Royal Natal (Thendele, Mahai & Rugged Glen)
KwaZulu-Natal
1 of 28
Photos: The Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa
Est. 1941Languages: zu, en
Family-run since 1941Full-board with daily meals, teas and picnic lunchesForest Retreat Spa overlooking an ancient fern forestGuided mountain walks, horse rides and fishingChildren's programme and dedicated children's diningThree generations of returning familiesThatched
About this place
The Cavern Resort & Spa, named after the infamous Cannibal Cavern, is nestled in the foothills of the Northern Drakensberg in the Amphitheatre World Heritage Site area. A place of captivating beauty, surrounded by majestic mountains, lush indigenous forests and clear berg streams. Fondly known as "The Resort of Many Happy Returns", The Cavern is where families bond, friendships are formed and memories are made: a tucked-away romantic getaway for couples, a gentle place to find quiet and solitude, and a safe, child-friendly resort with a range of activities for families. Founding member of the Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve, adjacent to Royal Natal National Park and the Amphitheatre. Home to numerous Bushman paintings, 213 species of birds and 73 species of trees.
Amenities
TV
Lunch Available
Garden
Bar fridge
Private patio or balcony
Safe
Get to know where you stay
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Availability
Any room
Any available room
6 rooms, sleeps 2 to 4
Check-in
Select date
Check-out
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October 2026
November 2026
A night is shown as unavailable only when every room is taken.
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Where you'll sleep
6 room types, sleeps 2 to 4
Three single beds · 3 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Standard family room sleeps 3, a king-size double plus a single bed in the same room. Spacious and comfortable, en-suite bath & shower, tea/coffee and a patio. Cot or 4-ft shorti bed available. Children 0-6 pay 40% / 7-17 pay 70%. Rate full-board per unit (3 sharing).
R 4,494 a night
King or Twin · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Suite has a four-poster bed and en-suite bathroom with bath & shower. Fireplace, TV, bar fridge, tea/coffee. Private patio overlooking the fern forest. Full board.
R 6,180 a night
Twin or Double · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Standard rooms have king-size or twin beds (on request) with bath & shower en-suite. No TV. Limited mountain view. Set in lush indigenous landscapes, surrounded by a vibrant mix of local plants and the sounds of many birds. Full board.
R 4,280 a night
Twin/Double + family · 4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 bathrooms
Superior family suite with two bedrooms and a lounge. Master bedroom has a king-size double; second bedroom has bunk beds for children (cot can be added). Bath/shower, TV, bar fridge and fireplace. Per-unit full-board rate (4 sharing).
R 10,506 a night
Twin or Double · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Bedroom has king/twin beds and en-suite bathroom with bath and shower. Tea/coffee, TV and bar fridge. Private patio overlooking the fern forest. Full board.
R 5,400 a night
Twin/Double + family · 4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 bathrooms
Standard interleading unit: two bedrooms (one queen bed + two singles/bunks), interleading and sharing a bathroom. Bath & shower en-suite, limited mountain view. An extra child can be added by arrangement. Per-unit full-board rate (4 sharing).
R 7,276 a night
Nature
What lives at The Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa
7 birds recorded here or nearby.
These are records, not promises. Wild animals and birds move, so sightings are never guaranteed.
About Drakensberg
The Drakensberg is South Africa's most dramatic mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching along the KwaZulu-Natal border with Lesotho. Known as uKhahlamba ("Barrier of Spears"), it offers world-class hiking, ancient San rock art, and stunning scenery from Amphitheatre to Giant's Castle. The range provides cool retreats, trout fishing, and adventure activities in spectacular mountain settings.
See more places in DrakensbergImportant information
Check-in and check-outIn 14:30 · Out 10:00
Check-in Time
14:30 - 18:00
Please arrange your arrival within this time window. If you need to arrive outside these hours, please contact the host in advance.
Check-out Time
By 10:00
Please ensure you check out by this time to allow for cleaning and preparation for the next guests.
Cancellation and changes50% refund 30+ days
Refund schedule
- 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
- No refundwithin 30 days of check-in
Please note that some accommodations may have their own specific cancellation policies that differ from our standard policy. These will be clearly indicated on the accommodation's page or during the booking process.
For any questions regarding cancellations or to request a cancellation, please contact our customer support team.
Deposit Required50% deposit
50% Deposit Required
Deposit Due at Booking
The 50% deposit is required when you make your booking
Balance (50%)
due at check-in
Host Deposit Terms
50% deposit on booking; balance on arrival. Conservation Levy R40 per adult per stay payable at The Cavern.
Pet policyNo pets
Pet policy
Pets are not allowed
Child PolicyChild rates
Child Policy
Children are welcome and reduced rates may apply. Confirm with the host.
Children aged between 0 and 6 pay 40% of the sharing rate.
Travel insuranceInformation only
Spekboom does not advise on, recommend, or sell insurance.
For information only: Expatriate Group provides travel, health and life cover for international travellers and can generate a quote online. Any policy is arranged and managed entirely by Expatriate Group.
See travel insurance quotesSpekboom Tree (Pty) Ltd is not a financial services provider and does not provide, recommend, or arrange financial or insurance products or advice. Expatriate Group (ref 30286D) is authorised and regulated to provide any quote, advice, or policy. Spekboom introduces interested customers to Expatriate Group and may receive a commission if cover is taken out through this link.
Before you book
Payment terms
A 50% deposit is required at booking, with the balance due at check-in.
Cancellation Policy
- 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
- No refundwithin 30 days of check-in
Note: The 2.5% conservation contribution, payment processing fees, and any applicable referral commissions are non-refundable in the event of cancellation. Conservation contribution fees (2.5%) support conservation and community projects in the destinations you visit. Payment processing fees are absorbed by Spekboom for completed bookings, but cannot be recovered once a booking is cancelled. Referral commissions, where applicable, are paid to the referring party upon booking confirmation.
Payout Protection: Guest payments are held until the free cancellation window passes. This protects guests who cancel within their cancellation window and ensures hosts receive guaranteed payouts after the cancellation period ends.
House rules
Guests are expected to respect the house rules of each accommodation. These rules will be provided upon booking confirmation.
Check-in & Check-out
Check-in from 14:30 • Check-out by 10:00
Liability
Spekboom acts as an intermediary between guests and accommodation providers. While we strive to ensure accurate information, we cannot be held liable for any discrepancies or issues arising from the accommodation itself.
By making a booking through Spekboom, you agree to our Terms of Service (Version 3.5). You acknowledge that: (1) the 2.5% conservation contribution and payment processing fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation (Spekboom absorbs payment processing fees for completed bookings); (2) Spekboom acts as an intermediary platform governed by South African law. For the complete terms and conditions, please visit our full Terms of Service page.
Frequently asked questions
Where is The Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa located?
The Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa is in Drakensberg, Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The map on this page shows the area.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa?
Check-in is from 14:30 and check-out is by 10:00. Contact the host directly if you need to arrange early check-in or late check-out.
How many guests can The Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa accommodate?
Each room sleeps between 2 and 4 guests. The rooms section on this page shows the limit for each one.
What causes does a booking at The Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa support?
A portion of every booking at The Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa contributes to Royal Drakensberg Education Trust. See the property's causes section for how the funds are used.
How do I book The Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa?
Select your dates on the The Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa property page and submit a booking request. The host confirms availability, then you pay securely through Spekboom to complete the reservation.
Book your stay
From R 4,280 a night
Rated 4.8 by 1,082 guests on Google
Book on Spekboom. Request to book.
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