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NATURE RESERVES
Lotheni
Province: Kwazulu Natal
Region: Northern Kwazulu Natal
Main Attractions: Scenic Mountains
Noted for its magnificent scenery and beautiful camp, Lotheni is situated in a remote section of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park. Many delightful walking trails are available to suit all ages.
For spectacular views of the Drakensberg , the Emadundwini Trail , a 11.8 km circular route crossing a number of small streams and traveling up a steep incline is recommended.
Other trails such as the Eagle, Falls, Canyon, Jacobs Ladder and the historically interesting Gelib Tree are also very rewarding.
Birdwatching with a bird list of 172 species , mountain biking and trout fishing are popular activities. 16kms of the Lotheni river is available for fly fishermen and stocked with brown trout.
Although chilly , swimming in the Lotheni river is safe unless it is in flood , and there is a very good swimming spot approximately 1km below the camp.
The comfortable hutted camp , electrically lit from 17:00 - 22:00 , consists of 12 self contained chalets , each with its own refrigerator , two-plate gas stove (with a small oven) bathroom and toilet. In addition to the chalets there are two fully self-contained 6 bed cottages. In both types of accommodation bedding , cutlery and crockery are provided , but visitors must bring all their own food supplies and do their own cooking. The nearest source of provisions is at the Lotheni store , 14km from the camp. The curio shop at Lotheni supplies some basic groceries. One deep-freeze unit situated in the camp kitchen is available for use by camp visitors , as is a single large gas stove for large family cooking.
SIMES RUSTIC COTTAGE:
A rustic cottage is also available. This is equipped with gas , and visitors do their own cooking and supply their own towels , sheets and pillow slips. The cottage is next to a small dam, which has been stocked with trout. The dam is reserved for use by visitors to the rustic cottage only . Other visitors may obtain permission to fish there when the cottage is unoccupied.
CAMPSITE:
A camping ground containing 12 campsites , and served by an ablution block with hot and cold water , has been established 2 km into the mountains from the hutted camp.
VITAL INFORMATION
Gate Opening and Closing Times:
Summer ( October to March ) 05h00 to 19h00
Winter (April to September ) 06h00 to 18h00
Office Hours:
The office is open from 08h00 to 12h30 and from 14h00 to 16h30
Distance and Time from Gate to Camp: 4 kms
Camp Telephone Number: (033) 7020540
Camp Fax: (033) 7020540
Check Out Time: 10h00
Check In Time: 14h00
Shop:
Limited curios and supplies.
Special Precautions:
The weather is subject to change at short notice and can become very cold. Hikers need to be well equipped.
The nearest town which has a full range of services is Underberg which is 50 kms away.
How to get there:
From the south turn off the N3 at the Underberg Bulwer on R617 and proceed to Underberg. Lotheni is 50 kms away on a gravel road except for the first 5 kms.
From the north turn off the N3 to Nottingham Road and follow the signs in the village . The reserve is 62 kms away about half of which is gravel.
Pets are not permitted into the reserve.
Concessions:
Education groups from KwaZulu-Natal are admitted free to the reserve.
Facilities for people with disabilities: Nil
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