Our horse riding provides incredible scenery and experiences, our rangers will take you through our reserve on a 3 hour ride where you will get up close and personal with our precious game including rhinos, buffalo, buck and many more
The Drakensberg is home to the endangered bearded vulture as well as the cape vulture. The Giants Castle region of the Drakensberg offers a very special attraction of its the birdlife. Although you could be fortunate to see antelopes such as jackal, eland, bushbuck, oribi, mountain reedbuck and grey rhebuck; baboons and dassies too. But some of the special attractions of region though, are the rare bearded and Cape vultures.
The Giants Castle Vulture Hide is very popular and is best booked in advance. This secluded hide, built high on a ridge with a spectacular view looking out onto the Drakensberg gives you the feeling of being all alone. Through conservation agreement between Leopards Lair and the local farmers in the Lowlands area these vultures are fed from the animals that die in the area. This means that there are often vultures that are viewable and this is a spectacular opportunity to photograph them.
The bearded vulture has a very different appearance from other vultures and they can easily be mistaken for an eagle. They do not have the bare necks distinctive of other vultures. The adult bearded vulture has a dark back and wings with rufous underparts and a distinctive dark beard that contrasts with its white face. The juvenile bearded vulture is chocolate brown with golden underparts but also has the distinctive dark beard.
Though a scavenger, 70% of their diet is made up of bone and bone marrow. At a carcass they wait for the Cape vultures, ravens, crows and the jackals to reduce the carcass to a skeleton. Then they move in. They swallow the small bones whole; they are able to digest them. To get to the marrow in the larger bones, they fly up high with the bones in their talons and drop them from a great height onto large rocks to break them open. Their aim is quite accurate too. Though, when they have young to feed they do need meat as well
Experience exceptional hot air balloon rides from the finest venues in South Africa.
Chosen for their exquisite scenery, fine ballooning weather, accommodation options, tourism and interest value.
They include the majestic splendour of the Maluti mountain range in Clarens, the Golden sands of the Kalahari, Gauteng’s Cradle of Humankind, the Vaal river and Vredefort Dome meteorite impact site of Parys, the rolling hills of the Natal Midlands, Champagne Valley in the Majestic Drakensberg Mountains, the beautiful Tala Valley just 45 minutes from Durban, the Panorama of Sabie and Graaff Reinet’s valley of desolation.
Experience the Finest Ballooning that South Africa has to offer with loads of colour fun and in the company of highly experienced crew.
We have been flying these venues safely for more than 14 years. Our balloons, professional experience and hospitality will assure you of an exceptional experience.
Zulu Waters Game Reserve offers you the exclusive use of its 3000 hectare estate, your time here is tailored to create the experience you want from South Africa. Situated in the peaceful malaria free foothills of the Drakensberg Mountain range in KwaZulu-Natal, Zulu Waters Game Reserve promises a uniquely intimate experience with the African wilderness. Whether you want to take a horse back ride up close and personal to the herds of wildebeest and buffalo or fish for wild brown trout in the 8km stretch of Bushman’s River, Zulu Water’s blend of exclusivity and adventure makes for an African experience unlike any other. Those who spend time at Zulu Waters Private Reserve are left with a sense that something in them has changed – they are perhaps a little more fulfilled – a little more inspired.
Based in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, making it a 4 hour drive from Johannesburg or a 2 hour drive from Durban – Zulu Waters is a perfect escape. Due to our stunning location summer days can go above 30°C whilst winter days reach 18°C. We are also in a malaria free area and incase of medical emergencies we have trained first aiders on site. The nearest hospital is an hour away but we do have access to helicopter emergency services nearby.
Most parts of South Africa are well suited to solo travel. Locals are very friendly, and will often go out of their way to make single travelers feel at home. The Drakensberg in particular is suited to those who relish hiking trails, spectacular views, raw wilderness and the great out doors. Private accommodation options are better suited to single travelers than the national parks and larger hotels, since they tend to offer a more hands-on personalised service.
The Drakensberg is a must for solo travelers, and a lodge like Antbear Lodge it is a good base for exploring the gorgeous mountains . Some solo travellers prefer not to self-drive, which makes it difficult to explore areas that are off the beaten track unless you join an organised tour. Amphitheater Backpackers caters for this niche very well. Private game reserves such as Zulu Waters and Nambiti are particularly well-suited to solo travelers.
An excellent way for single travellers to explore South Africa and the Drakensberg is by using the combination of the Baz Bus and the many backpacker hostels that are scattered around its cities and other main sites of interest. The Baz Bus is an affordable hop-on, hop-off bus service that connects Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and several other popular places of interest, and its clientele is dominated by single travellers who are receptive to making new friends and meeting like-minded travel companions on the road. Likewise, most backpacker hostels have lively communal areas where it is easy to meet other travellers, and they usually also offer affordable group tours to local sites of interest, as well as overnight tours further afield.
At a more luxurious level, most private reserves operate group game drives and many also encourage guests to dine together, which makes it easy for solo travelers to mingle.
In the middle range, solo travelers seeking personalised attention should consider booking into small B&Bs and other owner-managed lodges rather than larger and more institutional hotels.
There are no risks specific to solo travel in South Africa, but apply the usual common sense precautions.
Abseiling is a popular adventure sport that is sought after by adrenaline seekers. We offer a safe and controlled environment near to Giants Castle and Antbear Lodge to try your hand at this exhilarating experience. Stepping backwards over the edge and descending down the cliff unleashing an adrenaline rush and boosting your self-confidence.
Beginner abseiling is our specialty although advanced guests have just as much fun. No previous experience is needed. You need to wear closed shoes, have sunblock and water with a snack if you like. Abseiling is a fun family activity.
After a short drive to the abseiling site your specialist abseiling guide will set up the ropes, and give you a safety briefing. Then one at a time you will descend the almost 20m abseil. At the bottom you unhook and walk back up to the top. Each person gets to go as many times as they like.
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
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.
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.
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
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