Antbear Lodge Drakensberg - Fernhurst Farm Moor Park Road, Estcourt, 3310

Only 2-hours from Durban, Antbear Lodge is a unique pet-friendly getaway tucked away in the Drakensberg Mountains. If you’re travelling from Johannesburg, it’s a 4-and-a-half-hour drive down the N3…

Our Adventure

Antbear Lodge is one of the few pet-friendly places in the Drakensberg and this is a really special pet-friendly option. Beautiful, vast views of the Drakensberg with plenty of ground for your dogs to roam. Walk for hours on mowed paths around the farm. Your dogs will be happy with lots of dams to swim in and horses to discover.

Three of the accommodation units at Antbear Lodge have their own fenced-in gardens so it’s really easy to leave your dog behind if you would like to explore some of the sights in the area where pets are not that welcome.

What is really great about this pet-friendly accommodation option is that on arrival they have a fresh bowl of water waiting for your pets. Such a simple gesture but so appreciated. Then at checking you are presented with a doggie bag that contains some treats, a towel just in case you need to dry off your dog after returning for a walk. Antbear Lodge does have a policy that requires your pets to be on a lead (yet upon arrival it is advisable to keep the dog on a lead ) just be aware that there are some sheep, chickens, turkeys, ducks, cats, horses, donkeys and cows, 2 pigs and a resident dog that don’t like to be chased.  Normally guests bring their own dog food, bowls, and bedding which generally makes them feel more at home. But if you did forget anything they do have a bed and blanket available as well as some dog food.

Something really different is that Antbear Lodge also offers accommodation in a secluded luxury cave with a Jacuzzi spa bath and open fireplace. Glass doors open onto a deck with an uninterrupted panoramic view of the Drakensberg Mountains. With hammock chairs on the deck, this is the perfect location for a sundowner. You can opt for a private dining experience on the deck of your cave under the stars. Unfortunately, the luxury cave does not have a fenced-in garden so although dogs are welcome it might not be practical unless you have a small dog.

Almost all the wooden decor (and the impressive glass-stained windows) are crafted on-site by Andrew and his team. The artwork creates a unique vibe, and no two chalets are alike.

Besides the art, Antbear’s ethos on sustainability leaves a lasting impression. Not only is the lodge growing almost all its own food, but it also hires exclusively from the local community, and there’s a huge focus on upskilling. The lodge has been built using sustainable principles like building from straw bales, rammed earth, cob, and sun-dried bricks. Even the thatch for the roofs has been cut right here on the farm.

Antbear Lodge uses the farm to fork concept as much as possible. They use their own organic vegetable garden, own chickens for eggs, and cows for milk. They even make their own cheese and yogurt and bake their own bread

Antbear Lodge is a perfect base to explore the very best of the Drakensberg region. It’s a short drive away from the Midlands Meander, Giants Castle, and Kamberg. It’s the perfect getaway for couples or families that love all things eccentric and nature. Come and share some of Andrew’s and Conny’s dreams of a sustainable lifestyle.

Something that’s uniquely pet friendy that’s currently being developed by Antbear Lodge is a pet-friendly slackpacking trail walking lodge to lodge with your dog and your luggage is transported for you. If this sounds interesting email andrew@antbear.co.za and get your name on the waiting list.

Contact Details:
Mobile (Within South Africa) 076 441 2362
Mobile (International) +27 76 441 2362
Email   reservations@antbear.co.za
web: http://www.antbear.co.za