Colenso Lodge

Colenso Lodge, located in the heart of Colenso, offers comfortably furnished accommodation for guests seeking a peaceful stay. Situated just 20 km from the Winston Churchill capture site, 40 km from the Spioenkop monuments, and 30 km from the Ladysmith museum, the lodge is perfectly positioned for exploring local historical sites. The lodge features a selection of rooms, each accommodating 2 guests, with queen-sized beds, coffee stations, air conditioning, and TVs for entertainment. Each room has an en-suite bathroom with a shower. The property is managed by an on-site manager and staff dedicated to ensuring a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast daily, along with secure parking and a peaceful garden area to relax in. Colenso Lodge is just 6.4 km from the Tugela Drift Nature Reserve and provides easy access to attractions such as the Ambleside Military Cemetery.

Area Info

The quiet town of Colenso, nestled in the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains and on the banks of the Thukela River, offers a serene contrast to its turbulent past. With a population of just over 6,000, it retains a rural charm, making it one of the few towns in the region to preserve its country atmosphere. Colenso’s significance in history stems from its role during the Anglo-Boer War, where it was used as a base by the British Army.

The town's other name, eSkipeni, meaning "Place of the Boat" in Zulu, reflects its connection to the Thukela River. However, Colenso is perhaps most famously remembered for the Battle of Colenso, which took place on 15 December 1899. This battle was the first of five attempts by the British to lift the siege of Ladysmith. The battle unfolded on three fronts, all of which failed the British forces. One front was repelled, another was ambushed, and the third came under heavy fire, forcing the British to retreat.

Units and Rooms

Standard Queen Room

Guests: 2

Comfortably furnished for 2 people, each of the rooms contains a queen bed and has an en-suite bathroom with a tub and shower. A TV, a bar fridge, as well as tea- and coffee-making facilities, are provided in each room.