Lotheni - Drakensberg Park

Lotheni - Drakensberg Park is situated in the southern section of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park and is noted for its magnificent scenery and hiking.

Accommodation at Lotheni - Drakensberg Park
Lotheni Hutted Camp
- The comfortable hutted camp, electrically lit by generator form 17:00- 22:00, consists of 12 self-contained chalets, each with its own refrigerator, two- plate gas stove (with a small oven), bathroom and toilet.
- In addition to the chalets there are 2 six-bed fully self-contained cottages.
- Visitors must bring all their won food supplies and do their won cooking.
- The nearest source of provision is at the Lotheni store, which is 14 km form the camp.
- The curio shop at Lotheni supplies some basic groceries.
- A deep freeze is situated in the camp kitchen and is available for use by camp visitors, as is a single large gas stove.

Accommodation - Skimes Cottage
- Simes cottage is a converted old farm house and can accommodate 10 people in four rooms.
- It is equipped with gas and visitors do their own cooking and need to bring their won towels, sheets and pillow-slips.
- The cottage is situated next to a small dam, which is regularly stocked with trout.
- The dam is reserved exclusively for visitors staying at Simes cottage.

Activities
- Wildlife includes species such as common and mountain reedbuck, grey reedbuck, eland, grey duiker, oribi, Cape clawless otter, mongoose and baboon. There is a diversity of birds, including black stork, verreauxs eagle, bearded vulture, lanner falcon, Cape vulture and giant kingfisher.
- Many delightful walks and climbs may be undertaken and there are excursions of this nature to suit all ages. It is advisable to carry warm clothing at all times as the weather is often unpredictable.
- Mountain biking is allowed in designated areas. Picnicking is popular and visitors are encouraged to take packed lunches with them.
- Although chilly, swimming in the Lotheni River is safe unless it is in flood. There is a very good swimming spot approximately 1 km below the camp at Cool Pools. The park is popular rendezvous for trout fishermen. Approximately 16 km of the Lotheni River is stocked with brown trout. Should you wish to fish, the payment of a daily rod fee is required to be made at the Camp Office. Only fly tackle is permissible.

Settler`s Museum
Visitors should make a point of visiting the Lotheni Settlers Homestead Museum. An interesting collection of early settler farming implements and home utensils is on display at the old Root homestead, which as been restored and refurnished in the style of the period.

General
- No pets are permitted in the park
- Camping anywhere other than in designated areas is forbidden
- Cell phone signal is limited at the camp; public phone is available and please provide your own phone cards.
- The nearest source of provision is at the Lotheni store, which is 14km form the camp. 
- The curio shop supplies some basic groceries.
- The nearest town which has a full range of services is Underberg which is 50km away.

Special Precautions:
The weather is subject to change at short notice and can become very cold. Hikers need to be well equipped.

The camp is electronically lit by a generator from 17h00 - 22h00.

Gate entry times
Summer (1 October- 31 March) 05: 00- 19:00
Winter (1 April- 30 September) 6:00- 18:00

- The making of fire is strictly prohibited, except n designated areas in the camp and campsite, because of the hazard of veld fires.
- Hikers are reminded that all refuse must be brought back to the camp for disposal
- Hikers must complete the mountain rescue register at the camp office before and after their hike

Shop:
Limited curios and supplies.

Special Precautions:
The weather is subject to change at short notice and can become very cold. Hikers need to be well equipped.

The nearest town which has a full range of services is Underberg which is 50 kms away.