About Us
Our Vision
Our vision for St Bernards Peak Mountain Lodge is to create an environment where families and friends can reunite, reengage and rejuvenate while enjoying the outdoors and becoming one with nature. Make yourselves at home and enjoy a taste of what a traditional South African farm experience has to offer.
Your Hosts
Family is a huge part of our lives, we have the privilege to bring up our 3 beautiful children in this incredible environment, where home and work are intertwined, you will find that they fit easily into everything we do.
SJ studied hospitality and has a passion for the industry, she is a dynamic woman who juggles the day to day running’s of the Lodge with being a mother and a teacher all at the same time.
Brad has a creative mind with a passion for farming and nature, he sees to the ongoing projects around the lodge and is in the process of setting up our self-sustaining organically geared farming operation to supply our lodge with only the best produce.
All honour and Glory to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who has blessed us beyond our wildest imaginations. Our prayer is that you will leave St Bernards Peak Mountain Lodge feeling blessed and replenished.
Our loyal staff who ensure that your stay at St Bernards is memorable.
Our Rich Heritage
St Bernards Peak has a rich history, making it an interesting place to visit. The farm was established in 1890 and was originally called “Middle Valley”. The Lodge was added into the mix a bit later in 1948. It is considered to be one of the oldest lodges in the Drakensberg.
The name St Bernards is believed to have been associated with a monk ‘Saint Bernard’ associated with the Knights Templar, who the rock on the top of one of the surrounding mountains is named after. The rock looks like a monk sitting praying. Ask one of our staff to point it out to you.
This portion of the Drakensberg is dominated by the Ithule Ridge, of which St Bernards Peak is part of. At the rear of the lodge, the Ntshungwane ridge runs down to form the other natural boundary between the eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal.
The Mfelamadoda river provides the water into the large lake across the valley. The area boasts some impressive caves, some with Bushman paintings and the streams that flow into the dam, are part of the charm of this very attractive area.
The thatched cottages were built by Frans Vetter in about 1948. The lodge had several owners until Ian and Cherri Worral took it over in 1998. Ian was involved in the renovation of the main building when they arrived. Ian was well known for taking horse riding excursions into Lesotho. They sold the lodge to Bradley and Sarah-Jane Hudson, the current owners, in February 2023.
The lodge building and cottages are being renovated one at a time and the Hudson’s have some exciting plans for the future.
What Our Guests Say
We love to get our guest’s feedback. What our guests say about us matters. We take every review seriously and will strive to improve as our journey continues.
Marie-Louise C.
An unexpectedly delightful stay – the young couple Sarah-Jane and Brad who have taken over this long established farm stay, are in the process of refurbishing and transforming it into a comfortable, stylish country retreat, suitable for families, groups of friends and couples wanting to get into all that the southern Drakensberg offers – fly fishing, hiking, horse riding, birding – or just enjoying the peace and beauty of the surroundings.
S-J is brimming with ideas, and we look forward to following their progress as St Bernard’s Mountain Lodge goes from strength to strength. We wish them everything of the best with their projects!
Rob.
What a lovely day spend at St Bernard’s Peak Mountain Lodge. I took my Wife and Kids out for Mothers Day Lunch and was completely blown away. The location is stunning and service was incredible not to mention the spread that was put on for Mothers Day which was incredible and really great value. This hidden jem is a family destination getaway.
Paige Pretorius.
Brad & Sarah-Jayne are the new owners who made us feel most welcomed with our last minute booking. The lodge is well situated with beautiful views & is the perfect place to get away if you are in need of somewhere to stay in the mountains. Bedrooms have fireplaces and are clean, warm & spacious.
Lots of family activities to do, put put, swimming & horse rides.
Fully stocked bar & amazing food.
Our stay was lovely.
All the best on your new venture Sarah & Brad.
Clean and spacious.
Peter Mitchell.
Huge upgrades been done. Really looking good sofar. Wonderful place to go and relax.
