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Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse

The Drakensberg

Days 1 - 3: The Drakensberg

Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse Location Map

The first European settlers called them 'Dragon Mountains'; the Zulus call them 'Barrier of Spears' - whatever you know them as, the Drakensberg mountain range is one of the most spectacular natural features of Africa. It is also the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, and stretches the entire length of the western boundary of KwaZulu-Natal, forming a natural boundary between the province and Lesotho.

With over 200 kilometers of unspoiled escarpment awaiting the tourist, it is an ideal place for those who want to get away from it all for a few days. The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful, and nature lovers will enjoy the many hiking and walking trails available for all levels of ability. There are easier walks through lush meadows and across clear streams, or more strenuous hikes up and across rugged mountain terrain. In addition there are countless other activities including bird watching, horse riding, fly-fishing, and art-courses to be enjoyed.

The Drakensberg has between 35,000 and 40,000 works of bushman art, which is the largest collection of such work in the world. San rock art paintings found here date back thousands of years, and are still clearly visible on the walls and the ceilings in the caves.

Following a 3 year culinary odyssey through Europe, England and Ireland and working with renowned chefs, your hosts Richard and Mouse opened Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse, creating a gourmet getaway which is intimate, personal and very welcoming.

Tucked away in the beautiful Kamberg Valley in the Drakensberg Mountains, only a short drive from Giant's Castle, guests can enjoy spectacular hiking and climbing in the Berg, across marked trails or wandering at will across the beautiful mountains. Expert guides can also be arranged to take guests on guided walks. There are also many private dams and rivers for trout fishing.

Dinner is a sumptuous 7 course affair with no effort or expense spared to give guests a truly memorable dining experience. An underground wine cellar is well-stocked with South African premier wines. Breakfasts are not the normal 'run of the mill' affairs either, but are unusual and exciting.

The superbly appointed rooms are all individually decorated and consist of 5 en-suite rooms, 5 luxury suites and 2 luxury cottages. Attention to detail is evident everywhere.

Example Details For Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Standard Room
Includes: Breakfast and dinner are included.
 
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Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse Location.

Address

Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse,Highmoor Road, Kamberg Valley, Rosetta

Directions

From Johannesburg: Take the N3 to Durban. Take the very left-hand lane at the main Mooi River Toll (Mooi River South - Greytown). Turn right and go back over the highway until T-junction (Engen garage and Wimpy ahead). Turn left and join the R103, and travel 10 km south to Rosetta. Opposite the Ugly Duckling turn right onto the Kamberg Road. Stay on the tar road for 30 km until you reach the Cleopatra, Dondini and Silver Hill sign. Turn left onto this dirt road. Travel for 5 km until you reach a single lane bridge. approximately 500m on, the road turns sharply left to climb the mountain - at this corner you will see a concrete wall with the sign for Cleopatra.

From Durban: Take the N3 to Jo'burg. Turn off at the Nottingham Road off-ramp. Continue into Nottingham Road village, under the railway bridge. Continue through Nottingham Road village on the R103 north to Rosetta. DO NOT TAKE THE KAMBERG ROAD AT NOTTINGHAM ROAD POLICE STATION. At Rosetta, turn left opposite the Ugly Ducking. Follow directions as above.

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may normally be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must please be vacated by 10:30 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

Children aged 12 years and older are welcome. Adult rates apply.

All the rooms feature DSTV, electric blankets, cotton sheets and towels, tea/coffee making facilities and biscuits, a fridge with fresh milk and drinks, a fireplace and outside sun loungers.

Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse is situated on 500 acres of rolling hills as well and walking trails are available on the property as well.

Highmoor Nature Reserve makes up 90% of the property's border and has just been declared a World Heritage Site because of its inherent beauty. It is a 10 minute drive from Cleopatra in a normal 2WD vehicle (cars can be parked at the top).

Horse riding in the Drakensberg is extremely popular and is available 10 minutes drive down the road on the most beautiful Appaloosa horses. The rides are approximately 2.5 hours in duration and they cater for novice and experienced riders.

Cleopatra's has a helicopter on standby which will pick you up in the garden and fly you over the Little Berg to Giants Castle. You will hover next to the Big Berg and fly over wildlife, rolling hills, rivers and land on top of the Little Berg for a glass of sparkling wine with Giants Castle in the background. The flight is about half an hour in duration and a fantastic way of seeing Ukhahlamba (The Barrier of Spears - the Zulu name for the Drakensberg Mountains).

The best place to see some of the ancient Rock Art is at Kamberg (Little Berg), a 20 minute drive from Cleopatra and a 2 hour walk. Alternatively there is Rock Art at Giants Castle (Big Berg), a 45 minute drive, and a 45 minute walk with tours on the hour every hour from 09:00 to 15:00.

Due to the remote location of Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse, the property sometimes experiences problems with the telephone lines. If you cannot reach them on +27 (0) 33 267 7243, please try +27 (0) 71 687 7266.

Isandlwana Lodge

The Battlefields

Days 4 - 5: The Battlefields

Isandlwana Lodge Location Map

Isandlwana Lodge is set high on the Nyoni Rock on which the Zulu commander stood during the Battle of Isandlwana. Here, the British Army faced one of its worst defeats on the morning of January 22 1879.

The lodge truly captures all the drama and texture of the area's rich history, whilst offering total relaxation, comfort and luxury for its guests.

The highlight of a stay here is one of the superb guided tours and stories behind the battles of the region, including nearby Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana itself.  The tours will enthral you and captivate your imagination, as your guide recounts the stories of the famous battles. Tours to other Anglo Zulu and Anglo Boer battle sites are also possible by prior arrangement.

But if walking, climbing, bird-watching or mountain biking are your preference, the options are endless. For those after peace and tranquility, a picnic at a nearby waterfall, reading on the outdoor verandah or in the library or lying at the pool are all yours for the taking.

The wonderfully stylish stone and thatch lodge offers superbly appointed and extremely comfortable accommodation. Twelve luxurious bedrooms open out onto their own private balcony with views across to the Isandlwana battlefield. Uniquely designed en-suite bathrooms all have a separate shower unit.

The decor is a mixture of ethnic and traditional styles with furniture made of African woods and hand-painted or silk screened fabrics. 

To end the day, unwind over sundowners and snacks at the intimate bar, or relax over a delicious home-cooked meal and a glass of South African wine in the thatched dining room and enjoy the sweeping panoramic views of the rural Zululand plains and the famous battlefield site of 1879.

Example Details For Isandlwana Lodge

Nights: 2 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Lodge - Standard Room
Includes: All meals are included. PLEASE NOTE: Tours are an additional cost - rates on request.
 
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Isandlwana Lodge Location.

Address

Isandlwana Lodge,Isandlwana Battlefield, Isandlwana / Rorke's Drift

Directions

From Johannesburg: Take N3 South passing Heidelberg, go onto Villiers. Branch left onto R103 and R34 to Vrede, Memel and Newcastle. In Newcastle, turn right at the T-junction, follow the road through the town and turn right onto the N11 at the next T-junction.

After approximately 20 km turn left onto the R621 and follow sign to Dundee. Travel through Dundee and follow R33/R68 to Nqutu.

Approximately 5 km from Dundee turn right onto R68 to Nqutu. In the centre of Nqutu at the cross roads turn right. Continue along R68 for 14 km.

Turn right on a dirt road following signs to Isandlwana Battlefield and Isandlwana Lodge. Continue along the dirt road for 9 km into Isandlwana Village. Follow the sign to Information Centre and drive past to Isandlwana Lodge.

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must please be vacated by 10:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

Children aged 7 years and older are welcome. Children under 12 are not allowed on tours.

All rooms face the historic and scenically beautiful Isandlwana plain with a view of the mountain.

There is limited mobile phone coverage around the area, so if you think you are going to be very late arriving, call when you have the chance.

Nambiti Hills Private Game Lodge

Nambiti Private Game Reserve

Days 6 - 8: Nambiti Private Game Reserve

Nambiti Hills Private Game Lodge Location Map

If you want to be seduced by the romance of Africa, and see lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino up close in the sanctuary of a 10,000 hectare private game reserve, but also you want to experience understated luxury - then it is time you reserved your place at Nambiti Hills Private Game Lodge.

A stay here will ensure you leave more relaxed and enriched than when you arrived.

The Nambiti Big 5 Game Reserve is 23 km east of Ladysmith in the extraordinarily beautiful and geographically diverse KwaZulu-Natal region. Daily game drives - one in the morning and one in the afternoon - depart from the lodge to get you close to Nambiti's nature and wildlife. Your extremely knowledgeable guide will plan a personal safari that takes into account your particular interests and requirements.

The reserve is also close to the famous battlefields of the Anglo-Boer War and various other historic sites, and is also not far from the spectacular Drakensberg mountains, making this the perfect stop over en-route to or from these other South African holiday highlights.

The 5* Nambiti Hills Private Game Lodge offers intimate and luxurious accommodation. There are 8 luxury suites and one honeymoon suite, and each suite has a private viewing deck and an interior featuring a contemporary eclectic mix of local African design.

The main lodge's dining and lounge areas provide panoramic views of rolling hills and savannah by day, and thousands of stars in the clear night sky. There is also a pool deck with sun loungers around a refreshing swimming pool.

The spa offers a range of relaxing treatments for your 'downtime' in between game drives.

Example Details For Nambiti Hills Private Game Lodge

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Luxury Room
Includes: Brunch, high tea and dinner daily; tea/coffee; snacks; the Rhino Conservation Levy; and 2 game drives per day are included.

Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari.

 
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Nambiti Hills Private Game Lodge Location.

Address

Nambiti Hills Private Game Lodge,Off the D46, Nambiti Game Reserve

Directions

From Johannesburg: Take the N3 heading south towards Durban. After van Reenen’s Pass take the Ladysmith Toll off-ramp. Take the R103 towards Ladysmith. Travel following the N11 towards Newcastle. Take the D45 - right (+/ - 7 km after the last traffic light as you leave Ladysmith) - this is a dirt road. At the T-junction turn right onto the D46. Continue for about 4 km until you reach a staffed gate house on the left signposted Nambiti.

From Durban: Take the N3 heading north towards Johannesburg, go past Mooi River Toll. Take Bergville/Ladysmith glide off. Turn right towards Colenso/LadySmith. Travel past Colenso. Go through Ladysmith following the N11, towards Newcastle. Take D45 - right (+/- 7 km after the last traffic light as you leave Ladysmith) - this is a dirt road. At the T-junction turn right into the D46. Continue for about 4 km until you reach a staffed gate house on the left signposted Nambiti.

From Drakensberg / Natal Midlands / Mooi River : Take the N3 heading north towards Johannesburg and follow the directions from Durban as above.

From Spionkop: Take the R600, following the road for around 19 km before turning right onto the N11, and taking directions to Ladysmith. Continue on the N11 and follow the directions above.

PLEASE NOTE: The gates open at 06:00 and close at 18:00.

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may be occupied from 13:00 on the day of arrival. If possible, aim to arrive at the lodge around this time, but if you don't think you can arrive by this time, you should aim to arrive by 15:00 at the very latest, or else you may miss the afternoon drive.

Rooms must please be vacated by 11:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

Children aged 6 years and older are welcome.

All suites have a private veranda, king or twin beds with a mosquito net, indoor shower, extra large stone bath, hair dryer, air conditioning unit (conversion to heater), fully stocked mini bar, wireless internet, tea/coffee making facilities, and an intercom to the office for emergencies and external phone lines. The Honeymoon Suite has the same facilities but also has an outdoor shower.

Morning/afternoon game drives are taken in the company of an experienced ranger in an open 4x4 Land Rover.

The Zolile Spa offers a relaxing range of treatments (additional cost).

The lodge has a swimming pool and a boma.

Additional off-site activities that can be arranged include Battlefield tours, fly-fishing, scenic flights and tours of local historical sites. More information and rates on request.

Travelling time to Durban is approximately 3 hours (240 km).

Travelling time to Johannesburg is approximately 4 hours (340 km).

The area is malaria free so there is no need for malaria medication during your stay at Nambiti Hills.

MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express and Visa cards are accepted.

Oyster Box Hotel

Durban

Days 9 - 12: Durban

Oyster Box Hotel Location Map

The Oyster Box Hotel is one of the region's longest established and most distinguished hotels. Renowned for generous hospitality, attentive service and exceptional cuisine, the hotel offers all the colonial charm and nostalgia of a bygone era, but with all the modern comfort and amenities.

This grand hotel is set on Umhlanga's prestigious beach front, with tropical landscaped gardens and direct beach access.

A host of meeting places such as the 'Chukka Bar', with its authentic character, the 'Lighthouse Bar' situated on the rooftop overlooking the famous lighthouse and the magnificent, marbled 'Oyster Bar', serving freshly plucked oysters from the hotel's own oyster beds, offers something for everyone. 

There are also 2 heated swimming pools, including an ocean-facing infinity pool - an ideal spot for relaxing and soaking up the African sunshine. The private fitness centre has 24 hour access.

The award-winning spa, with its superbly equipped treatment rooms, has a team of qualified therapists who offer treatments and spa journeys personalised to each guest. The 24 seater private cinema is ideal for a movie night. Each month a new schedule is set, running a new movie 5 times a day. 

The beautifully appointed 86 rooms, suites and villas all offer breathtaking views.  The varied accommodation options will suit the needs of every guest, from individuals to honeymoon couples and families. Meticulously furnished, each one is superbly designed to provide the utmost comfort and style.

All of the colonial charm has been lovingly preserved and the exquisite tiles, murals, paintings and antique furnishings have all been retained in their original glory.

The décor also makes excellent use of natural stone and timber, complemented by calming colours that reflect the soothing shades of the surrounding ocean and tropical vegetation.

Example Details For Oyster Box Hotel

Nights: 4 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Classic Garden-Facing Room
Includes: Breakfast is included.
 
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Oyster Box Hotel Location.

Address

Oyster Box Hotel,2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga Rocks 4319, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Umhlanga Rocks

Directions

From King Shaka International Airport (N2 Southbound): Exit the airport and follow the signs to the N2 (2.8km). Take the on-ramp to the N2 (800m). Take the 190 exit (Umdloti) on your left. After 1 km turn right onto the M4 and carry on for 5.5 km. Take the first exit on your left. Turn left to join Umhlanga Rocks Drive. Go through 2 sets of traffic lights. Keep to the right when the road forks after the stop street. The entrance to the Oyster Box will be on your right.

From the South Coast (N2 Northbound): From the N2 Northbound take exit 182 towards M41/Umhlanga. Turn right towards M12/Umhlanga Rocks Drive (1 km). Take the exit towards M12/Umhlanga Rocks Drive (450m). Turn left onto M12/Umhlanga Rocks Drive (750m). Go through one roundabout and at the next roundabout, take the 3rd exit (turn right) . Once you have turned you are still on Umhlanga Rocks Drive/M12 (1.3 km). Continue onto McCausland Crescent (300m). Turn right as the road forks onto Lighthouse Road (72m). The entrance to The Oyster Box wll be on your right.

From Johannesburg and the N3: From Johannesburg, take the N3 southbound towards Durban (546 km). Take the N2/North Coast/Stanger off-ramp. Take the exit 182 toward M41/ Umhlanga (600m). Turn right towards M12/Umhlanga Rocks Drove (1 km). Take the exit towards M12/Umhlanga Rocks Drive (450m). Turn left onto M12 /Umhlanga Rocks Drive (750m). Go through the roundabout. At the next roundabout, take the 3rd exit (turning right). Once you have turned, you are still on Umhlanga Rocks Drive/M12. Continue onto McCausland Crescent. Turn right as the road forks onto Lighthouse Road (72m). The entrance to The Oyster Box will be on your right.

From Hluhluwe (N2 Southbound): Follow the N2 towards Durban passing Richards Bay and King Shaka International Airport. Take the 190 exit (Umdloti) on your left.  After 1 km turn right onto the M4 and carry on for 5.5 km. Take the first exit on your left. Turn left to join Umhlanga Rocks Drive. Go through 2 sets of traffic lights. Keep to the right when the road forks after the stop street. The entrance to the Oyster Box will be on your right.

Please note: some of these roads may be Toll roads.

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must please be vacated by 10:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

Children of any age are welcome.

All rooms have air conditioning, a ceiling fan, complimentary Wi-Fi, a safe, a mini bar, a hair dryer, a pillow menu, a satellite TV with over 25 channels, and complimentary tea/coffee making facilities.

There are 2 swimming pools, gardens and direct access to protected swimming beaches and beach-side walking paths.

There are 4 different restaurants at the Oyster Box Hotel. They include The Grill Room, The Ocean Terrace, The palm Court and The Chef's Table.

There are 3 different bars as well, consisting of The Lighthouse Bar, The Oyster Bar and The Chukka Bar.

The Lighthouse bar is open from 10:00 to 24:00.

The Oyster Bar is open from 07:00 to 23:00.

The Chukka Bar is open from 08:00 to- 23:00.

Traditional high tea is served from 14:30 to 17:00 daily.

There is a spa with 6 treatment rooms, a tranquillity lounge and health bar.

Open 24 hours, the fully-equipped Fitness Centre can be found in The Spa complex. Facilities and equipment include treadmills, exercise bicycles, a cross-trainer, Power plate, multi exercise tower, weights, medicine balls, yoga/exercise mats, pilates balls, LED TVs with DSTV and music and a refreshment station. Pilates DVDs are available at the hotel reception. A private yoga or pilates instructor can be arranged on request.

The Oyster Box operates an intimate 24 seater cinema/screening room which is available to hotel guests. Each month a new schedule of movies is set, with running 5 times a day (10:00, 14:00, 18:00, 20:00 and 22:00).

Secure on-site parking is provided for guests.

Sun umbrellas, beach bags, beach balls, bats and suntan lotion can be collected from Reception for use on the beach.

Laundry and room services are available (additional cost).

Credit cards are accepted.

Babysitting services are also available.

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