Injisuthi, Giant's Castle, Lotheni or Cathedral P?

I want to spend a few nights in an Ezemvelo camp like Thendele later in the winter, and wondered what the accommodation is like at Lotheni, Injisuthi, Didima and Giant's Castle? We are already going to finish up at Thendele before heading to Jo-burg.

We love hiking, but as we will have more elderly relatives with us, we don't really want to camp or stay in caves, hence the rest camp accommodation enquiry. Which area has nice accommodations and spectacular walks on the doorstep?

Thanks so much in advance.

Besides Thendele, which is really superb (if a bit expensive), I would recommend Giant's Castle. It is beautiful off course, accommodation as described already is good, and the restaurant is superb with a great atmosphere in the evenings especially. (Speaking of restaurants, remember that Thendele has no restaurant, but with that view from the Chalets you want to braai all the time anyway ).

I do not like Didima at Cathedral Peak. The chalets are two units together in one building with poor sound insulation, and even poorer air insulation (we had neighbors smoking, so we had 2nd hand smoke all over the place. Complaints to management about the illegal smoking had zero effect.

I have stayed at all the resorts too and agree with the comments about Giants and Thendele. I would add that Injisuthi is very pretty although the chalets are quite basic. We have stayed at the one right at the front which has an amazing view of Injisuthi peak but you can hear their generator in the evening. It may be better to pick a chalet further back along the river. I still think it's a good value resort with some great day walks or hikes.

Chalet selection is important to get the best experience at a resort. At Thendele the cottages which sleep 6 are right at the front and are really special. The new Chalets up o on the hill behind are also very good inside but don't always feel as close to the mountains as the front ones so that's personal choice.

At Giants the newer mountain view chalets are much nicer in my opinion and the honeymoon sweet looks spectacular on a cliff edge if that's what you are looking for?

Hope that helps a bit? Oh and you can look at each camp layout on kznwildlife.co.za

Thanks so much for all your replies. We are not concerned about restaurants - like you, we will braai. The main criteria, are decent accommodation and access, great hikes and setting etc. It is interesting to note that Didima is not recommended. Friends of mine said that they feel that the chalets face the wrong way and they also mentioned the noise!

It is a shame there is not other accommodation there that is self catering and affordable. The hotel looks too upmarket for us!

Giant's Castle or maybe Injisuthi sound the best option. I know Thendele well, so we will often revisit it!!

If Champagne Castle area isn't too far from where you want to go, then check out Ema-Fweni for a self catering cottage (more like a house):
www.safarinow.com/go/EMA-FWENIIn-the-cloudsCentralDrakensberg
www.wheretostay.co.za/emafweni/
The owners are wonderful people. Speak to Rita 082 574 8555
It is past the Campagne Castle Hotel and literally 500m from the Monks Cowl Reserve gate

I got this shot when my family was there in Dec 2012:

Wow that place looks amazing - to get into the reserve each day, can I use my wild card?

I cant be sure. All I know is that it was easy enough for me, my wife that was 7 months pregnant at the time and a 2yo to go on some leisurely walks down to some falls but it is the same starting point to head up the little Berg and beyond. We really enjoyed this place and will definitely be back

Wow - good to hear you are training up your 2 year old!! I'd quite like to stay here or Ikhayalamafu perhaps.. Both settings look great. Is it easy to get up onto the contour path and up above 2000 metres? I'd like to do overnight hikes, but my wife is only keen on day ones!!