Bingelela Lodge

About

Situated in the with Northern Drakensberg, Bingelela offers earthy hospitality and outstanding service in a charmingly authentic setting. Our stylish yet cosy approach to hospitality means that whatever kind of stay you are looking for, we will gladly cater to your needs.

World-renowned for its sheer natural beauty, tranquillity and majestic surrounds, the 200km-long mountainous wonderland of the Drakensberg is the place that local and international visitors seek as a restful breakaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here in the Drakensberg, you can experience all the richness of a region steeped in cultural heritage with a prolific diversity of flora and fauna and many amazing things to see and do.

Known to the Zulu people as uKhahlamba, meaning ‘Barrier of Spears’, and to the Dutch Voortrekkers as ‘Dragon’s Mountain’, the area of the Drakensberg falls into four Valleys, and at Bingelela – our much-loved contemporary classic country resort -  you are ideally located to experience them all!

An actively operating farm, Bingelela’s central building is a long-established period farmhouse which has been cleverly converted into an award-winning restaurant and fully licensed bar boasting five large fireplaces and two thatched bomas, perfect for alfresco dining. Overlooking a crystal-clear, sun-drenched swimming pool with magical mountain views, the central entertainment area is surrounded by huge trees and – at night or during the day, whether it be winter or summer – the ambience is fantastic offering intimate, candlelit dinners, a fun, festive night out with a crowd and a simply relaxing afternoon by the pool where guests can watch their children on the trampoline and where sports enthusiasts can view their favourite game on big screen.

Comfortably seating up to 120 people, these facilities also make Bingelela an excellent spot for all special celebratory occasions. We hold conferences of all kinds and continue to be the favourite venue for year-end functions, weddings and fund raisers. A great live music venue too, come experience live music bands on every alternate Sunday lunch.

About the owners

Owner run and managed, dynamic husband and wife duo Joss and Paula Joubert are innovative, hands-on and entirely dedicated when it comes to the running of Bingelela. It’s their hard work, business savvy and warm hospitality that has ensured Bingelela’s great reputation since it first opened its doors in 2000.

It’s been an organic process of growth for Joss and Paula who have succeeded in building and maintaining a wonderful place for visitors to come relax and unwind and experience that “home-away-from-home” feeling while delighting in all the charms of the Drakensberg region.

Paula sees to catering, running the restaurant and developing the menu and it’s her incredible passion and flair for food that’s resulted in the continued success of the restaurant which draws guests from far and wide who come back time and again for her inventive and mouth-wateringly delicious dishes. Her creative personality is further seen all over – from the hand-made lamps, mosaic tables and mirrored pillars at the entrance to the garnishing of the dishes.

Joss is also as equally committed to the management of the property as he lovingly runs the farm, looks after guests and ensures quality of service from all staff members.

Whether you choose to run in for a refreshing drink, a superb supper, or sleep over for a few days, Paula and Joss ensure that the Bingelela experience will stay with you for a long time to come.

The Restaurant

On Premises. No need to drive

Original, tantalising recipes await you when you dine at Bingelela. Whether it’s something traditional or something new and exciting that you’re after, the varied and creative menu offers something suitable to every palette. Every choice is a favourite and all dishes are prepared from the freshest, best quality produce from local suppliers.

In addition to the regular menus that boast a scrumptious selection of starters, mains and desserts including delights from three continents around the Med with adventurous combinations of ingredients and seasonings, there’s the daily speciality menu that caters to every mood, wallet and appetite. The Cognac Sparked Seafood Bisque is to die for as is the Button Mushrooms filled with escargots and capped with garlic and blue cheese sauce. The Camembert Fillet topped with caramelised onion and soft camembert cheese will keep you drooling as will the Berg Trout topped with lightly toasted almonds.

The menu captures the enthusiasm, love and passion of it’s creators in each delicious bite and our fish, poultry and meat dishes are famed to be some of the best in the region with must-try dishes including our Calamari Steak, Chicken Roulade and Jalepeno Fillet. We always strive to keep it simple, elegant and continental!

No meal is complete without a taste of the sweet, so don’t leave without indulging in crisp basket of ice cream lashed with berries, a decadent Pecan Chocolate Sundae or our famous Lemon Scented Amarula Cheese Cake

Pizzeria

Our wood-fired pizza oven delivers only the finest of pizzas and our recently extended menu ensures you’ll find a new and divine pizza to try every time. A great kiddies menu, cacophony of coffees and brilliant wine menu that boasts South Africa’s finest completes this already heady mix. Add to that service with a smile and a team of staff willing to go the extra mile, and your dining experience at Bingelela is one you’re soon not to forget.

Please note that the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from Monday – Saturday. We are open for lunch on Sundays but close the kitchen at 15h00.

Accomodation

Set among giant Blue Gum trees, the12 thatched cottages at Bingelela are all private, free standing and individually appointed and provide, you, our guests, the perfect spot to kick up your feet, relax and enjoy the splendour of our country retreat and all the exquisite beauty that awaits you in the Drakensberg.

Serviced on a daily basis and suitable for both corporate and leisure guests, the rooms offer en-suite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, televisions, with all linen and towelling provided. There are six double rooms and then units suitable for sharing (twin beds) and/or for families.