Leopards Lair Lodge

Leopards Lair Lodge

Leopard’s Lair is a guest house located near the Drakensberg world heritage site near to Giant’s Castle and the Kwa Zulu Natal Midlands. The Buys family is the magic behind Leopard’s Lair. You aren’t just a guest, you’re family! Leopard’s Lair’s mission is to turn your stay into a memorable experience. This is a “real, working farm”, offering all kinds of agri tourism attractions. You can bottle feeding lambs. Meet Lallie the tame Eland. Collect eggs from the free range hens. Children delight in petting the animals and watching some of the farming activities. Life is lived at a gentler pace, take time to chat and to pick your own vegetables from their organic vegetable garden. Strawberries taste best eaten directly as you pick them.

Leopard’s Lair offers affordable family accommodation on a dinner bed and breakfast basis. Accommodation available for up to seven persons. Self Catering accommodation options available too.

Our two boys are our best ambassadors and can’t wait to share their fun and adventure with guests and maybe a little touch of naughtiness. Let your kids try their hand at fishing or canoeing. Outdoors is the best source for fun and your kids will be  entertained for hours while  you finish reading your book in peace.

The Midlands Meander, with its arts and crafts, breweries and cheese tasting starts right here. The Mandela Capture Site is also around the corner as is everything that the Drakensberg Mountains offer

Qambathi Mountain Lodge

Qambathi Mountain Lodge

Luxury Accommodation

3 Superior Suites have private covered decks with hanging chairs from where you can enjoy the surroundings and views of the mountain
2 Luxury Suites are situated in the main building and are equally equipped and offer easy access to the dining and entertainment areas.

All rooms are non-smoking and have under floor heating, hairdryers, lodge stationery, a room safe, separate bath and shower with bath consumables and tea/coffee making facilities.

Our Services Include

The Chill Lounge and Pool Deck area offer panoramic views of the gardens and Kamberg mountain, ideal to enjoy a late afternoon sundowner or to simply relax in the sun in one of the amazing hanging chairs or loungers.

At night a Boma fire creates the perfect setting for star gazing. A well stocked wine cellar is on offer next to the dining and library area.

Own transport is recommended although transfers from anywhere in the country can be arranged.

Self-catering unit

Our self-catering unit offer sleeping for four persons in two rooms. It is situated close to the lodge yet private. Meals can be booked at the lodge. View on gallery page.

The Kamberg Mountain Reserve & Kamberg Rock and Art Centre is only a short distance away with the Midlands Meander only a few km down the road.

Enjoy wine tasting, cheese making, candle dipping and many more sight-seeing adventure tours available to visitors in the area. Whether you are looking for a wedding/honeymoon destination, luxury retreat or adventure, Qambathi Mountain Reserve offers tourists to KwaZulu Natal a holiday to remember. Sink into total comfort of the meticulously designed rooms defined by a blend of natural colours and contemporary use of natural materials with luscious textures. Local and renowned S.A artists such as Bron Stofberg, Hillary Grant Curry, Clive Hatton  and Franco Esposito to name a few.. have been commissioned to complete this stylish getaway.

Set in a wildlife reserve against the backdrop of the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, Qambathi Mountain Lodge is not just a beautiful and unique honeymoon destination, but also offers fabulous wedding venue options. The boutique barn with its large fireplace, boma and stunning mountain views is perfect for summer and winter weddings. Another option is a forest wedding on the pretty timber deck tucked into the indigenous forest with a little river running through it, and then there is the main lodge, which has a gorgeous chill deck overlooking the gardens. Qambathi Mountain Lodge also offers you the opportunity to tailor make your wedding to include a special weekend of bush dinners, picnics, game drives in the mountains, fly fishing, hiking, horse riding and golf.

A maximum of 80 guests can be accommodated in the venue. An old sandstone church is situated less than 10 minutes from the lodge or the gardens offer many options for the ceremony. The entire lodge form part of our wedding packages, with fully catered or own caterer options.

 

The Riverhouse

The Riverhouse

All individually decorated, spacious rooms have their own bathrooms, DSTV, tea and coffee making facilities, heaters, electric blankets and roof fans. There are three double rooms in the main house, one with a separate entrance.

There are also two en-suite double annexes with their own entrances, and a self-contained family room with twin beds and sleeper chairs that can sleep 2 to 4 and is equipped for self-catering with fridge, microwave, 2-plate stove, toaster and the necessary crockery and cutlery.

The Riverhouse is very secure, with palisade fencing, security patrols at night and electric gates. There is ample safe parking. All rooms are serviced daily.

The Riverhouse is located conveniently within Estcourt, close to all the conveniences, but because of its large terraced grounds and tranquil position overlooking the river, the atmosphere is that of a peaceful country retreat. Easy access to the N3 makes exploring the Drakensberg, the Battlefields and the Midlands Meander a breeze. The quiet atmosphere, excellent and friendly service, and spacious living areas make it equally ideal for the businessman looking for a comfortable and upmarket “home from home”.

There is a designated smoking area on the veranda, the rest of the guesthouse is non-smoking.

Room 1
Large, luxury en-suite room with king-size bed and DStv.
Bathroom Facilities Private bathroom, En-suite, Shower over bath King beds
Other Fan, Heater, Radio, Tea and Coffee Facilities, No Smoking in Rooms
TV DStv ,Views River

Room 2
Room with king-size or twin beds, sleeper couch for a child, private bathroom, and DStv.
Bathroom Facilities Private bathroom, Shower only
Sleeper couch, King beds
Other Fan, Heater, Radio, No Smoking in Rooms
TV DStv ,Views River

Room 3
En-suite room with queen-size bed, DStv, and private entrance.
Bathroom Facilities Private bathroom, En-suite, Shower only
Queen beds
Other Balcony/patio, Heater, Radio, No Smoking in Rooms
TV DStv,Views River

Self-catering Room 6
Open-plan room with three single beds, one smaller pull out bed, DStv, and self-catering facilities.
Bathroom Facilities Private bathroom, Shower only Single beds
Other Self-catering, Fan, Heater, Radio, Tea and Coffee Facilities, Bar Fridge, No Smoking in Rooms
TV DStv ,Views Garden

Thyme and Again Guesthouse

Thyme and Again Guesthouse

Each room has tea and coffee making facilities, as well as a small bar fridge. The luxury cabins each have a kitchenette complete with a microwave as an added feature.

You will be able to choose from the variety of channels offered by the DSTV hotel bouquet.

For your comfort, each room has both a ceiling fan and a small fan heater.

Check-in is from 2.00pm, check-out by 10.00am. Early check-in and late check-out may be requested, but is subject to availability.

Linglela Lodge

Linglela Lodge

ACCOMMODATION DETAILS

  • Linglela Lodge is close to the N3 between Johannesburg and Durban; the ideal breakaway or stopover on your way to the coast.
  • The establishment offers ten en-suite rooms, each perfect for the family or business traveler. All fitted with convenient amenities to ensure a comfortable nights rest.
  • The decorative African style rooms come with their own private entrances and under-cover patios, and the units can sleep up to two guests in double or twin beds. All have quality linen, fresh towels and amenities onhand with En-suite bathroom, a shower, TV and Dstv.
  • There is also fans, and electric blankets(available on request) for your comfort.
  • Continental, English or vegetarian breakfast is all served in our African Theme diningroom.
  • All units are semi equipped for self catering, eg Bar Fridge, Kettle and microwave. Coffee and tea is provided in all the rooms
  • A pub is also available for guests use.
  • The main building has a lovely thatched roof and includes facilities for catering purposes, so feel free to enquire about hosting packages for weddings, functions and conferences at Linglela Lodge.

Blue Haze Country Lodge

Blue Haze Country Lodge

Blue Haze Country Lodge is the Premier accommodation establishment in the Estcourt area and the only hotel offering a diverse range of accommodation, from self-catering units to luxurious suites, to suit the contractor market, families and the decerning business executive. We are the only hotel establishment in Estcourt offering the above as well as an al a carte restaurant, cozy pub and a dedicated conference and wedding center in a scenic, tranquil and safe environment.

Blue Haze Country Lodge is a charming lodge, set in spectacular mountain and lake scenery bordering the popular Wagendrift Dam in the picturesque foothills of the Drakensberg mountain range. Situated 3 minutes from the N3 highway, 450km from Johannesburg, 170km from Durban and 7km from the town of Estcourt. The expansive lawns, kikuyu horse paddocks, public service areas, kiddies play area, conference and wedding centre, rim-flow pool, hotel suites and chalets are superbly maintained and we pride ourselves in every meal and beverage we serve!

Blue Haze offers 32 accommodation units including standard en-suite rooms, deluxe, executive and 7 self-catering. We cater for up to 250 wedding guests and sleep a maximum of 76 people. Enjoy one of many activities or scenic day trips or chill at the pool before quenching your thirst and making new friends in the cosy Pheasant Plucker’s Pub and complete your evening with a superb meal prepared by our chefs. Guests and day visitors are offered warm and friendly hospitality by a happy Blue Haze team.

Alkamia B&B

Alkamia B&B

Set in a quiet neighborhood of Drakensview in Estcourt, away from the bustle of town,you will find Alkamia Situated an easy 10 km drive off the N3.  Convenient Johannesburg/Durban stopover. Friendly service and personal attention as the owner lives on the same premises.  We are close to Spar, Wimpy, ATM and central town. Enjoy our traditional English breakfast or a Continental breakfast.  Alkamia is also ideal to use as a base from which to explore the Drakensberg Mountains, Giants Castle (World Heritage Sites),  Midlands Meander, Anglo Boer War Battlefields Sites and Weenen Game Reserve.

Ashtonville Terraces Guesthouse

Ashtonville Terraces Guesthouse

Ashtonville Terraces promises to offer all those who visit a warm, friendly welcome and a comfortable stay in an environment that can be described as a combination of Victoriana and Afro-centricity. With all 6 ensuite rooms reflecting the diverse colours of this beautiful country plus lush gardens and pool for guests enjoyment, Ashtonville Terraces offers the perfect place for a country getaway or just a cosy stop-over.

The town of Estcourt nestled amongst the rolling foothill of the Drakensberg World Heritage site, 2 hours from Durban and 3.5 hours from Johannesburg, finds itself well situated at the apex of 3 major tourist destinations; the Drakensberg Experience, the Battle Fields Route and the Midland Meander, thus offering visitors an abundance of historical, cultural and natural places to explore.

Ashtonville Terraces is a charming Victorian Homestead built in the late 1800’s. All our rooms are en-suite and there is a dining area for our famous English Breakfasts and for evening meals on request. Guests may also use the kitchen and dining facilities if they wish to cater for themselves.

Room types and facilities:
The following rooms are available and range from R390 for a single person for one night. Please contact us to tailor a package and price especially for you. Groups and long stays will receive preferential rates.

4 Double Rooms: Contains a double-bed and en-suite bathroom (request a shower or bath).

Other facilities:
Pool, free unlimited Wi-Fi in the dining area, patio, braai facilities, undercover parking, guest lounge, MasterCard, Visa AND American Express accepted. Full English breakfast served in the dining area – when booked with accommodation. Suppers and lunch packs on request. Laundry services and baby sitting on request. Although we do not have a halaal certified kitchen all our meat and cooking products are halaal.

2 Family Rooms: Blue Room contains 2 double beds with an en-suite bathroom containing a shower. This room is in the main house, but has its own separate entrance if needed.

Terracotta Room contains 1 double bed and 2 single beds with an en-suite bathroom containing a shower.

All rooms contain a TV with DSTV, Tea and coffee station, heater, fan, magazines, extra blankets, towels and shampoo and soap and our handmade bath salts. All rooms serviced daily. Any other requests will be gladly handled by our staff.

Within 1 kilometre:

Estcourt Golf Club, Estcourt Bowling Club, Pick and Pay (150 metres), Fort Durnford Museum, Umtshezi Tourism Office, Glamosa Glass Factory Shop.

Surrounds:
Midlands Meander (20 minutes), Central Drakensberg (20 minutes), Battlefields Route, The Drakensberg Experience.

 

White Mountain Lodge

White Mountain Lodge

The whole idea of holidaying at White Mountain Lodge is relaxation, whether through enjoyable activities or lazy days in beautiful natural surroundings. In other words doing as you please at your leisure.

Being a country lodge, White Mountain Lodge offers rooms and chalets with self catering or full board facilities. Our chalets are tastefully decorated in a country style and set amidst vibrant indigenous gardens offering seclusion and privacy. Individual barbecue facilities are provided at most of the chalets for those outside catering urges.

Our chalets can accommodate from two to six occupants with well equipped kitchenettes which make self catering easy. Heaters and winter sheets provided ensure that even during those winter nights a cozy restful sleep is guaranteed. While a superette and laundry make for easy access to those essential requirements.

A comfortable and hassle free environment is what we at White Mountain Lodge strive to provide, not only through our service but also through our facilities.

When the season permits river rafting is always a particular favorite with visitors, and our experienced instructors guarantee an action packed fun day down the river.

Abseiling, cross- valley fuffi slide, river rafting, hiking, fishing, fantastic dining, historical sight- seeing or plain old relaxing are all provided for at White Mountain Lodge, our experienced instructors and helpful staff strive to make your holiday experience not only enjoyable but memorable too.

CARAVAN, CAMPING AND SELF CATERING CHALETS – DECEMBER/JANUARY SPECIAL! STAY FOUR NIGHTS AND RECEIVE AN EXTRA NIGHT FREE! OFFER VALID FROM 1ST DECEMBER UNTIL 14TH DECEMBER INCLUSIVE AND FROM 3RD JANUARY UNTIL 21ST JANUARY INCLUSIVE. FOR BOOKINGS, CALL OR EMAIL US!

Why travel once you are at your destination? At White Mountain Lodge, we offer much more than you will be able to take in during a relaxing stay. Our own dam provides hours of fascination for any bird lover, and our surroundings host some of South Africas endangered species of bird including the Cape Griffin Vulture and other indigenous animals including the majestic black eagle, black backed jackal and mountain reedbuck.

On-site Facilities:
A lockable safe at reception only (none in the chalets) DStv in the bar and in the TV lounge A fireplace in the bar (Toms Tavern) and another in the restaurant/lounge

Summer Place Backpackers Lodge

Summer Place Backpackers Lodge

Facilities available:

           *  3 Bedroom House, with all facility’s, Veranda & Braai

           *  3 Rooms with En-Suite shower and TV,

           *  Family Flat with full self-catering facilities

           *  Braai facilities.                

           *  Pool Table and Darts Room.

Set in a Beautiful tranquil area with bird watching and enjoying walks in the nature.

30Km away from the Midlands Meander and only,

45Km away from the Central Drakensberg.

Close to Fort Durnford and Wagendrift Dam.

Enjoy your daily trips to all surrounding areas and return to a peaceful resting place.

Wits End Mountain Resort

Wits End Mountain Resort

Situated in the heart of the Champagne Valley, Central Drakensberg our 9 self catering chalets can accommodate up to 60 people. The chalets are of various sizes ranging from 4 sleeper 2 suite chalets , 6 sleeper 3 suite chalets and 8 sleeper group chalets. Our wedding venue and chapel each seat 150. The resort is close to the mountains and is situated within the buffer zone of the World Heritage site. We have 80 hectares of pristine mountain landscape with a large dam stocked with indigenous Yellowfish and bass, so fishing and boating is available on site. We have an extensive netrwork of nature trails on the property meandering along grasslands and through an indigenous forest.

Antbear Eco Lodge

Antbear Eco Lodge

The Antbear Lodge is situated in the Drakensberg Mountains and is a perfect base to explore the very best of what this region offers. The Drakensberg Mountains are renowned for their dramatic natural beauty spectacular mountain scapes, waterfalls and sunsets. And don’t forget about the bushman rock art paintings made by the San people over a period of 4000 years. Come and be inspired by their history and spirituality.

Essentially we are an accommodation provider offering 15 individually styled units as either en-suite doubles, family units or luxury suites. Our most unique accommodation is our luxury cave which blends into its environment to create an atmosphere of privacy and seclusion. Glass doors open onto a wooden deck with hammock chairs with an uninterrupted panoramic view of the Drakensberg Mountains. You could even consider a romantic private dining experience on the deck of your cave under the stars.

The natural setting is stunning and we have managed to make the accommodation fit in with ease. Each of the units are different and are separate from each other creating a feeling of generosity. The rooms are smartly appointed and individually designed for comfort. And have the features like fireplaces and jacuzzi spa baths. We have put a huge amount of effort into making our own wooden furniture which includes tables, chairs, headboards, windows, doors and light fittings. In fact you will discover unique and eccentric wooden furniture everywhere in the lodge. Artistic design is captured through wooden hinges, engraved glass and mosaics. If you feel like seeing how we make our furniture feel free to put your nose into our workshop.

We are one of those places where everyone dines together. It makes for great conversation is and is a perfect opportunity to plan your next day. We use our own organic vegetable garden. We have our own chickens for eggs, cows for milk, make own cheese, butter and yogurt and bake our own bread. Sustainability is a huge part of the ethos of our lodge.

 

We have used alternative materials like straw bales to build the place and use solar for heating water and a reed bed filter cleaning waste water.

There is plenty to do here besides relaxing. I have a pilots license and a microlight at the lodge. If the weather is good I love to take guests with me. To glide together with the vultures or fly along the Drakensberg escarpment is often considered as the highlight of a tour. We practice the softer horse whispering techniques to train our horses and offer out rides that are particularly suited to beginners and first timers.  There are hiking trails to fit every level of fitness, even guided. The vulture hides at Giants Castle are perhaps the best options available anywhere to see and photograph these birds. Or add a bit of adrenalin with a canopy tour. Visit the Nelson Mandela Capture site while you explore our local arts and craft route with cheese tastings, chocolate dipping and meeting some of the artists themselves.

So if your looking for a place where art, beauty and time away are important then Antbear Lodge is worth a second look. We invite you to came and share some of our dream, some of our alternative, sustainable and relaxed way of life. We look forward to welcoming you.