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

Sycamore Avenue Tree Houses

Sycamore Avenue Treehouses is a family business that started in 2000 and is now owned by Gary Els, of the next generation, who together with his team of hosts and staff will ensure that you enjoy the unique experience with us exploring your childhood fantasies!

Ever since Gary first saw Halley’s comet in 1986, he has been a keen amateur astronomer and member of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa. Sycamore’s location is blessed with clear, dark skies, with fantastic view of the Milky Way. When he is at Sycamore – and skies permitting – guests can be treated to a guided tour of the night sky, accompanied by eye-popping views of planets and the cosmos through his large telescope.

Enjoy the stunning star panoramas, as well as surrounding Drakensberg vistas and sunsets that can be photographed from Sycamore Avenue Tree House Lodge.

Our guest register at Reception pays tribute in almost every entry to wonderful hospitality – and to our legendary food. Florence, our resident (and genius) cook, conjures up the most delightful set meals, from starters to main courses, followed by mouthwatering desserts.

Stay a few days and you will experience a variety of starters: soups such as butternut, mushroom or pea to name but a few, or her rich quiches, stuffed eggs or a host of other delights.

The main course of the day is a set meat-of-the-day – you can anticipate roast lamb, roast chicken, beef curry or a favorite: ox-tail stew

The main dish is accompanied by three prepared vegetables, and usually by roast potatoes and gravy.

We can cater to your requirements if you are diet-restricted, fish, vegetarian or vegan eaters, provided that you give us advance notice when booking.

If you have room left, you can try to squeeze in the dessert of the day. This could be any of Florence’s many homemade delights: cheesecake, tipsy tart, apple pie, strawberry flan, milk tart, trifle, tiramisu, Crème brûlée or hot malva pudding and ice-cream. Yum !

In the morning, a full English breakfast is served. A selection of yogurts, fruit and cereals is available to begin with. We then serve a plated main course consisting of eggs prepared to your liking, and sausages, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms and beans. Alternatively, try an omelet. To top it off, enjoy some home-baked scones with your filter coffee, tea or fruit juice. After this start, you should have plenty of energy to do some Meandering!

Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse

Richard and Mouse Poynton would like to welcome you to Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse.

Having been one of the originators of the Country House movement in the 1980’s, we travelled overseas after our Granny Mouse’s Country House days, working and absorbing the international “foodie” world. We came back enthused and decided to use the family farm to start what we think of as our dream hotel – an intimate gourmet getaway.

Our family has been coming up to the farm since the 1940’s and we’ve always known this was something special with its breath-taking mountain views, crystal clear streams and ultimate peaceful solitude of the KwaZulu-Natal, Drakensberg mountains. We believe it is ideal for its intended purpose as a restful refuge and along with our professional yet understated service we hope this is most of all a gourmet experience to remember.

We are situated in the KwaZulu-Natal section of the Drakensberg, a range of mountains that run down the east side of South Africa. We are about 2 hours drive from Durban and 5 hours drive from Johannesburg.

Summer temperatures may range from 20°C during the day, often with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms. Winter daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C and the night temperatures can drop to below 0°C.

Our menu changes every evening according to the seasons in our gardens and the availability of our local produce.

We have a bountifully stocked underground cellar and we focus on local South African wines which we love to drink and know go well with food. (Although a few French champagnes have been known to sneak themselves in from time to time!)

We are a proud member of the Best of KZN – a group of luxury owner-run hotels based throughout KwaZulu-Natal, with great emphasis on the guest’s complete comfort. Please visit the site to see more on all the exceptional properties.

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.

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

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

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.

Camelot Guesthouse

Camelot Guesthouse is situated next to a farm and has a beautiful view of the Drakensberg.
The rooms are stylishly decorated with dark wood Bali furniture, 100% white cotton linen and the most beautiful hand-woven Moroccan throws and Persian carpets, to give our guests a feeling of luxury.

We also have a warm and welcoming restaurant, with a fireplace, for our cold winters.
For breakfast we offer a variety of cold breakfast with a delicious warm breakfast.
We also offer a two course Dinner meal on request @ R120.00

Although Camelot is a smoke-and-alcohol free guesthouse, smoking facilities are available.
Camelot offers accommodation for businessmen, individuals, couples and families. Camelot is 5-10 minutes away from our shopping centre, restaurants, Black Rock and the town area.
While enjoying a good nights’ rest, secure parking is provided behind a remote controlled security gate.

Rorkes Drift Lodges

Rorke’s Drift, famous, infamous but delightful is an experience not to be missed. Located on the battlefields of kwaZulu-Natal, South Africa this little hamlet has seen some of the most significant moments in South Africa’s history. The Battle of Rorke’s Drift in 1879 was a part of the Anglo-Zulu war that saw the first defeat of the British Forces by an imposing Zulu Impi in the morning at Isandlwana and a complete turnaround in the evening of the same day at Rorke’s Drift. Also during this time the French Prince Imperial died in a skirmish and ended the Bonaparte dynasty. Today it is marked by a single cenotaph in a lonely field. At Fugitive’s Drift is another lone cenotaph raised to the honour of two men whose sole purpose was to preserve the Queen’s Colours and whose bravery was acknowledged by the award of a Victoria Cross. A stone’s throw away and a few years later the Anglo Boer War raged with many Boer battles being won and lost. Rorke’s Drift Lodge, tucked up against the Sinqindi Mountain in kwaZulu-Natal, has before it a breathtaking expanse of Zululand that visitor’s to South Africa will not easily experience anywhere else. The unique accommodation units reside in an expansive 5 hectare garden with rolling lawns on a 1000 acre property.

In an effort to fully explore our Mantra of EAT WELL, SLEEP WELL, we subscribe to and drive the concept of the word GUEST. The Oxford Dictionary offers us the explanation of Guest as being someone invited to visit. In keeping with this invitation, we have developed our facilities at the Lodge so that our visitors will truly feel that they were invited. With this in mind, guests at Rorke’s Drift Lodge will find their self contained unit designed with seclusion and privacy in mind. Each unit has its own lounge-cum-diningroom-cum-kitchenette tastefully furnished along with a very comfortable bedroom and en-suite bathroom. Alongside the unit is a “braai” area where guests are able to enjoy the unending vistas while having their sundowners around an outdoor firepit or preparing their own feast. Each unit has a Personal Lodge Assistant who is on call for the duration of the guest’s stay and she will service and restock the unit twice a day.

In the kitchens of the Lodge we brew up tasty treats on a daily basis. Cuisine with a South African flavour is our speciality. Our delicious breakfasts accompanied by homemade breads and we also pack delicious picnic lunches for guests on tour. Guests have the choice of catering for themselves or ordering meals from the kitchens. All meals are served to the guest in their own unit.

Trenchgula Game Farm & Guest Lodge

Each room is en-suite, has a separate entrance with a private veranda, TV (M-Net, SABC, movie and sport), air-conditioning, under floor heating, bar fridge, microwave, tea & coffee facilities, telephone and wireless internet connection.

Our Lodge is wheel chair friendly and accessible to kids and elderly person.

We offer our guest safe, private covered parkings.

Your safety is our first priority. Our premises are 24/7 surveyed through CCTV Cameras and Security Guards. Controlled access for people entering and leaving the premises, each room is lockable

Each bedroom sleeps up to three guest. Persons over the age of 16 are considered as adults. Baby cots available on request

Breakfast is included,Dinner is available on request and charged separately.

Lunch is available on request and charged separately for ten people or more.

We offer variety of drinks: Beer, Wine, Cocktail, Brandy, Whiskey, Gin & Vodka

Farquhar Lodge

Situated in Central Ladysmith, in a beautiful “jungle like” garden, Farquhar Lodge has easy access to the Battlefields, the Drakensberg and the Big 5 at Nambiti Conservancy. Regte Afrikaanse Gasvryheid! We offer 19 elegant en suite rooms that are ideally suited for business executives or tourists seeking comfortable accommodation in a tranquil environment. We also offer delicious home-cooked meals.

Facilities on the property includes a Gymnasium, Swimming pool, Braai area, honesty bar, safe undercover parking with CCTV cameras.

The Thatched Roof Lapa is a perfect venue to host intimate conferences or presentations. Small office parties or functions can be enjoyed in a relaxing “Out of Africa” atmosphere.

Egerton Manor

Comfortable, well appointed accommodation offering you a restful night. A real home from home allows for a friendship to develop in a few hours. Comfortable, well appointed rooms, offering you a restful night We have 9 double en-suite rooms. All rooms are air-conditioned and has its own DSTV decoder. All room have twin beds and a comfortable work station, so you can catch up on those emails. We are situated in the middle of Ladysmith, easily accessible. Comfortable, well appointed accommodation offering you a restful night.
All rooms are air-conditioned and has its own DSTV decoder.
Pierre is an experienced cook and makes each meal a culinary delight. He is not afraid to try new ideas – ask him about the famous KwaZulu-Natal style curries. To share in the delight, book for dinner in advance.

On our doorstep
Golf course
Various Anglo Boer War Battlefields
Big 5 at Nambiti Conservancy
KwaCheetah Captive Breeding Project
World Heritage Site: Drakensberg Mountains
Interesting restaurants.

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Experience the Drakensberg,
Kwazulu Natal Midlands & Battlefields

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