Hiking Accommodation at VergezientThe hiking accommodation at Vergezient Mountain Resort, now called Drakensberg Mountain Retreat, in the Northern Drakensberg offers spectacular hiking trails, views and is very comfortable. The Barnhouse at Vergezient, sleeps 22 people comfortably and as far as hiking accommodation goes, it is luxurious. It has the original dormitory rooms but also has 5 ensuite rooms with either 2 or 3 single beds in each room. There are 2 ablutions within the building for people using the dormitory rooms. The Barnhouse, is used by other groups as well eg. Retreat groups or family and friends getting together for a few days. Situated as it is in the Northern Drakensberg, half way between Johannesburg and Durban, excellent hiking and stunnning views, it is an excellent meeting place . The Barnhouse also has a large function room, a large central grassed and flower filled consevatory with an indoor pool. The combined kitchen, dining and living area has a wood stove, a gas stove, a two plate gas burner, two refrigerators, a deepfreeze, a microwave and a variety of pots and cooking utensils. This area leads onto a spacious verandah which overlooks the Drakensberg with it’s spectacular Amphitheatre in the Northern Drakensberg, the uThukela valley and down to Cathkin Peak in the Central Drakensberg. A place to relax, socialise and talk about the hiking and views experienced during the day. As the Barnhouse has been altered over the years it has changed from ordinary and fairly basic hiking accommodation to accommoadtion that is not luxurious, but very comfortable and spacious. If you really enjoy hiking but prefer more upmarket accommodation, you could stay at the Vergezient Lodge, previously clled the Vergezient Guest House. The hiking trails are professionaly set out, with time spent walking in the open and then in wonderful natural bush and gorges with streams. One hike includes a waterfall (seasonal) and even a cave with bushman paintings. The trails are well marked and vary in difficulty and length to suite a variety of hikers. Maps of all the walks are available with the various ratings and length. The hikes vary in length from one to ten hours. The weather here is unpredictable, sometimes wild but never dull. In winter the days can be bitterly cold but a blazing fire after a day of hiking in the cold, will be a welcome experience. Vergezient Mountain Resort is accessed from the R 74 tar road between Harrysmith and Bergville. The 14km road from the tar road is an all weather gravel/dirt road. Rates for self catering are R250pppn but due to there being one kitchen, a minimum of 10 is required. Out of season a smaller group may be accepted. Hiking accommodation at Vergezeint |