Mountain Zebra - Mountain Cottage

[Mel]

Before the lions were introduced into Mountain Zebra National Park you could do a 3-day (I think, it was 3 days...) and the two mountain cottages served as accommodation on that trip. They are rather plain and have basically three rooms with beds: one with a double, one with two singles and a room with two bunk beds that offers room for six people.

There is no electricity, but gas and solar panels ensure that you have a cold fridge and a hot shower (and also for the stove and the light).



This photo shows the Umthombo cottage from above. As you might be able to see, there is a fence to keep the wild animals out.
The construction on the right is the ablution block, with toilet and shower.

For more photos you'll have to visit the official Mountain Zebra website until someone stay there and can provide us with their own pictures.

The cottage is rather easy to reach. There is a picnic spot with ablution service nearby that the SO & I visited one day. The road to there was an easy drive and the cottage isn't much further away from the picnic spot, so I wouldn't expect the road to deteriorate that much that it's getting a hassle to drive.

[Puff Addy]

If I'm not mistaken, the three-day hike was stopped before the arrival of the lions, the reason being the trampling of a hiker by a Buffalo.

I was under the impression that it took some very savvy driving skills to reach the cottage above, having to essentially drive over an enormous "boulder". Maybe it is the other cottage?

These cottages are a good value if you already have a 4x4.

[Mel]

Well, that's the version we were told when we spotted that cottage.

[Bushveld Jock]

Stayed there before when we did the hiking trail in 1990. Only trail I came across a caracal looking it straight in the eyes. Well now as you said it grew a bit and you might either face a lion or buffalo.

We will be camping there in Dec so maybe I need to change my bookings or add on to show more of the cottage.

[Mel]

...so maybe I need to change my bookings or add on to show more of the cottage

Fantastic idea, Bushveld Jock

[arks]

If I'm not mistaken, the three-day hike was stopped before the arrival of the lions, the reason being the trampling of a hiker by a Buffalo.

I believe that you are mistaken, PA. My recollection is that the main camp also used to be unfenced and the hiker who was killed was walking on the trail that's now within the now-fenced main camp. This was at least five years ago, perhaps more.

[Richprins]

Leachy stayed there last night and says it was the coldest he has ever been in a Park!

The wind blew until late...

[Lisbeth]

Happens when you are in a Mountain Cottage

[leachy]

they should rather call this a "kloof cottage"

as it is below the mountains in a gorge

(photos to follow)

i also have no idea why they reckon you need a 4x4 to get there.

richprins could probably get there in his volksie polo..........

the accommodation is very comfortable

and the kitchen is equipped with everything that one might need..

only disappointment was the 5 minute drive to the cottage from the picnic site..

i was really hoping for a 4x4 route...

[Lisbeth]