Drakensberg Thendele Camp is Independently Marketed by Far and Wild Safaris cc

Thendele Camp – Drakensberg Accommodation in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park

Stay at Thendele Camp in the Northern Drakensberg

Thendele Camp is one of the most popular self-catering accommodation options in the Drakensberg Mountains, located inside the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The camp is famous for its breathtaking views of the Drakensberg Amphitheatre and the majestic Tugela Falls, the world’s second-highest waterfall

Accommodation Options at Thendele Camp

Thendele Camp is divided into two sections – Upper Camp and Lower Camp – just 250 m apart. In addition, there is a three-bedroom Lodge and two spacious six-sleeper cottages.

• Upper Camp

  • 6 × 2-sleeper chalets (1 twin bedroom)
  • 7 × 4-sleeper chalets (2 twin bedrooms
• Lower Camp
  • 8 × 2-sleeper chalets (1 twin bedroom)
  • 5 × 4-sleeper chalets (2 twin bedrooms)
• Other Accommodation
  • 1 × Lodge (6-sleeper, 3 twin ensuite bedrooms)
  • 2 × Cottages (6-sleeper, 3 twin bedrooms each – currently closed)

Capacity: Thendele Camp accommodates up to 94 guests.

All units feature TWO comfortable ¾ beds per bedroom, kitchens for self-catering, and fireplaces in selected chalets for cozy winter evenings.

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Facilities & Amenities

• Self-catering chalets (no restaurant on site)

• Fans and electric heaters (no air-conditioning)

• Fireplaces in some units

• 24-hour electricity (220V)

• Limited 3G mobile reception

• No shop, swimming pool, or perimeter fencing

• Closest town: Bergville (44 km away)

Hiking & Outdoor Activities
Thendele Camp is a top choice for hikers and nature lovers visiting the Drakensberg. From the camp, you can enjoy:

• Tugela Falls – via Sentinel car park (2-hour drive + 5–8 hour hike round trip, includes famous chain ladders)
• Tugela Gorge Trail – a moderate 7 km hike with forest paths, rivers, and dramatic cliff views
• Scenic walks to caves with San rock art
• Fishing in mountain rivers
• Horse riding at nearby Rugged Glen

Why Choose Thendele Camp?

• Incredible views of the Drakensberg Amphitheatre

• Direct access to world-class Drakensberg hiking trails

• Affordable self-catering accommodation inside a World Heritage Site

• A peaceful retreat surrounded by mountains and nature

 

Between upper and lower camps it is 250m between the closest units and 500m between the farthest units.

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Chalets with Stunning Drakensberg Views

The Thendele Camp chalets are built from brick under traditional thatch, offering breathtaking views of the Drakensberg Amphitheatre. Both the Upper Camp and Lower Camp provide similar panoramic vistas, with Upper Camp chalets slightly larger in size.

Each chalet is designed to stay cool in summer and warm in winter, with fireplaces available for cold nights. (Note: Firewood cannot be brought into the Park to protect against the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer beetle.)

Accommodation Options at Thendele Camp

2-Sleeper Chalets

• Lower Camp: Open-plan twin bedroom and living area, separate kitchen and bathroom.

• Upper Camp: Separate twin bedroom, living area, kitchen, and bathroom.

4-Sleeper Chalets

• Lower Camp: Open-plan living area, separate kitchen, two twin bedrooms, and bathroom.

• Upper Camp: Open-plan kitchen/living area, two twin bedrooms, bathroom with walk-in shower.

6-Sleeper Cottages

• Lower Camp: Three twin bedrooms, open-plan living area, kitchen, and one shared bathroom. (Currently closed)

6-Sleeper Thendele Lodge

A secluded, fully equipped self-catering lodge with three ensuite twin bedrooms, a lounge, dining area, and kitchen. Perfect for families or groups seeking privacy.

Hiking and Outdoor Activities

Tugela Falls Hike via Sentinel Car Park

One of the highlights of staying at Thendele is hiking to the Tugela Falls, the world’s second-highest waterfall (950 m drop). From camp, it’s a 2-hour drive to the Sentinel Car Park, followed by a 5–8 hour hike to the top of the Amphitheatre. This trail includes the famous chain ladders and offers dramatic mountain views. Access requires a 4x4, but transfers are available from Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge.

Tugela Gorge Trail (Direct from Thendele Camp)

Another popular option is the 7 km Tugela Gorge Trail, starting directly from camp. This moderate hike winds through indigenous yellowwood and protea forests, finishing with a boulder section and chain ladder. In summer, the waterfall cascades dramatically over the Amphitheatre in five stages — a sight not to be missed.

Other Activities in Royal Natal National Park

• Explore multiple hiking trails

• Visit San rock art sites

• Fish in mountain rivers and dams

• Enjoy horse riding at Rugged Glen stables

Facilities & Practical Information

• Self-catering accommodation only (no on-site restaurant)

• Nearest shops: Bergville (44 km away)

• For camps with restaurants, consider Didima Camp or Giants Castle Camp in the Drakensberg

Make an Enquiry or Booking

Read about our visits to Thendele Camp      Aug 2015     Feb 2016     Dec 2019
Upper Camp – Thendele Camp, Northern Drakensberg
2 Bed Chalet – Thendele Upper Camp
4 Bed Chalet – Thendele Upper Camp
Lower Camp – Thendele Camp, Northern Drakensberg
2 Bed Chalet – Thendele Lower Camp
4 Bed Chalet – Thendele Lower Camp
6 Bed Cottage – Thendele Camp, Northern Drakensberg
Lodge – Thendele Camp, Northern Drakensberg

ENQUIRIES & BOOKINGS

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Call / WhatsApp us on +27 31 2083684
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