Responsible and sustainable tourism in the Drakensberg

Andile has been part of Antbear for over a decade — from reservations through Covid to lodge manager through calm leadership and deep guest empathy.

Mlindeni grew up in the nearby village — practical problem solver and one of the most genuine storytellers you will meet in the Drakensberg.

They are building a life together as a couple with a child, and have taken over stewardship of the lodge.

We employ locally, invest in skills development, and nurture a culture of teamwork, fairness, and communication — which guests often feel in the warmth of the welcome.

The Drakensberg is not just a backdrop — it is the reason Antbear exists. We care for a small farm ecosystem with rescue animals, remove invasive plants, and support conservation initiatives with neighbouring farms, including vulture-aware land use.

The lodge was founded by Andrew and Conny Attwood over more than 25 years. The name comes from an antbear (aardvark) that lived under the floors of a ruin on the farm before renovations — its spirit stayed in the hills and in the name. Andrew and Conny are retired on the farm and continue to mentor and advise.

The hammock camp, night sounds, traditional constellation stories, and a sky that feels impossibly big — an experience grown from community entrepreneurship and now a highlight for many guests.