Beautiful Walks – Outdoor South Africa

Jun 24

by Outdoor SA in Accomodation, Beautiful Walks, Explore South Africa, Hidden Gems 0 comments tags: KwaZulu Natal, KZN Midlands, Midlands Meander, Self catering

Brambleberry Lodge

Situated in the Kwa Zulu Natal Midlands this group of three lodges situated alongside a beautiful and picturesque lake affords a large or small group of family or friends a unique opportunity to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the Kwa Zulu Natal midlands. The group three different size lodges situated in the Nottingham Road area is a mere hour and a half from Durban. The area is totally secluded and secure with gate access control to the property. While in easy reach of the N3, once in the property it is a haven of peace and tranquility. There are three varying options in terms of the accommodation to choose from, the main Lodge offers self-catering accommodation, sleeping a maximum of 16 or 8 individual rooms. All appliances are provided with large spacious living arrangements and a wonderful wrapped verandah allowing you to sit and be enveloped in the peaceful vista of the expansive lake. The homestead offers four bedrooms sleeping up to a maximum of 8. All accommodation has unparalleled views of the lake. Beautiful walks around the lake and in the nearby vicinity are perfect for all ages. The Lakeside Cabin is a two bedroom sleeping four maximum. Whilst […]

Feb 11

by Outdoor SA in Accomodation, Beautiful Walks, Camping, Explore South Africa, Food, Hidden Gems, Hiking, Photographic Opportunity, Things to do 0 comments tags: Clarens, free state

Clarens

We will be covering this unique area of South Africa over the next few weeks highlighting interesting and novel details on the area and reviewing some of the places to visit in the area. Are you looking for a difference experience away from the hustle and bustle of city life? A road trip to Clarens in the Free State is well worth the time. Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes from Johannesburg and 4 hours 30 minutes’ drive from Durban, it is time well spent. Nestled at the foot of the Maluti Mountains there are a wide range of accommodation types to choose from and a myriad of activities to enjoy both in the town and in its surrounds. There are many outside activities from fly fishing, to mountain walks and serious mountaineering to horseback riding, quad biking, to even hot air ballooning or golf. Established in 1912, the town of Clarens was a result of two farms being sold, after negotiations a decision was made to name the village after President Paul Kruger influence on the area after he as a voluntarily exile lived his last days in the town of Clarens in Switzerland. Following the Free State-Basotho War of […]

Jan 15

by Outdoor SA in Accomodation, Beautiful Walks, Explore South Africa, Fine Dining 0 comments tags: Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga Lowveld valley.

Highgrove House Country Hotel, Restaurant, Spa and Farm

If you are travelling en route to the Kruger Park in the Mpumalanga area and are looking for luxury accommodation in the vicinity then a night or two at Highgrove House Country Hotel is highly recommended. Set back off the road situated on a small holding the location is perfect either to stop off on the way to the park or on the return journey. Accommodation consists of 8 garden cottages allowing for a maximum of 16 guests on the property at any one moment in time. The entire property has the bygone colonial era ambience while encapsulating the very atypical South African authenticity. The grounds are extensive and the sub-tropical climate encourages bountiful growth of the plants and trees that cover the property. The towering trees that warmly welcome the visitor down the main road to the property are truly amazing and awe inspiring. The hotel is renowned for its cuisine having achieved many accolades in this regard. Its fine dining reputation has resulted in it being part of The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, international gastronomic society founded in Paris in 1950. Dining is either in main dining area The Royal, or on the patio overlooking the pool area. All […]

Nov 24

by Outdoor SA in Accomodation, Beautiful Walks, Explore South Africa, Photographic Opportunity, Things to do 0 comments tags: accomodation, Clarens, free state, Self catering

Ridge Road Country House & Cottage.

Travelling to Clarens in the Free State and lost as where to stay? Large group looking for superb accommodation and self-catering, then look no further than Ridge Road Country House & Cottage. A short drive of 9 km’s from the town of Clarens, on the R711, the accommodation boasts everything that the weary traveller could desire. The main house – Country House sleeps 12 with certain of the rooms having en suite bathrooms while others can share nearby bathrooms. The entire look and feel of the main house is French Provençal, hewn out of sandstone rock and perched on a ridge overlooking a nearby stream; its location is perfect to get away from the hustle and bustle of the town. The house offers all the necessary home comforts and utensils needed, you only need to bring your food and drink. 100% cotton percale linen in the bedrooms, heaters in winter and a splash pool outside for the long lazy summer days really provide a splash of luxury and comfort. The kitchen is a chef’s dream with a large table to accommodate a large crowd of hungry folk. The setting is ideal for a large group wanting to relax and unwind […]

Aug 27

by admin in Beautiful Walks, Hiking, Things to do, Uncategorized 0 comments tags: Drakensberg, hiking, walking

Sterkspruit Falls

While on holiday in the central Drakensberg we decided on a beautiful August morning to walk to the Sterkspruit Falls from the Monks Cowl Ezemvelo office. We decided on the short walk to Sterkspriut as it is relatively flat and we were feeling a little fragile after the weekend’s activities. We paid the park entrance fee of R 35 per adult and signed the mountain register. We were all quite happy to pay fee as Evemvelo KZN wildlife do such an amazing job of conservation around the province. We walked the circular route first stopping at Sterkspriut Falls its self, the river has dramatically eroded the river valley. The path arrives at a viewing platform at the top of the falls and from the perspective offered it is difficult to comprehend the power of the water and the time taken for the river to have made such a dramatic mark on the landscape. The path continues onto Crystal Pools where one could actually swim in the pools formed by the river, by this point we were all quite hot and were all very tempted to just jump into the icy cool water. Although no one jumped in we all took […]

Nov 29

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Beautiful Walks, Explore South Africa, Fine Dining, Food, Photographic Opportunity 0 comments tags: 5 star, hourses, KZN Midlands, scenery

Horse-Lovers Meander

Being horse-lovers, we are always excited to be in the Midlands as every field on every turn is bound to have a grazing horse. Living in the city makes seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat very rare. Our mission was to get up close and personal with some horses. Our first stop was Hartford House – what a lovely place. Tall trees and luscious green grass surrounds the accommodation. The paddocks were empty on our visit but we could see the horses grazing in the distant fields. Luckily, as we drove past the fence, two friendly horses came over to us and allowed us to give them a rub on the nose before they moved on. If you are an avid horse-lover, this stud farm is a definite vacation destination or even a visit on a day trip. Our next horse destination was the Saddle and Trout. Here the horses are more easily accessible. As they were feeding in their enclosures, the horses allowed us to pet them and watch them run about. It was fantastic to be so close to such beautiful and powerful creatures. Horse rides are also offered for those brave enough.

Nov 26

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Beautiful Walks, Explore South Africa, Food, Hearty Meals, Hiking, Photographic Opportunity 0 comments tags: 4 Star, beautiful setting, great food, scenery

Champagne Castle Hotel

The hotel is perfectly situated right in the mountains. Stunning vista’s from every room allow the visitor to really feel and know that they are away in the mountains. Different room types beautifully appointed cater for all needs. From romantic getaways to a family get away the Hotel caters for all ages. From lovely breakfasts, great lunches and full buffet dinners the food caters for all tastes. Teas on the verandah after a hike in the mountains allow you to unwind and relax. Take a stroll to the close by dams or for the more strenuous and adventurous take a hike to Crystal Falls or the Sphinx For the kids their is an animal farm whilst the parents can be pampered in the Spa for all types of relaxing treatments.

Nov 10

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Beautiful Walks, Explore South Africa, Fine Dining, Food 0 comments tags: beautiful setting, hourses, relax

Hartford House

The delightful setting of Hartford House on the stud farm is unique in every aspect of its offering. From the varied styled rooms close to the main house to those dotted around the nearby lake, they offer a varied and wide choice for the discerning traveller. The food is a delight from the decadent breakfasts, through lunch to the world class dinners. The kitchen is headed up by Jackie Cameron ( see www.Jackie.Cameron.co.za) who is world famous. All tastes are catered for with all the flavours of the world on a plate before you. The team at hartford House are attentive and nothing is too much trouble. Its well worth a visit. see http://www.hartford.co.za/

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Oct 13

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Beautiful Walks, Explore South Africa, Food, Great Driving Roads, Photographic Opportunity 0 comments tags: Drakensberg, scenery

Montusi Mountain Lodge

My wife and I spent a weekend at the lodge. We stayed in a lovely garden suite with a beautiful view of the amphitheater from every window. All your needs are met in the room and there are various size suites depending upon your number of persons. The price includes breakfast and a plated dinner. The food was lovely and a step up from the normal buffet fare offered at most Drakensberg resorts. Lunches can be paid for separately and they have a wide offering to choose from. The location of the lodge is special with lovely views of the Northern Berg and you have many hiking and mountain bike options to choose from. Thanks Dean for the review on Montusi Mountain Lodge. For more info on Montusi you can visit their website http://www.montusi.co.za

Oct 13

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Adventurous Road Trips, Beautiful Walks, Explore South Africa, Off the Beaten Track, Photographic Opportunity 0 comments tags: Zululand

Malala Lodge

As we pulled up to the gate to the lodge, a long stretch of sandy dirt road lay in front of us. As we entered this private nature reserve, a herd of impala sprung across the road and we knew from that moment that we were in the bush. At reception we were greeted by our friendly host, Jane. She welcomed us and walked us to our chalet for two. As we had chosen the self-catering option, the kitchenette in the room was of particular importance to us and it did not disappoint. It was well-equipped. After we had settled in, we decided to embark on a self-guided nature walk, which was quite safe as the reserve does not have predators. We came across many different antelope species, exquisite birds and a troop of monkeys. It was awesome to see these creatures up close in their natural habitat. This reserve is also only about a twenty minute drive away from the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, which offers the excitement of seeing the Big 5. It is also close to St Lucia and many other nature reserves, which makes Malala Lodge the ideal place to stay for a trip to Hluhluwe. As […]