Reviews & Comments

Showing 29 reviews (ordered by date of stay, most recent appearing first).

Verified reviewexcellent

This peaceful and tranquil retreat is surrounded by trees and nestled into the mountainside, providing a serene environment filled with the soothing sounds of bird songs and the nearby river. The cottage itself is private, spacious, and exceptionally comfortable, equipped with everything you need for a self-catering stay.

September 2023

Imcia (South Africa)

Verified reviewexcellent

We thoroughly enjoyed a 3 night stay at the Injoka cabin. The spacious cabin had everything we needed and more. Best bed ever! Spectacular and pristine surroundings and lovely hikes in the reserve, doable even forth not so young ones. Thank you Paul and Ricky, perhaps one day we will visit again.

June 2023

Ida J. (Centurion)

Verified reviewexcellent

Lovely lodging and views from the cabin. Excellent time in nature. Very friendly yet not bothersome hosts. This is the place to go if you want peace and quiet in exceptional surroundings, because there are only 2 chalets with place for only 2 people and no children allowed. I would recommend this place to anybody who is switched on for nature👌

June 2023

Marna V. (Delmas)

Verified reviewexcellent

My husband and I had a wonderful 4 night stay at IKHAYALAMAFU in the Inyoka cabin. The cabin is well equipped and is very comfortable. Closer to nature you cannot get, the cabin sits at the foot of The Sphinx in the Drakensberg Cathkin Peak and the sound of the mountain stream is so calming. The hosts were welcoming and respectful of our privacy. The staff are friendly and unobtrusive. We'd love to visit again.

April 2023

Tania L. (Benoni)

Verified reviewexcellent

The stay was wonderful. You are emerged in the mountains with beautiful views and birdlife all around. The walking trails are beautiful. We went there on our honeymoon and the hosts treated us with a personal card and gift. It was a very nice touch.

October 2022

Johann M. (Pretoria)

Verified reviewexcellent

If you are looking for heaven on earth, you'll find it at Ikhayalamafu. It is beautiful, tranquil, the bird life is magnificent as are the views and amazing hiking trials. The hospitality from Ricky and Paul is outstanding.

September 2022

Gail S. (Dundee)

Verified reviewexcellent

What a wonderful place to rest, recharge and enjoy nature! Everything you need and more. Thank you, Paul and Ricky....we will be back

July 2022

Adel V. (Kimberley)

Verified reviewvery good

The area is wonderful for anyone who loves to be in surrounded by the Drakensberg. The hikes are amazing right from the front door ! There are only 2 cottages, both are cozy and the beds are great. They have a nice fireplace so even on colder nights you can stay nice and warm. I highly recommend this place for a quiet retreat!

April 2022

Astrid R. (Pretoria)

Verified reviewexcellent

The most beautiful location this side of heaven!

April 2022

Eylis C. (Johannesburg)

Verified reviewexcellent

can recommend it for anyone who loves peace and restfull experencies. unique location and excellent attention to detail.

September 2021

Aletta C. (Ptetoria)

Verified reviewexcellent

We were welcomed by a friendly Paul and Ricky who showed us everything we need to know. The Cabin is clean, warm and cosy with everything that you need. The scenery off course is magnificant and we thoroughly enjoyed the trails Good place to shake off the busy life of the city and just unwind for a few days We will most definitely be back some time!

September 2021

Zelda-Lee V. (Centurion)

Verified reviewvery good

Wonderful hosts. Clean, cosy, comfortable and well-appointed accommodation. Breathtaking walks.

April 2021

Jenni B. (Hillcrest)

Verified reviewexcellent

Great location! Chalet has everything you could need. Ricky and Paul are wonderful hosts!

March 2021

Elena B. (Cape Town)

Verified reviewexcellent

Ikhayalamafu exceeded our expectations. It is a beautiful spot, where you can unwind in privacy and reconnect with nature. The cottage is clean and has everything you need, the bed is comfortable, the views are outstanding and the forest walk will take your breath away. We will certainly be returning!

February 2021

Gina v. (Durban)

Verified reviewexcellent

Words cannot truly describe Ikhayalamafu adequately. Tucked up close to the mountains, it's one of the most tranquil settings I've ever been in. Apart from simply viewing the scenery, there are many sensational hikes to choose from, some for the more advanced hiker, but all very rewarding. The cabin is very spacious and whether you're in Ingwe (as we were) or Inyoka, the views of the forest and mountain are superb. I would strongly suggest making a stop by Ikhayalamafu if you're interested in staying in the Champagne Valley region.

January 2020

Etienne B. (Boksburg)

Verified reviewexcellent

This was an amazing experience. The hosts made sure that everything was sorted without being in our space. The area is beautiful and the cottage was the perfect place to snuggle up in the somewhat rainy weather. Immediate access to excellent trails and magnificent scenery. Definitely a "do-again" visit.

December 2019

Carl S. (Johannesburg)

Verified reviewexcellent

My wife and I had wonderful time at Ikhayalamafu, Paul and Ricky(owners) are the best. Great place with gorgeous mountains, cool,peaceful rain forest with beautiful birds singing and ice cold water. It's breathtaking!

October 2019

Nhlanhla N. (Glencoe)

Verified reviewexcellent

I can say just Excellent. Ricky and Paul are very kind and considerate. We can see the touches in all the small details.

August 2019

JH Park (JOHANNESBURG)

Verified reviewexcellent

Loved the hikes, the scenery, the peace, and even the dogs. Everything was perfect!

May 2018

Josephine Andersen (Roanoke VA, USA)

Verified reviewexcellent

Heaven on eafth. Most beatifull place. Accommodation very clean and comfortable. Friendly hosts always available to assist when needed. Very frendly Great Danes to come visit only to say a quich hallo. Entrance road and premises well maintained.

December 2017

Joey Opperman (Pretoria)

Verified reviewexcellent

Will definitely go back again – everything was just perfect!

October 2017

Mia van den Heever (Johannesburg)

Verified reviewexcellent

We enjoyed an exceptionally relaxed and unique few days at our generous and hospitable hosts, Ricky and Paul's superb hideaway cabin with magnificent views. Some gentle hiking up to the Sphinx. Time spent relaxing on the deck with books and Braais. Roaring fires at night and a cosy electric blanket to lull us to sleep. Well equipped kitchen. Cannot recommend this gem enough. Thank you.

September 2017

Carolyn Thompson (Gravenhurst uk)

Verified reviewexcellent

Extremely neat and wel equiped kitchen. Fireplace with plenty of wood. Braai outside with charcoal and firelighters. Love king size bed with electric blankets. Good quality linen. Wifi. If you need to get away from the city, this is the place to go with with hiking trails and water falls. Great hospitality! 5 - star plus!!!!

June 2017

Johan Roscherr (Johannesburg)

Verified reviewexcellent

My wife and I had a wonderful time at iKhayalamafu. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys mountain walks and beautiful scenery. The cabin was excellent and well equipped. Birdlife was good and we saw many species from the balcony. Ricky and Paul were helpful and provided us with information about the tracks and the local area.

October 2016

David Fischer (Wollongong)

Verified reviewexcellent

Absolutely wonderful experience. The hosts are warm and welcoming. The cabin is charming with a fire place already set up, lots of wood, and even warm dressing gowns ! Hiking trails just outside the back door. We had no problem with the road. Many thanks again to Paul and Ricky. We will definitely return.

August 2016

Colleen Butcher (johannesburg)

Verified reviewexcellent

Beautiful cabin, warm hosts, stunning views, fabulous hiking trails. The bed is luxuriously comfy and is close to fireplace, the kitchen is well-appointed, the shower is lovely, and the deck is perfect for star-gazing. If you can tear yourself away from this gem of a private reserve, highly recommend venturing out to the Portuguese restaurant, and the Wednesday afternoon Drakensberg Boys Choir concert is a great experience. Couldn't have been happier here!

August 2015

Patrice (Baltimore, Maryland USA)

Verified reviewexcellent

WOW! What an amazing place.. It was by far the BEST weekend in the drakensburg that I have ever experienced. Thank you so very much for making our weekend so very special. The roads are absolutely fine! I don't understand why people are complaining so much (must be people who have never driven off a tar road before, or perhaps never been out of their house!) I have an old mazda sting, and had no problems on the WELL MAINTAINED road. the bridge part was exciting, the path very clear. Apart from the top-quality service and warm welcome, the scenery is just breathtaking. 2 meteres from your doorstep you enter world class trails. If you love hiking, mountains, fresh waterfalls that you can just drink from, amazing night skies for the astronomers, and the friendliest birds that actually ate nuts out of my hand. This is my favourite spot. with only 2 cabins (AMAZING CABINS), you feel like you are the only one in the bush. with no fear or worry about anything, you can leave your front door open knowing that you are in a safe place. I recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a peaceful and majestical getaway. you won't find hiking trails that come close to these.. seriously, it made my heart so sad to leave that place. can't wait to go back again! 5-STARS!

September 2014

Duncan Prince (Durban)

Verified reviewexcellent

Had a wonderful time!!! Would strongly recommend for a weekend or even a week away

November 2010

Michael van den Berg (Fochville)

Verified reviewexcellent

This has to be one of the most incredible places to stay in the berg. It was perfect. The service was impeccable; the cabin had everything we needed and more and was spotless & soooo comfortable. The privacy was much appreciated too! The location is incredible and we climbed to the top of Sterkhorn which was magnificent. We had such a memorable stay...Left many footprints, took lots of memories and stunning photographs... Grateful thanks to Paul and Ricky Brogan!

January 2010

Sandy & Brian (Sarasota, FL USA)

Verified Reviews

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