South Africa, 15 September 2025
For more than 80 years, the Carte family has shaped hospitality in the Northern Drakensberg. Today, the Carte Collection continues that legacy through a renewed commitment to conservation, responsible tourism and community development. From restoring indigenous grasslands and carefully removing invasive species to supporting early childhood education, the Collection exemplifies how thoughtful hospitality can create enduring value for both local communities and the natural environment. In an era when sustainable travel is increasingly vital, the Collection’s approach demonstrates that tourism can be both restorative and responsible.
A cornerstone of the Collection’s community initiatives is the Royal Drakensberg Education Trust, particularly the Khanyisela Project, which helps children in surrounding communities reach their full potential through education. Thobani Ndlovu, head of the Royal Drakensberg Primary School and project coordinator, reflects on the project’s impact: “The Carte Collection’s involvement gives children access to opportunities that might otherwise be beyond their reach. Beyond practical support, the project provides reassurance and encouragement, showing these young people that they are seen and valued. That understanding transforms how they approach learning and foster confidence that extends far beyond the classroom.”
Sustainability informs every aspect of their operation, with native flora protected through the careful removal of invasive species, wildlife populations closely monitored, and renewable energy solutions such as solar power thoughtfully integrated throughout the properties. Water is conserved, waste meticulously managed, and the Collection continually seeks ways to reduce the use of single-use plastics. These efforts ensure that those staying within the Collection experience the Drakensberg in a state that remains close to its natural condition, reflecting a considered approach in which the wellbeing of the land, its wildlife, and surrounding communities is given equal weight.
The Cavern Resort and Spa, the flagship property, combines comfort and elegance with attentiveness to its environment. Rooms and suites are refined, some with fireplaces and private patios overlooking ancient fern forests. Days are spent exploring tranquil forest trails, enjoying spa treatments with Esse, a South African skincare brand, or simply absorbing the clarity of the mountain air. Evenings are defined by shared meals beneath the stars, where nourishment, conversation, and reflection provide both physical and emotional restoration while fostering a deeper connection to the natural surroundings.
Montusi Mountain Lodge offers a more secluded retreat, with suites that afford sweeping views of the Amphitheatre escarpment, fireplaces, and private patios. Those staying may discover hidden waterfalls, explore ancient San rock art, or traverse the hills on horseback, while every meal highlights locally sourced ingredients. Montusi demonstrates that the extraordinary beauty of the Drakensberg can be enjoyed without compromising environmental or cultural integrity.
Sungubala Eco Camp presents an off-grid, self-sufficient retreat where comfort and privacy coexist with untamed nature. Guests hike through valleys, fish in mountain dams, or cycle across rugged terrain, returning each evening to the warmth of a campfire beneath the African sky. The camp’s design deliberately minimises environmental impact while offering an immersive and restorative experience.
Beyond the properties, the Northern Drakensberg Nature Way offers a four-day slackpacking trail through 6,500 hectares of protected grassland. Local guides accompany each stage, providing insight into the ecology and history of the region, while luggage is transported and meals freshly prepared from local produce. This approach allows travellers to engage fully with the land, experience physical challenge, and observe how tourism, conservation, and community initiatives coexist harmoniously.
Megan Bedingham, a third-generation family member and manager of The Cavern, reflects on the ethos guiding the Collection: “Hospitality here is about respect for the land, for the wildlife, and for the communities that call it home. Every step taken in these mountains and every meal shared reflects that care. Those staying leave having experienced the Drakensberg’s splendour, with an understanding of what it takes to protect it and the knowledge that their visit supports both the natural environment and the people who live here.”
Across all three properties, heritage, hospitality, and care for land and local communities are inseparable. Accommodation is considered, comfortable, and sensitive to its surroundings, while the Royal Drakensberg Education Trust ensures that children and families benefit tangibly from tourism. Each stay leaves a positive imprint, not only on the natural environment but also on the lives of those who inhabit it.
In every interaction, whether on the trails, within the properties, or through community initiatives, the Collection demonstrates that the most meaningful journeys are those which leave both people and place enriched, proving that tourism can indeed be both restorative and responsible.