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South Africa Tourism Awards

Type: Accommodation – Self Catering
Category: Eco & Sustainable

Motivation for award: We are completely off-grid and run on solar power, our water comes directly from fresh streams and is only five minutes old when it reaches us, we harvest our own wood for fireplaces and braais, we have eradicated all alien plant species, we grow all our own vegetables, and we even manage our own hives for some of the world’s sweetest honey. Hiking through mountains and forests, under waterfalls and over ancient rocks; wildlife on your doorstep; log fires; moonlit and starry nights. All this and more, even free Wi-Fi. Our two cabins are fully equipped. Peace, quiet, solitude, and space for reflection.

Region: Kwazulu Natal / Drakensberg Mountains

iKhayalamafu Mountain Hideaway and Private Nature Reserve

Mountain paradise

In 2003 we realized our dream of creating a 95-hectare mountain eco-estate high in the Monk’s Cowl Reserve, closer to paradise than anywhere else in the Champagne Valley.

We are not at all hard-wired into the system: we run on solar power, our water is sourced fresh from mountain streams, and our quality WiFi comes via satellite.

We rent out two secluded cabins on a self-catering basis. The bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms of our cabins are fully equipped and kitted out. We supply free wood for fireplaces and braais. Each cabin takes only one couple and we do not take children.

We have three kilometres of private hiking trails through our forests and grasslands, which in turn join the public trails of the Drakensberg Park. Our guests enjoy free access to the day-walking areas of the park.

Vote and request your R1000 travel voucher

* The system only allows you to vote once for an entry. You may however comment multiple times per entry. We thank your playing your part and contributing to the South Africa Tourism Awards though voting and submitting comments.

* As a thank you we will send you a R1000 travel voucher to enjoy. We  ask you to share these awards with your friends and request them to vote too. By voting they too will receive a R1000 travel voucher. 

Comments

Goran Music – 06.04.2022
A true gem in the Drakensberg!

Lizl van Vreden – 23.03.2022
It is like a dream for me to go to Ikhayalamafu this weekend. Cant wait!! Have been waiting for a long time to go visit this beautifull olace

Mbalenhle Gumede – 21.03.2022
I vote for Khayalamafu Mountain Hideaway, I am requesting my R1000 travel voucher.

Magrietha Marx – 21.03.2022
Die plekkie is my hemel op aarde, was vir die 1e keer daar met ons 10e huweliksherdenking en my ouers het hul 40ste huweliksherdenking daar gevier, ek beplan om hul terug sooentoe te stuur vir hul 50ste. ❤️❤️❤️

Johan Le Roux – 21.03.2022
Absolutely love this hidden gem! Have been there a few times and just love the peace and quiet this gem has to offer. The scenery is out of this world. Will definitely be back to visit Paul and Ricky lots more

Mireille Suckling – 21.03.2022
Get lost in nature, amazing hikes and views or perfect place to just stay in bed.

Mike Staples – 21.03.2022
My absolute favourite place in the Drakensberg! So peaceful and relaxing and such incredible hosts too!

Jacqueline Whiteman – 21.03.2022
Probably one of the best places I have had the pleasure and privilege to stay in. Clean, friendly, comfortable and so much of nature to see and do.

Carin Smith – 21.03.2022
Im in love with this place.. Best honeymoon place and it is so magical when walking the trails.. I would stay there forever…

Christelle Lee – 21.03.2022
The best place in the world! Can’t wait to go back ❤❤❤

Shaneen Frank – 21.03.2022
We had an amazing stay at ikhayalamafu. It was so peaceful.

Martie Zimmermann – 21.03.2022
This place does justice to its name…beautiful place close to heave..in the clouds..peaceful…n absolute must to visit….Energise body and soul with some of the most gorgeous scenery that u will never forget ….this is our happy ppace…♥️

Lizelle Kitching – 21.03.2022
The perfect breathtakingly scenic getaway for two!

Tivon Reddy – 04.03.2022
It’s dope

Zwelakhe Dhlomo – 03.03.2022
A sure getaways place to experience, if you want peace and tranquility that is the spot for you

Sarah Reynolds – 24.02.2022
Our annual go to place to unwind and recharge in what has to be one of the most magically beautiful places. The walks are amazing and Paul and Ricky are the perfect hosts. I cannot recommend this place enough.

Jean-Pierre Audibert – 21.02.2022
Beautiful and tranquil. Perfect little hidden escape up in the Drakensburg mountains

Joey OppermanMost – 20.02.2022
Gorgeous, feels like paradise “diep in die berg”.

Sebastian Brogan – 20.02.2022
I have stayed here many times and have loved every single visit. Such a special place.

LaReine Milne – 19.02.2022
Amazing mountain hideaway. Definitely worth visiting.

Anna-Janette – 19.02.2022
One day I hope to share Ricky’s heaven & meet up with an old friend again

Janet Davey – 18.02.2022
Absolutely loved our stay here. Hosts were super friendly and helpful and of course we loved the initial welcome from the four legged friends too. The hikes were breathtaking not to mention the views and the waterfall.

Izilda Oliveira – 18.02.2022
Hikes are amazing. Accommodation is cosy. Beautiful at night whilst sitting by the fire gazing at the stars and enjoying the tranquility of nature

Natasja van den Heever – 18.02.2022
Absolute Paradise!! Set within the heart of theDrakensberg Mountains with access to all major hiking trails within the Monks Cowl Reserve. Paul and Ricky are amazing hosts and both have an knowledge intrinsic of the Fauna and Flora in their area contributing to guest experience even more! Ikayalamafu is much more than a house in the clouds! It’s completely off grid which means its owners really do care about the environment and future! 10 stars out of five.

Dale Clendennen (Mrs) – 18.02.2022
Just loved staying here – an very special place indeed! A place where you completely live in The Now and when you leave your will always long to return.

Stacey Nevin – 18.02.2022
iKhayalamafu! Sigh* Takes your breathe away!

Katie Dixon – 18.02.2022
Amazing location!

Natalie Corrigan – 18.02.2022
IKhayalamafu Mountain Hideaway is a little piece of heaven on earth. The hospitality is excellent, and best of all off the grid. Absolutely loved my time there.

Hannah Wallace – 18.02.2022
Amazing place

Ollie Fourie – 18.02.2022
Awesome place!!!

Patricia de Saxe – 18.02.2022
The very best place to recharge.

Angela – 18.02.2022
Wonderful place for a peaceful getaway

Joëlle – 18.02.2022
This has to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. What Ricki and Paul have here is an absolute gem of a place.

Tracy Reeves – 18.02.2022
IKhayalamafu is our best place weve been. Simple, up in the mountains where you forget about hussle of life. Easily accessible considering you almost of top of a mountain….

Kirsten Thornhill – 18.02.2022
We love this off the grid accommodation. They say what they are- generating their own electricity and water is abundance on their property. The accommodation is comfortable, and the views unrivaled.

Greg Mitchell – 18.02.2022
Everything it claims to be and more! Wonderful hosts.

Keith – 18.02.2022
Wonderful, unique breathtaking place to renew the soul. Superb accommodation and really cool hosts. What more can I say? It’s simply perfect.

Angus Auchterlonie – 18.02.2022
Amazing webcams with night-time visitors. Also beautiful scenery.

Mia V – 18.02.2022
We’ve been back a couple of times, and will definitely go again. An amazing break away!!

Carlea Audibert – 18.02.2022
iKhayalamafu Hideaway is an absolute gem in the Drakensberg. It offers great views, great accommodation and the most beautiful surroundings to explore. Would recommend it to anyone.

Hilda Thornhill – 18.02.2022
Heaven on earth

Uga Carlini – 17.02.2022
The best in the West, East, South and North!

Mumtaz Asmal – 17.02.2022
This is truly heaven in the Berg.

Hettie Rowley – 17.02.2022
Great place and fantastic hosts. A piece of paradise.

Flee – 17.02.2022
So peaceful.

A formanowicz – 17.02.2022
Excellent site, ambience and very friendly

Simon Bele – 17.02.2022
We have been to ikhayalamafu a couple of times, the Brogrand have been accommodating and friendly. The place itself if very peace full and full of tranquility.

Ryan Johnson – 17.02.2022
One of my favourite places to go, what a special place!

Debbie Vincent – 17.02.2022
A little piece of heaven on earth

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