Balam River Deck, Drakensberg Garden - Restaurant Reviews, Phone Number & Photos

Is this primarily a coffee shop?

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About

If you're looking for a truly unique experience in the Drakensberg Mountains, look no further than Balam River Deck. This farm stall offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and serves up some of the most delicious coffee around - all while supporting conservation efforts in the area.

PRICE RANGE

R 35.00 – R 999.00

CUISINES

Cafe

FEATURES

Outdoor Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Waterfront, Dog Friendly, Family style

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5.0

20 reviews

Excellent

20

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Trek08545710203

1 contribution

Coffee on the deck

Mar 2024 • couples

Balam was an unexpected find, coming back to the southern berg after some years. Situated in a beautiful, peaceful spot overlooking the river one can have cold drinks, coffee, a light meal or snack. Musa, the barista produces great coffees and gives attentive service. The choice of muffins, treats and gifts is good - we particularly liked the carrot cakes. Worth a daily visit if you are holidaying in the area. I would prefer a few more comfortable chairs as most seating is bar stools. Otherwise - we loved it and look forward to our next visit.

Written 6 March 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LULU BLACK

Thanks so much for writing. So glad you enjoyed the spaces and the views. Lulu

Written 4 April 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Gavin R

Johannesburg4 contributions

Hidden Gem

Mar 2024 • family

Balam River Deck caught our attention 20km before we reached Castleburn resort. It's a tranquil, inspiring oasis in lovely surroundings - a river at your feet, mountains in the distance, and lots of restful space in between. Musa, the barista, makes excellent flat whites and cortado's. He, and owner Lulu, are very friendly and easy-going, yet 100% focused on guests enjoying their visit. Mini carrot cakes, date balls and other goodies are fresh and delicious. Totally amazing to find this high-quality café in the foothills of the Berg.

Written 12 March 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LULU BLACK

Gavin, you are very kind to take the time to review us. We love the views and so happy we can share them with everyone. Take care Lulu

Written 4 April 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

mike c

Durban1035 contributions

Great coffee stop in the Berg

Aug 2024 • couples

On the way to Castleburn or drak gardens or maybe hiking or mountain biking past you'll find this Coffee stop with a deck over looking the Umzimkulu River. We visited in winter so the river wasn't at its fullest however the views of the berg and surround's fantastic. the shop sells local home made delicacies, jams spread biscuits etc. We had cappuccinos and were impressed as they were on of the best we have tasted recently. One can also grab a croissant or a cake to go with the coffee. What is nice a portion of the takings is donated to the wildlife Act which in turn puts it towards wildlife protection. Definitely will stop next time we are in the area

Written 22 August 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LULU BLACK

Thanks for taking the time to review us. Winter colours and landscapes are so dramatic! Musa, is a great Barista!! Will pass the complement to him. Take care

Written 11 September 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Stacey963

Johannesburg47 contributions

Great pit stop en route to Gooderson

Apr 2024 • couples

Great coffee spot to stop at if you are en route to the Gooderson Drakensberg Gardens. We had a coffee and lovely warm cheese muffins - delish! Also, a marvellous view of the river and mountains to enjoy the pit stop even more.

Written 29 April 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LULU BLACK

Thanks for taking the time to review us. See you again soon

Written 13 May 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Isabella E

1 contribution

Brilliant coffee

Sept 2024 • family

Brilliant for a cold coffee after a walk along the river, would definitely go again. Looking over the river was very beautiful

Written 8 September 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LULU BLACK

Thanks for your review, hope you can come back soon.

Written 11 September 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Eden Lütge

2 contributions

Beautiful views, better coffee and treats

Jun 2024 • couples

This spot is so beautiful! The coffee was absolutely delicious and Musa was such a wonderful host and barista. We had the most divine and fresh treats too… we will be back!!

Written 14 June 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LULU BLACK

Thanks, will pass your complements to Musa. See you soon.

Written 5 August 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Paul Swainson

Salt Rock3 contributions

Lovely coffee spot

Jun 2024 • couples

Awesome coffee on the banks of a river with great views. Nice carrot cake and dog friendly. Good service and chilled atmosphere

Written 2 June 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LULU BLACK

Thanks for taking the time to review us, come back soon.

Written 5 August 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Stay37928820344

2 contributions

Best coffee in the berg with the best view

May 2024 • family

Fantastic coffee, best views ever and friendly staff. Absolutely worth a visit. A cute little shop with pickled bits and nice cakes to have with your coffee.

Written 25 May 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LULU BLACK

Thanks so much for your review. Hope you can come back soon.

Written 5 August 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Magda

Hillcrest1 contribution

Coffee shop on the river

May 2024 • family

Lovely coffee shop on the river with beautiful views over the mountains. We had the carrot cake and cappuccinos, it was delicious. A place for young and old to enjoy.

Written 11 May 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LULU BLACK

Thanks for your review. Visit again soon.

Written 13 May 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Discover32627757302

1 contribution

Best spot in Underberg!

May 2024 • family

What a beautiful coffee spot ! We love to vist Balam, not only for the spectacular view but also the great coffee and the friendly faces.

Written 11 May 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LULU BLACK

Thank you! Views and coffee! best combo

Written 13 May 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tomáš

Baalbeck21 contributions

Just lovely ❤️

Apr 2024 • friends

Perfect coffee, amazing cookies, very friendly sraff and spectacular view and landscape ❤️ this place is must visit! Just lovely

Written 13 April 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LULU BLACK

Thanks so much. Visit us again soon.

Written 13 May 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Bee

2 contributions

Cool view with a hot cup of coffee

Apr 2024 • couples

Musa is an amazing host and makes a mean cup of coffee. The carrot cake is absolutely divine! A must stop on before your final destination

Written 7 April 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LULU BLACK

Agree, Musa is a great host and barista! Thanks for reviewing us.

Written 13 May 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Wander61004770591

1 contribution

Fabulous!

Apr 2024 • family

Balam is our favourite coffee spot in Underberg! The view is gorgeous and the service is amazing! We had delicious coffee and the best carrot cake ever!

Written 4 April 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LULU BLACK

Thank you so much! Carrot cakes are a hit! See you again soon

Written 13 May 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Venture13603867187

1 contribution

Coffee!!!!!

Mar 2024 • friends

Best coffee spot in the area situated along one of many cycling trails. Friendly staff, perfect location and amazing coffee!

Written 30 March 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LULU BLACK

Thanks so much for your review. Hope to see you again soon.

Written 4 April 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Nick

1 contribution

Best coffee in Underberg

Mar 2024 • couples

Best coffee in Underberg, in a beautiful setting. The carrot cake muffins were also fantastic. Barista was friendly, and helpful. Will definitely be back next time we're in the area.

Written 28 March 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LULU BLACK

So glad you enjoyed the carrot cake! See you soon.

Written 4 April 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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Balam River Deck

Balam River Deck, Drakensberg Garden - Restaurant Reviews, Phone Number & Photos - Tripadvisor