The Carte Collection: a family legacy - and a new slackpacking trail
Ruth & Bill Carte arrived in South Africa’s Drakensberg mountains in 1941. Four generations later, their legacy continues: Three unique businesses are owned and managed by their five granddaughters (pictured below) including two sets of sisters ie Megan and Lesley of The Cavern and then trio Cath, Lindsay and Loretta of Montusi.
These thriving establishments in the newly proclaimed Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve are all very different, yet each one provides rich experiences in extraordinary wilderness.
The family has always worked closely together, especially to uplift the local community through the Royal Drakensberg Educational Trust and its many projects, but they have recently also combined their marketing efforts to form The Carte Collection.
Family ties in the beautiful Berg: The Carte cousins (L-R) Megan Bedingham, Lindsay du Plessis, Lesley Carte, Cath Duff and Loretta Mecklenborg
New Slackpacking Trail launched : The Northern Drakensberg Nature Way
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 links four founding accommodation partners – The Cavern Resort, Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge, The Berghouse & Cottages and Montusi Mountain Lodge – with luggage transfers and hearty meals awaiting hikers at each stop.
Day 1 takes walkers from The Cavern to Greenfire through lush forests, high ridges, and eland-grazed slopes (11.6km, 767m elevation). Day 2 follows jeep tracks and old pathways over grasslands to The Berghouse (17.9km, 337m). Day 3 is a gentler 9km stroll to Montusi, passing zebra and sweeping grassland vistas. Day 4’s 16km finale returns hikers to The Cavern via waterfalls, ridges, and panoramic escarpment views. The trail combines challenging to moderate mountain walking with comfort, offering the serenity of nature alongside comfortable accommodation, fine dining, and easy logistics.
Bookings are now open, with trail walking guides available to ensure safety, protect sensitive areas, and support local employment. to book please email info@alloutadventures.co.za or thenorthernhorse@gmail.com
More about The Carte Collection
Surrounded by breathtaking, unspoilt mountains and endless views, this tranquil haven offers the perfect retreat for adventurers and peace-seekers alike. Whether hiking, horse-riding, trail-running, or mountain-biking, the outdoor playground is yours to explore. Indulge your taste buds with exquisite cuisine crafted to suit all preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy delicious meals while soaking in the panoramic beauty of the surrounding mountains, with nature’s symphony of birds, frogs, and flowing streams serenading you. Montusi Mountain Lodge is the perfect getaway—where every moment feels like magic.
The Cavern Resort & Spa, named after the infamous Cannibal Cavern, is nestled high in the foothills of the northern ‘berg in the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site area. A place of captivating beauty, it is surrounded by majestic mountains, lush indigenous forests and clear ’berg streams. The Cavern is a founding member of the Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve and is home to Bushman paintings, age-old rock carvings and an interesting cannibal history– all in a natural setting, where bird, animal, tree and flower species flourish. The Cavern is a unique setting where strangers become friends, couples reconnect and families bond.
Sungubala Eco Camp is a self-catering, sustainable and off-grid resort camp set in the Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve, ideal for a nature lover’s active getaway. It is a great base from which to explore the greater Cavern Nature Reserve and the uKhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site. Activities include mountain biking, hiking, trail running, swimming, horse riding, birding as well as other recreational activities. Its is equally suited for just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery. The Sungubala Farm is also home of the Silent Woman, a rock carving crafted in the 1950s by artist and wanderer, William Chalmers. There are various accommodation options, with 16 units in total sleeping up to 42 people. All power is solar while gas is used for cooking and water heating. Communal facilities include a boma, fire-pit, 2 shared kitchens, lounge, braai area, and swimming pool, making it ideal for groups and gatherings. The entire camp can be booked for exclusive getaways.
All Out Adventures is another family business, run by Chris and Loretta, located just a stone’s throw from the three Carte Collection properties. They specialise in offering affordable activities for adrenaline junkies based from their Adventure Centre, with limitless scope for self-discovery and fun, including
South Africa’s Fastest Cable Tour @ over 60kmph
20m Free Fall Bridge Swing
Forested Paint Ball
Bungee Bounce
The Zip Line and Flying Trapeze
Inspiring Adventure Courses
Quad Bike Tours
Mountain Bike Trails
Getting to the Northern Berg
Accessing the Northern Berg Nature Reserve is a scenic , easy self drive from either Johannesburg (3.5 hours) or Durban (3 hours.)
Contact The Carte Collection
Megan - The Cavern & Sungubala - megan.bedingham@cavern.co.za
Lindsay - Montusi Mountain Lodge - lindsay@montusi.co.za
Loretta - All Out Adventures - info@alloutadventures.co.za
Brenda - Marketing & Product training - brenda@cavern.co.za
The Carte Collection -Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve
