Sungubala Mountain Camp - Camping and self catering near Royal Natal National Park

Sungubala is a Bush Camp situated in the Northern Drakensberg. It is situated on 500ha of pristine wilderness directly below the peaks of Hlolela and Sungubala (7000ft), just north of Royal Natal National Park.

Surrounding Sungubala is approximately 30 000 to 40 000ha of conserved wilderness and mountain environment, to which we have access. The camp fills the space between the clutter of camping and the hum drum of even the simplest hotel or resort.

Even though there are folk who prefer straight forward camping, there are people who enjoy a hard days hiking and then would like to be able to enjoy a hot shower, an ice cold drink and after dinner settle into a comfortable bed with the peace and quiet of a mountain wilderness around them and experience the feeling of camping, with out the discomfort.

Only nine units share a communal ablution facility with hot and cold water and adequate facilities for men and women. The Boma has a communal, fully equipped kitchen, a dining area and lounge area with fireplace. Each unit is provided with its own crockery and cutlery in a private lock up cupboard. Our staff will prepare Braai fires for those wishing to BBQ and each evening a communal fire is lit where people can socialise or just enjoy a camp fire.

The nature of our area allows for visitors of varying fitness to walk/hike along a route that suits their ability. Folk can also lead themselves along the marked trails. Swimming is in the river at the Silent Woman!!

The camp has 6 comfortable Safari tents, under thatched gazebos, with custom made log beds and proper mattresses!!. There are also three 2 bedded, thatched, A Frame units which are slightly more spacious. In total 26 people can be accommodated. Visitors need only bring food, drink and towels..

By choice all lighting is done by paraffin, gas and rechargeable lanterns to preserve the ambience of this special site.

Horse riding and Trout fishing are nearby, within walking distance.

A guide will lead walkers and hikers to a different destination, daily

Access to the camp is by foot or 4x4. Check in is from 15h00. Visitors without 4x4 are ferried the 2km to the camp. Their vehicles are accommodated under safe covered parking at reception. Own 4x4 use may be arranged at a cost of R50/vehicle, which allows unlimited useage of the 4x4 track.

Late arrivals may be arranged. Backpacking enthusiasts may choose to walk to the camp, the route is not strenuous and takes between 20 and 30 min. We look forward to having you stay with us.

Guided Hiking Trails from Sungubala

• 2 day Amphitheatre Summit
  A spectacular walk that is manageable to the average hiker. Take in Mont-aux-Sources (3282m) and stand on the edge of the Thukela Falls - the second highest in the world. Be blown away by the view through God's Window and observe Cape & Bearded Vultures.
• 4 day Mnweni Wilderness Hike
  A relatively strenuous walk in a true wilderness. This walk combines some of the Drakensberg's most dramatic scenery with the magic of tribal Africa. Overnighting is a combination of tenting and in caves. Although strenuous the route follows paths most of the way.
• 6 day Northern Traverse- Amphitheatre to Mnweni
  One of the most popular summit hikes that combines the dramatic cliffs of the Amphitheatre, the beauty of Madonna and her Worshippers and the remoteness of the Mnweni cutback.

The above hikes include:

• Pathfinder guide
• Entrance and overnight fees
• Tents, sleeping mats, crockery
• All meals
• One night's self catering accommodation at Sungubala Bush Camp, at the start of the trip.

Activities at Sungubala

Sungubala Mountain Camp offers the following activities:

• Expert Guided hiking
• Self guided hiking on marked trails
• Outings to local attractions including:
  • Drakensberg boys Choir
  • Cape Vulture feeding sites,
  • Cultural and Tribal tours to the Amazizi and Amangwane communities
  • Basotho Cultural Village
  • Voortrekker Pass and monument
• Access to horseriding, trout fishing, abseiling, trapezing, paintball, golf
• Overnight hiking onto the Amphitheatre summit & other multi day hikes:

Special Attractions

• The world's one and only "Silent Woman"!!
• Bushman Paintings
• Cannibal Caves where people sought refuge from King Shaka and indigenous forests
• Sitting, under African night skies around a roaring camp fire
• The ambience created by parrafin and gas lighting at night
• The freedom of no electricity, televisions and normal hotel clatter
• The benefit of rates set for South Africans