Setting the standard for sustainable tourism in South Africa since 1941

By The Good Newspaper

Every day, the natural world around us offers countless small miracles, a flower unfolding its petals, a bird’s morning song, the gentle hum of a bee, a raindrop falling softly on leaves. Such moments often go unnoticed, but in places like the Northern Drakensberg, they come alive in vivid abundance. It is here, surrounded by soaring mountains and ancient forests, that the Carte Collection has built a legacy spanning more than eighty years, rooted deeply in sustainable stewardship and hospitality.

The story began in 1941 when Bill Carte set forth a simple, but profound vision: to create beauty, make the land more fertile, and to leave the world better than we found it. This vision remains the foundation of the family’s work today, carried forward by five of his granddaughters who continue to protect and preserve the landscape their grandparents loved, all the while sharing it with those who visit.

The Carte Collection resides within a private 6 500-hectare nature reserve that forms part of a much larger 30 000-hectare conservation area including the Royal Natal National Park and Sterkfontein Dam. The landscape is striking, a combination of basalt cliffs standing sentinel over indigenous forests, sweeping grasslands, and crystal-clear mountain streams. The area is home to more than 200 bird species, 24 of which are endemic, while eland, baboons, and mountain reedbuck roam freely, their presence a living connection to the region’s ancient past. San rock art, etched into cave walls thousands of years ago, they serve as a poignant reminder of the deep human history embedded within this land.

Sustainable tourism is set at the very heart of the Carte family’s mission. Over decades, they have diligently removed invasive plants, nurtured native flora and fauna, and embraced renewable energy solutions such as solar power. Across all properties, single-use plastics have been reduced, water is carefully conserved, and waste minimisation practices are rigorously maintained. Guests here are invited to experience nature as it was meant to be, pure and unspoiled, where the air is clear, the wildlife abundant, and the landscape untouched by time, offering solace and renewal in equal measure.

The Carte Collection comprises three distinct properties, each offering its own way to experience the extraordinary beauty and spirit of the Drakensberg, yet all are united by a deep commitment to sustainable design and operation.

Built on a foundation of heritage and hospitality, The Cavern Resort & Spa has grown into a vibrant and welcoming space where families reconnect and friendships blossom. Situated within meticulously landscaped gardens teeming with native birdlife, the resort offers fully catered accommodation, from cosy standard rooms to elegant superior suites complete with fireplaces and private patios overlooking ancient fern forests. Days at The Cavern are spent exploring tranquil forest trails, enjoying spa treatments crafted from natural ingredients, or simply embracing the serene mountain surroundings. As evening falls, guests gather to share nourishing, locally sourced meals beneath a canopy of stars, creating moments of connection and shared joy.

Just a short distance away, Sungubala Eco Camp provides a quieter, self-sufficient escape. This off-grid, self-catering camp is perched on a secluded mountain farm overlooking the expansive Sungubala Valley and thoughtfully designed to minimise environmental impact. Guests are encouraged to disconnect from modern distractions and fully embrace the natural rhythms of the land, spending their days hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or swimming in crystal-clear rivers, and their evenings gathered around campfires beneath the vast African sky. The camp’s careful layout ensures both privacy and comfort, all without detracting from its wild, untouched surroundings. Nearby, the mysterious ‘Silent Woman’ rock carving serves as a poignant reminder of the area’s enduring ancient spirit.

For those wanting a pause from the everyday, Montusi Mountain Lodge offers an elegant sanctuary located within the dramatic backdrop of the Amphitheatre escarpment. Its generously appointed suites, each featuring a cosy fireplace and private patio, afford guests uninterrupted vistas of this majestic landscape. Culinary delights, crafted from locally sourced, sustainable ingredients, accompany days spent on guided walks to secret waterfalls and ancient rock art sites. As dusk falls, horseback rides through tranquil terrain and quiet moments beside the fireside invite guests to slow their pace and fully immerse themselves in the profound calm of this extraordinary retreat.

In April 2024, the Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve was officially gazetted, adding 6,500 hectares of protected mountain grassland to South Africa’s natural heritage. This pristine region, with its escarpment views, clear streams, and abundant wildlife, is now home to a brand-new multi-day slackpacking trail, the Northern Drakensberg Nature Way. The 55km, four-day route guides hikers through diverse landscapes, with luggage transfers and freshly prepared, locally sourced meals provided at each stop, combining the challenge of mountain walking with comfort and convenience.

Day 1: The Cavern to Greenfire through lush forests, high ridges, and eland-grazed slopes (11.6km, 767m elevation).

Day 2: Jeep tracks and old pathways over grasslands to The Berghouse (17.9km, 337m).

Day 3: A gentler 9km stroll to Montusi, passing zebra and sweeping grassland vistas.

Day 4: The 16km finale returns hikers to The Cavern via waterfalls, ridges, and panoramic escarpment views.

The trail blends moderate to challenging mountain walking with thoughtful comfort, allowing hikers to fully immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty while enjoying carefully prepared meals and seamless logistical support. Local trail guides ensure safety, protect delicate ecosystems, and foster local employment, making each journey as responsible as it is rewarding.

Megan Bedingham, a third-generation family member and manager of The Cavern, reflects: "Our aim has always been to create experiences where people can reconnect, with nature, with one another, and with themselves, while ensuring the land is preserved and thriving. Every trail walked, every meal shared, and every moment spent here contributes to a living legacy of sustainable care. Guests leave with lasting memories, confident that the mountains, rivers, and wildlife have been protected for generations to come."

What makes the Carte Collection truly remarkable is its effortless harmony of wilderness and comfort, tradition and innovation, and a deep respect for the land. Mornings begin with the scent of fresh coffee and bread baked on-site from locally sourced ingredients, carried across the crisp mountain air. Days are marked by birdsong, wildflowers, and the gentle flow of clear mountain streams. Evenings are quiet and restorative, warmed by firelight and nourishing meals, with the reassurance that both guests and the land are tended to with care. Easily reached from Johannesburg and Durban, the Collection feels far from the pace of daily life. Here, visitors are invited to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty that has been protected for generations.

As more travellers prioritise experiences that nurture both self and environment, the Carte Collection is setting the standard for sustainable tourism. Every stay allows guests to explore the Drakensberg’s beauty, appreciate its untouched wilderness, and leave refreshed, reassured that the land has been thoughtfully preserved. More than a getaway, it is a living example of how care for the environment, attentive hospitality, and conservation can coexist, setting the standard for responsible travel in South Africa and beyond.