Spionkop Lodge

The Anglo Boer war lasted 3 years, and was to become the most costly Britain had ever fought, both in terms of money and lives lost. The most futile and bloodiest battle was the Battle of Spionkop, fought on 24 January 1900. Astoundingly, there were 3 men on Spionkop that day who were to influence the course of world history - General Louis Botha, Winston Churchill and Mahatma Gandhi.

Spionkop Lodge is situated on the site of the original farmhouse where Winston Churchill set up camp prior to the battle. The farm itself is now part of a 700 hectare eco-reserve, with some 270 bird species, an abundance of antelope, indigenous bush, and in June and July, a concentration of flowering aloes whose beauty leaves one breathless.

On the reserve is also Mount Alice, where General Buller established his headquarters, and lost communication with his troops at a vital point in the battle.

Specialised trips to the battlefield are run by your host, Raymond, a gifted raconteur who brings to life the adventures and misadventures of that fateful day. An alternative tour is to Tugela Heights, Winston Churchill Capture Site, and Ladysmith.

The lodge itself is in the former farmhouse, which has been wonderfully restored in park-like grounds to now house the reception lounge, the dining room, with spectacular views overlooking the Spionkop mountain, and the cosy Churchill pub.

The accommodation consists of 8 comfortable en-suite bedrooms, as well as 2 fully equipped self-catering cottages, ideal for families or friends travelling together.

Rates Include

Breakfast is included. Tours are additional.

Children Policy

Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request.

Guest Rating: 4.6 / 5.0 based on 5 ratings

Directions For Drivers

From Johannesburg: Take the N3 to Durban. Go through the Tugela Plaza (at the bottom of Van Reenen's Pass). After approximately 12 km there is an off-ramp to Bergville on the left. Take it, and at the top of the ramp TAKE THE LEFT TOWARDS LADYSMITH (not Bergville). About 7 km along this road is the R600 to the right. Travel for about 19 km and the entrance to the lodge is on the left-hand -side.

From Durban: Take the N 3 to Johannesburg. Approximately 6 km after the Ultra-City Garage near Estcourt, take the Bergville off-ramp on the left. At the top of the off-ramp go left to Bergville/Winterton. Go through Winterton and about 1 km after the town, take the R600 road to the right. The entrance to Spionkop Lodge is about 16 km on the R600 after the dam turn-off on the right-hand side.

General Information For Guests

The lodge is situated at the foot of the Drakensberg Mountains (a world heritage site), adjacent to The Spionkop Nature Reserve (rhino, giraffe, antelope) and minutes away from one of the most beautiful golf courses in KwaZulu-Natal. As the farm is of great historic significance, the Lodge specialises in trips to the Battlefields, Spionkop, Colenso and Ladysmith. Your host, Raymond, or Alastair his son, will bring the battles alive in the theatre of your mind, with his ability as a raconteur and passion for the story and the area. Rates available on request.

The Lodge Rooms are all en-suite. The Aloe and Acacia Cottages have 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a lounge, a fully equipped kitchen and braai facilities. The Acacia Cottage also features a small room suitable for a child.

The main building houses a small but well-appointed library, containing many historic books and a lounge with a fire place in which to relax.

The original barn built in 1890, has been converted into a reception area, dining room and cosy pub.

There is a swimming pool.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided in the main guest areas.

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These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Spionkop Lodge, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Spionkop Lodge was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.

If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.