Rock finish inside and out, with rock paintings and carvings on the walls guarantee you an all African experience. To complete this African experience, we now have our very special Squatter Shack called Diddly Squat !
Relax with sundowners in the attached rock pools as you take in the stunning views of Champagne Castle and Cathkin Peak.

You have two choices – either just stay at your unit and enjoy the peaceful tranquillity and energy of the area in total privacy,  or you can balance this with an exciting outing to one of the very many adventure activities in the area.

Tar  roads lead all the way to this private estate in one of the safest parts of the country and once you’ve been here, you’ll always want to come back!

Here’s what Tom, our most  recent visitor, wrote:
“A unique and truly wonderful experience. The cave in itself is an incredible creation, a real testament to Steve’s artistic vision. With the location and that view (yes, it really is even better than the photos), it was the perfect few days for us. We combined our stay with some all day hikes in the Drakensberg, and in the evenings enjoyed coming back and using the pool and the BBQ. If you’re looking for somewhere with unique charm, good local facilities, and total tranquility, I don’t think you could ask for more. Thanks Steve and Estelle. We will be back.”

Inkunzi Cave and Zulu Hut enjoys Superhost  status with Airbnb, as well as a 5-star rating with Tripadvisor.  Visit these sites to read more reviews!

Feel free to check availability  or book now and visit our beautiful corner of the Drakensberg with it’s beathtaking views!

Although it was a long time coming, Steve  finally added the finishing touches to his painting and presented it to them.  It’s sure to be given pride of place in their home !

Muthi originally belonged to our neighbours, but about 12 years ago he decided to come and live with us. It might have been because of the two attractive female fox terriers that we owned!

Last week, Muthi celebrated his 20th birthday !   Probably the mountain air and lack of stress, you might say.  But, add to that plenty of love, an incredible strength of character and will to live, and that’s why he is still around today. Even though he’s going blind and deaf, and lost most of his teeth, he’s always ready for a game or a walk. Heart pills twice a day for the last 2 years have helped to keep him with us. Steve has a shop in the Valley where he sells his artwork, and the “Undercover” painting is always an attraction. Especially if Muthi is at the shop in “person” to meet his admirers.  One can’t help just loving him!

We celebrated his 20th  birthday with a brunch last Sunday with a few of his/our friends. What a special day it was, in honour of a very special little friend.

Winter is usually a quieter time of the year for us, as many people are afraid of the cold.  And yet, we have the most beautiful warm, sunny days. It’s only when the sun disappears over the hills that the temperature drops at an alarming rate!  However, if you live in Gauteng or the Free State, you’ll find that we are a little warmer than you!

Our lives follow in exactly the same way – seasons of happiness and colour, followed by seasons of sadness and suffering.  “No Winter lasts forever and no Spring skips a turn.”

These comments were posted recently on Tripadvisor:

1.  Our stay there two weeks ago was yet again amazing. Will NEVER get tired of the place and the company. Two brilliant souls.

2.  “We have just spent three glorious days at Inkunzi with our friends who stayed in the Zulu Hut and Diddly Squat. As previous reviewers have stated, you will not find anything as unique as what Steve and Estelle have created, they both have an amazing ability to be creative without even having to put much thought into it. We have stayed there a number of times and have not once been disappointed, they are amazing hosts who will make you feel as if you’ve known them for years the minute you get out of the car. Steve will regale you with many fascinating stories of his younger years. His property is so well maintained and the positioning of each unit is far enough from each to make you feel completely private. They are self catering so you would need to take your provisions with you. Cedarwood shopping centre is close by but do not expect much from the general dealer, rather go to the Oaks which is situated at Dragon Peaks Caravan park, they pretty much have everything. There is plenty to do and much to explore. Go, you will not regret it but booking well in advance is advisable as our little secret place is no longer a secret”.

3.  “I spent two days in the Zulu Hut. The space itself is quirky and inviting. At every turn one sees imaginative detail and waking up with a view over the mountains is just mind-blowing. Steve is a true character, and having a sundowner with him was a delightful, memorable occasion. The whole property oozes calm, and taking a dip in one of the several pools at sunset was sheer magic. The nearby Dragons Peak restaurant was excellent; took a one hour helicopter flight for champagne at Cathedral Peak – simply stunning. There’s so much to do around the property, but you know what? Just sitting down and breathing it all in was my pastime of choice. Thanks Steve, thanks Estelle… I’ll see you very soon!! Take good care both!!”

4. “We were welcomed by Estelle and Steve like welcome friends(we have stayed before} The unit was clean and welcoming and everything was supplied. Even milk for our tea and a jug of chilled water in the fridge. Fire wood in the barbecue and a promise of more on just for the asking. I recommend this Zulu hut for people that want something different from a clinical looking hotel room. The views are exquisite and the peace a quiet wonderful. You have your own rock pool right outside your front door.”

We are eternally grateful to have landed ourselves in this amazing place.

I thought it a good idea to start with a brief history of The Zulu Hut, Inkunzi Cave and Diddly Squat …. very brief!

When I came to live with Steve, 12 years ago, the Zulu Hut was being used as a store room for all unwanted items of furniture, broken tools and miscellaneous bric-a-brac.  Needing a challenge, I suggested that we fix the leaks, re-decorate and rent it out. And so it happened that in December 2007 we welcomed our very first guests, Louis and Tonya Diedericks, to the Zulu Hut. Since then we’ve made several improvements and continue to upgrade as we go along.

Steve has always dreamt of building a Cave.  So, when our retaining wall collapsed and we were deciding how to fix it, the idea arose to build our “cave” against the bank.  And so Inkunzi Cave was born!  “Inkunzi” being “Bull” in Zulu.  Our first guest was Marian, who came together with Cearah Wurdeman, in March 2009.

So we had the “Zulu” theme in the Hut and a “Bushman” theme in the Cave. But we wanted to build just one more small unit. And the only thing missing was the squatters!  So, Diddly Squat opened its door to Fanie and Amanda Schoeman in November 2012. Old wood stove, “corrugated iron” walls and enamel crockery ensure an authentic “squatter” experience! (but with a very comfortable bed and newly installed air conditioner!!)

The past 8 years have been extremely busy and most rewarding.  It’s a pleasure for us to share our beautiful spot with our guests – we would be selfish to keep it all to ourselves.  And, when we see the awe-filled expressions on the faces of our guests as they look out at the view of the mountain and the valley below, we are humbled and ever grateful that we wake up to this amazing sight every day.