Cumberland Nature Reserve

Accommodation Description

Cumberland Nature Reserve offers self-catering accommodation in a private 560-hectare reserve near Pietermaritzburg. Guests can stay in cottages and huts tucked away among savanna, woodland and gorge terrain. The cottages include full kitchens or kitchenettes, spacious living areas and outdoor decks or verandahs with scenic views. One unique stay is the Kranz Hut - a two-sleeper perched above the gorge, with solar lighting, gas fridge and an outdoor shower. Across the accommodation, you’ll find fire-pits or braai areas suited for evenings under starry skies. A communal swimming pool is available for all guests. The emphasis is on immersion in nature while still offering comfort for a tranquil escape.

Setting Description

The reserve spans valleys, ridges and river corridors, with the Rietspruit stream and the Umgeni River carving through the landscape. Red sandstone cliffs, forested slopes and open savanna form a diverse backdrop for exploration. On the reserve you’ll encounter more than 300 bird species, over 50 butterfly species and wild-flower rich terrain. Trails of varying lengths and difficulty wind through different habitats, welcoming walkers and mountain-bikers alike. Though only a short drive from Pietermaritzburg, the setting feels remote: cell signal is intermittent, and the silence invites a genuine nature retreat.

What We Love

-Self-contained cottages & huts hidden inside a private nature reserve

-Dramatic terrain with gorges, rivers and elevated viewpoints for wildlife and scenery

-Rich biodiversity - abundant bird-life and walking trails across varied habitat

-The option of minimal-tech stays (solar lighting, wood/para­ffin heating) for a deeper nature experience