Lemon Tree is a very upmarket B&B, well appointed rooms, antique furniture, a large dining room leading onto a veranda, pool and colourful garden on one side. The rooms are accessed by a similar but narrow path from the gate down the other side, leading into a small courtyard filled with pot plants, a central bushy vine and 4 rooms. Other rooms are in the house, and at the front are two one above the other. The top is accessed by an external stair. All very tastefully done, BUT every house in this upmarket area is security fenced. The owner is very concerned about the future as it is quite possible she could lose the house in a ‘take-over’, as happened to the yacht club having to move next door to become the fisherman’s club.
We had an excellent breakfast, left leisurely for the airport, queued, and then were informed the flight had been cancelled last May, before the booking was made. How is that possible? The flight appears sometimes on the SAA web too!! We were given the option to fly to Joburg, wait, then to Durban, arriving 5.30pm, far too late to then drive to the Drakensberg. At that point the BA desk opened, so David bought tickets for that – fortunately seats were available (and cheaper). We arrived in Durban 1 hr later than planned, which made me nervous as the B&B I have booked is in a Black housing area (Bonjaneni) from what I see on Google, but it is the nearest place to Royal Natal National Park. The Park was already booked out when I tried.
No one seems to stick to the speed limits though David was booked last time. I had a 3.5hr drive, leaving at 3, so I didnt spare the little Hyundi. As dusk fell just short of Bergville, I had to stop for a shot. The Drakensberg were dark blue in silhouette against a blue to pink sky, with lower ranges in paler blue and a valley in front. I couldn’t stop at the best spot and I have yet to see the image on the pc.
I finally arrived here (Tugela Falls B&B) at 7, having lost time in Bergville to grab a Kentucky burger, and then find this place in the dark. I missed the sign in the dark concentrating on many people on the narrow road, and relying on the GPS, not entirely wise.
As expected, this is owned by locals – full marks for being first (?) to run a B&B. I will see how it goes, but at the price R350 ($35 per night) one can’t expect much. No internet. A row of good size rooms, a decent bed and linen, tea/coffee/fridge, ensuite. The building has been built by amateurs but is clean and serviceable. The dining area looked ok when I arrived. The young woman who met me was pleasant, and assured me with a smile that I will be safe – and anyway there is a guard next door!
Hope to survive the night…..
Lemon Tree 
Lemon Tree 
Lemon Tree 
Lemon Tree