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 […]
An absolute seven star gem perched on the edge of the Orbi Gorge, The Gorge Private Game Lodge & Spa is an absolute must visit. An easy drive from Durban for 90 minutes or 2 hours if you are flying in and landing at King Shaka Airport. A warm and friendly welcome awaits you from the moment you announce yourself at the gate to the extremely warm and world class service that is provided throughout your stay. As if by magic every single staff member knew our names before we even introduced ourselves. The villa’s and suites provide unparalleled views of gorge, whose enchanting vistas are constantly changing. The suites are large and luxurious with king size beds and bath tub allowing you to relax and enjoy the serenity of the incredible views of the gorge. There is both an internal and external shower for the more adventurous. The villas are away from the main hotel complex, while suites are connected to the hotel. All your needs and requirements are met in the rooms which are difficult to tear yourself away from. Breakfast and dinners are served in the main dining room which is beautifully appointed providing incredible views during […]
Situated in the Cape Winelands near Rus en Vrede Wine estate, this hidden gem is a five star experience you should not miss. From the moment of arrival the overall sense of serenity and calmness envelopes you. Situated at the foot of the Simonsberg, this five star rated hotel offers the discerning visitor everything and more your heart could desire. The lush green environs that help the buildings blend into the landscape add to the natural beauty of the grounds. Various accommodation packages are available from a River Cottage, to standard and deluxe rooms or magnificent suites depending upon your needs and requirements. To remove the stress and strain of the city away the hotel offers an entire range from the solar heated pool, infrared sauna and steam room, eco pool and spa. The staff and service are world class; treat yourself to the world class cuisine either at breakfast, lunch or dinner. Situated close to Franschhoek and Stellenbosch you can escape into the nearby winelands to discover the amazing wine farms and various eateries in the area. Whether it’s a couples retreat, wedding or family holiday in the Cape, we would recommend you take advantage of this hidden gem. […]
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 […]
Situated in Howick at 4 Shafton Road, Howick is an absolute delight. Set in a two storey atypical Pietermaritzburg red brick building. Downstairs there is a lovely verandah that opens out onto the surrounding garden area. Upstairs the internal area opens out to a picturesque balcony overlooking the Howick valley. The entire atmosphere is one of a funky eclectic look and feel. From the décor to the chairs and tables, plates , and cutlery the restaurant offers a very unique and interesting environment. The artisanal menu has a wide and exciting range of offerings certainly more than sufficient to meet a wide range of tastes. The food is fresh, beautifully presented and certainly offers value for money. The service is friendly and warm from the moment of arrival and you never need to wait for all your needs and requirements. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner or a decadent snack, The Farmers Daughter is well worth a visit. We will definitely pop in again ! Tel number 033 330 2958 Times 9.00 am – 17h00, 18h00 – 21.00
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 […]
Franschhoek Country House and Villa’s situated in the central village of Franschhoek offers the ideal place to stay if you are looking for accommodation in the Franschhoek valley. The tranquil ambience of the location while still very central allows the visitor to unwind and relax with five-star service in luxury surroundings. Accommodation on offer ranges from luxury Villa’s, Garden Cottages, Luxury Rooms and Standard Rooms. No detail has been spared with regards to the furnishing, décor and creature comforts provided in range of offerings providing the discerning traveler everything your heart desires. The overall theme and décor of the French Chic, with beautiful artwork and finishes throughout. The warmth and hospitality of all the staff is heartfelt and they go out of their way to make your stay pleasant and enjoyable. Breakfast is served every morning in the upstairs area overlooking the reception quadrant. For lunches and dinners, you can book at the Monneaux restaurant which is on the property. This multi award winning restaurant offers an enchanting setting both within the restaurant or on a pleasant day / evening you can sit outside in the garden area. The restaurant is located on the historical site which was first Franschhoek […]
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 […]
On a recent trip to the Kruger Park we needed to find a place in the greater Nelspruit area to overnight en route and also to stay on our return journey. As we were driving to our destination we wanted a quite secluded place away from the hustle and bustle of the town. We did a fair an amount of research online and managed by chance to stumble upon Belgrace Boutique Hotel. Having arrived after a long road trip we wound our way up the R538 which takes you up to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. We turned off and were warmly welcomed by the guard at the gate. Winding our way down to the parking and reception we immediately knew that we had made the right decision in choosing to stay here. Welcome drinks and the quite trickle of the water fountain at the hotel entrance gave way to calm and exquisite surroundings of the hotel. The expansive dining room opened out onto a spacious verandah and gardens. There are eight magnificently decorated suites each with its own design and character and no expense have been spared with the décor and extras in the suites. Some of the suites have […]
Go in peace. This blessing resounds throughout the kingdom of Lesotho, posted on road signs and reiterated by the citizens whose warmth of heart and caring community spirit shines through the smiles on their faces. This trip was designed by the Outdoor SA team shortly after our last visit to Lesotho when we ventured up Sani Pass, our interest was definitely sparked and it was decided more of this beautiful country had to be explored. Our journey began from a humid Durban and we were later greeted by rain on our arrival in Underberg. KarMichael Farm hosted us with outstanding hospitality, who can ask for more than a comfortable bed, feather pillow and a great breakfast the next morning. Day two greeted us with perfect weather conditions and after filling our petrol tanks in Himeville, we headed for the boarder. They say life begins where the tar ends and Sani Pass is true testament to that fact. Although all three vehicles headed up the pass with ease, there has been a definite decline in its overall condition, with certain sections boasting impressive rock fall and serious soil erosion. Cheesy tourist photos at the Highest Pub in Africa complete, the real […]
We were craving something scrumptious for breakfast and not being too familiar with the breakfast joints in Stellenbosch, we googled some options. One of the places that caught our eye was Basic Bistro in Church Road. We downloaded the menu to see what delicious options where on offer and our mouths watered as we read. We found the little Bistro quite easily and it looked warm and cozy with tables outside on a little verandah or the option to sit inside. It was quite full outside so we elected to sit inside. We again looked over the menu and elected to have apple juice and iced coffee (with a splash of milo) both were delicious. The iced coffee was not bitter – a lot of places get this wrong we feel but this one was well-balanced and you could still taste the coffee. The Monkey’s Uncle and Ernie Guy breakfasts arrived to the table – both decorated with grated cheese (one of the best things in the world). The Monkey’s Uncle is French toast with bacon, syrup, banana and cheese – sounds like quite an interesting combination but it works together and was absolutely outstanding! The Ernie Guy breakfast is […]
Whilst the exterior of the building does not boast much, as you enter the deli, you are overwhelmed by the delicious homemade treats and homegrown fruit and veggies that are on display. A part of you becomes inspired to make your own jam, delicious crispy salads and juicy veggies with every meal and the other part of you wants to learn how to bake different types of breads and cakes. For a moment, you think to yourself – I’m going to grow my own vegetable garden and live off the land, as they say. This deli definitely did this to me – for a moment I was wondering how to convert a balcony of a flat into a lush veggie garden and how I was going to have to buy multiple bread-making recipe books to create crispy and light breads and pastries – then reality set in as I realized how much patience it would require and had second thoughts. If I did make my own produce, I would take away from the magic of this deli and others just like it – it wouldn’t be fair (wink wink nudge nudge). The right thing to do would be to just […]
I have often heard about Hudsons from my Western Cape friends, how delicious the burgers were and how sad it was that there wasn’t one in Durban (where we were staying at the time). Luckily for the Durbanites, one has now opened in Umhlanga but was fully booked during the festive season (alas) which meant that my chance to experience the legendary burgers for the first time would be here in Stellenbosch. The menu caters for a wide variety of burgers, all with interesting names, to choose one would be too difficult as they all sounded so good so I opted to have the sliders which would allow me to have three varieties but in a smaller portion. If you are like me, you simply cannot have a hamburger without chips, so obviously I had to order fries as well. To my dismay they were out of the little buns used to make the sliders and they were also out of fries at 12:30 during the peak lunch time traffic. My heart broke a little at hearing about the fries, but I decided to be calm about it and order a cheese burger instead. The burger bun was slightly toasted; […]
As we arrived at Brenaissance in Stellenbosch, the atmosphere was bustling, children were running around happily whilst their parents watched from the nearby restaurant. The foods offered on the menu are pizza and salad which makes for an easy choice – the pizza selection offers various flavours which compliment each other: biltong and fig, parma ham and rocket, caramelized onion and olives, chicken and chorizo and of course, the classic margherita. The full house pizza comprises the first four options which makes up a great combination so that you can try a piece of everything. The menu also caters for a variety of wines from the vineyards of Brenaissance and wine and pizza pairing at a reasonable cost. Something else to quench your thirst is the passion fruit and soda with a twist which is like a fruit crusher – perfect on a hot day! Our overall experience was awesome, despite it being rather busy, there were plenty staff, the drinks flowed and the pizza was hot and crispy.