Lotheni Camp Site - uKhahlamba / Drakensberg Park
Lotheni Camp Site is a camp near uKhahlamba / Drakensberg Park.
- Location
- uKhahlamba / Drakensberg Park, KwaZulu-Natal Bush & Coast, South Africa, Southern Africa
- Coordinates
- -29.438667, 29.518126
- Activities
- camp
PlnrScore: 28/100
Wildlife Near This Lodge
998 species observed within 20 km, 22 mammals, 124 birds.
- Common Protea (Plantae, 39 observations)
- Silver Sugarbush (Plantae, 32 observations)
- Gaudy Commodore (Insecta, 30 observations)
- sand lily (Plantae, 29 observations)
- Bearded Vulture (Aves, 28 observations)
- Koppie Foam Grasshopper (Insecta, 28 observations)
- Grassveld Currantrhus (Plantae, 28 observations)
- Speckled Rock Skink (Reptilia, 25 observations)
- Longtail Satyre (Plantae, 25 observations)
- Ouhout (Plantae, 24 observations)
Best Time to Visit Lotheni Camp Site
The best months to visit Lotheni Camp Site are June, July, August, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Month-by-Month Safari Conditions
- January: Poor, temperature 10.72°C, rainfall 188.7mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 76.1%
- February: Good, temperature 10.59°C, rainfall 149.1mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 77.1%
- March: Good, temperature 9.27°C, rainfall 87.5mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 72.8%
- April: Good, temperature 6.15°C, rainfall 70.5mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 70%
- May: Good, temperature 3.73°C, rainfall 18.1mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 60.2%
- June: Great, temperature 1.2°C, rainfall 11.8mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 52.2%
- July: Great, temperature 0.99°C, rainfall 4.3mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 43.6%
- August: Great, temperature 3.02°C, rainfall 18.2mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 44.6%
- September: Great, temperature 6.57°C, rainfall 43.9mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 51.9%
- October: Good, temperature 8.2°C, rainfall 109.7mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 59.5%
- November: Good, temperature 9.51°C, rainfall 102mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 65.2%
- December: Poor, temperature 10.77°C, rainfall 181.4mm, sunshine 12 hrs, humidity 70.7%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Lotheni Camp Site for hiking and enjoying the Drakensberg scenery?
The shoulder seasons of autumn (April-May) and spring (September-October) often offer pleasant weather for hiking, with fewer crowds and stable conditions. While summer (November-March) is lush, expect afternoon thunderstorms; winter (June-August) brings crisp, clear days but can be very cold with potential snow.
What essential facilities can campers expect at Lotheni Camp Site within the uKhahlamba / Drakensberg Park?
Lotheni Camp Site provides basic but well-maintained facilities, including communal ablution blocks with hot and cold running water. Each campsite typically features a braai (barbecue) stand, and fresh drinking water is accessible.
What specific activities can visitors enjoy at Lotheni Camp Site besides traditional camping?
Beyond setting up camp, Lotheni is a prime location for hiking, with various trails ranging from gentle riverside walks to more challenging mountain ascents. The Lotheni River also offers opportunities for trout fishing (permits required), and the area is excellent for bird watching, especially for Drakensberg endemics.
What wildlife can I expect to encounter around Lotheni Camp Site in the Drakensberg?
While Lotheni is not a 'Big Five' safari destination, visitors can often spot various antelope species like eland and reedbuck, especially on hiking trails. The area is renowned for its diverse birdlife, including raptors and Drakensberg specials, along with smaller mammals such as baboons and various rodent species.
How should I book my stay at Lotheni Camp Site, and what are the access considerations for reaching it?
Bookings for Lotheni Camp Site are typically made through Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, either online or via their central reservations office. Access to Lotheni involves driving on a gravel road for the final stretch, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially after rain.
Other Safari Lodges in uKhahlamba / Drakensberg Park
- 10 Highlands
- Ardmore Guest Farm
- Berghaven
- Berg Venture
- Blue Crane Cottage
- Cathedral Peak Hotel
- Cathkin Cottage Bed and Breakfast
- Cayley Lodge
- Champagne Castle Hotel
- Champagne Lane Resort
- Champagne Sports Resort
- Didima Campsite (Closed)
- Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort
- Drakensberg Dream Cottage
- Drakensberg International Backpackers
- Drakensberg Sun Resort
- Enaleni Monks Cowl Cottage
- Farhills
- Giant's Hutted Camp
- Glanngary
- Glengarry
- Hill Billy Cottages
- Injesuthi Hutted Camp
- Injesuti Campsite
- Inkosana Lodge
- Inkungu Lodge
- Keith Bush Camp
- Little Cliff
- Monks Cowl
- Mountain Base Backpackers
- Mountain Splendour Eco-Resort
- Ondini
- Pilot's Cabin
- Pumula
- Rainbow Cottage
- Rooibessiebos Campsite
- Sandy's Cabins
- Sani Top Chalets
- Simes Cottage
- Swallowfield
- The Nest Hotel
- Vergelegen KZN Wildlife Camp Site
- Wits End