Giants Castle Accommodation -
Main Camp
Giants Castle Main Camp Accommodation and facilities
Accommodation and facilities
 Although
all accommodation at Giants
Castle camp is equipped for self catering, the
Izimbali restaurant and bar provides guests with the option of fully catered
meals in its warm and relaxed atmosphere. The shop is stocked with curios
as well as a range of supplies commonly found useful. Most accommodation
chalets have fantastic views over the mountain, however, some are in a
quiet garden-like setting. There are many walks available from the camp,
including the half-hour gentle walk
up to the main cave and the bushman museum (entrance fee applicable,
payable at Giants Castle camp). A guided interpretation of the museum is
available every hour on the hour between 09h00 and 15h00 and gives a fascinating
insight into the lives of the Bushman (San) people. There is a vulture
hide which is now quite famous for often providing fantastic sightings
in the winter months.
2 Bed Chalets
 There
are 37 of these chalets, all of which have en-suite facilities, a lounge and
dining area, as well as a fully equipped kitchen. Each chalet has a fireplace
and barbeque area. All linen and towels are provided. Unit # 8 is known as
'Bride's Bush', and contains a double bed and a private setting with a view
of the mountains, ideal as a honeymoon suite.
4 Bed Chalets
Giants
Castle Camp has 4 x 4 bed chalets, each of which consist of 2 twin bedrooms,
a bathroom, a lounge and dining area and a fully equipped kitchen. Each chalet
has a barbeque area and a fireplace, and linen, blankets and towels are provided.
6 Bed Chalets
There
are 3 twin bedrooms and two bathrooms in the four 6 bed chalets. The kitchens
are fully appointed, and there is again a lounge and dining area in each
unit. There is a fireplace and barbeque area. Linen, blankets and towels
are all provided.
Gate Opening and Closing Times
 Summer ( October to March ) 05h00 to 19h00
Winter (April to September ) 06h00 to 18h00
Distance and Time from Gate to Camp: 7 kms and 20 minutes
Reception Hours
The office and shop are open from 08h00 to 18h00 from Monday to Saturday
and from 08h00 to 16h00 on Sunday. For those who are staying in the camp,
check in time is from 14h00, and check-out is before 10h00.
Facilities
The Main Caves Bushman Museum is a half hour walk from the camp. There is
a shop which sells a wide range of curios and supplies. One can also hire
rods for fly fishing in a 15kms stretch of river which is full of brown
trout. There is a restaurant at Giants Castle camp, which has been extensively
upgraded, and includes a pub. The restaurant has wonderful views over the
surrounding countryside. There are chalets especially equipped for disabled
people.
Special Precautions
The weather is subject to change at short notice and hikers must be well
equipped as it can get extremely cold. Hikers must also fill in their details
in the Mountain Rescue Register before proceeding on a hike. There is no
malaria risk.
Pets
No pets are allowed into the Drakensberg Ukhahlamba Park with no exceptions.
Directions
Visitors from the north turn off the N3 into Estcourt. At the intersection
of Conner and Lorne streets turn on to the Ntabamhlope road and follow
the signs to Giants Castle. Visitors from the south turn off the N3 into
Mooi River, go through the town and follow the Giants Castle signs to the
reserve 64 kms away. The nearest town which has a full range of services
and garages is Estcourt which is 65 kms away. From Johannesburg it will
take approximately 3.5 - 4 hours and from Durban it will take approximately
2 - 3 hours.
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