shared dormitory. Each dorm room sleeps four people on two bunk beds.
Lodge Swimming Pool Access – The crystal clear pool and stunning views from it will take your breath away.
Garden Views – Drift off to the sound of birds chirruping and the stream bubbling by.
Parking – Free parking in the group facility car park nearby.