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Montusi Mountain Lodge

The Drakensberg

Days 1 - 3: The Drakensberg

Montusi Mountain Lodge Location Map

Montusi Mountain Lodge offers genuine hospitality in the tranquillity of one of the most beautiful settings in Southern Africa. Space, comfort and peace are what you will find when you treat yourself to the natural splendour and peaceful, romantic ambiance of this Drakensberg haven.

Situated in the Kwazulu-Natal Drakensberg, halfway between Johannesburg and Durban, Montusi is one of the few destinations with a panoramic vista of the Drakensberg's most famous feature, the Amphitheatre escarpment.

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 and trout fishing (on a 'catch and release' basis). Golfers can visit the 9-hole Amphitheatre Golf Course at Hlalanathi just 8 km away. The lodge also has a tennis court and racquets/balls can be collected from the main reception for any budding Wimbledon champions in the making.

The main lodge consists of a large and beautifully thatched main lodge with reception, dining room, terrace, bar, lounge and massage room.

The swimming pool looks out at the escarpment and the surrounding rocks have provided inspiration for this unusual and beautifully crafted pool which makes it the guest's favourite place in summer.

The intimate restaurant (with a log fireplace) is renowned for sumptuous local cuisine with innovative menus.

The 16 individual free-standing suites offer guests privacy, are uniquely decorated with stunning views of the Amphitheatre Mountain. Suites have one or two bedrooms with a en-suite bathroom (bath and walk-in shower), a lounge, patio, gas operated fireplace and tea/coffee making facility.

Along side each suite there is a private covered carport for one vehicle.

Example Details For Montusi Mountain Lodge

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Mountain Suite
Includes: Breakfast and dinner are included.
 
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Montusi Mountain Lodge Location.

Address

Montusi Mountain Lodge,Royal Natal Area, Royal Natal

Directions

From Johannesburg: Follow the N3 to Harrismith, turn towards Bethlehem on the N5, travel 4km, turn left onto the R712, travel 8 km, turn left again onto the R74 toward Bergville. Travel 28 km, down the Oliviershoek pass, as the pass levels out, turn right towards the Northern Drakensberg. Follow signs to Alpine Heath and Montusi.

From Durban: Follow the N3 past Estcourt Ultra City. Turn left onto the R74. Travel through Winterton and Bergville. 30 km after Bergville, turn left towards the Northern Drakensberg. Follow signs to Alpine Heath and Montusi.

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must please be vacated by 11:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

Children of any age are welcome. Special meal times for children are arranged.

The Garden Suites each have a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom (bath and walk-in shower), a lounge with TV, gas operated fireplace, tea/coffee making faciities, a hair dryer, ceiling fan, fridge, Wi-Fi, underfloor heating, and a private patio. Most suites have a kingsize double bed (others with two single beds). The suites all have panoramic views of the Drakensberg's famed Amphitheatre.

The Mountain Suites each have a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, a lounge with TV, wood burning fireplace, tea/coffee making faciities, a hair dryer, ceiling fan, fridge, Wi-Fi, underfloor heating, and a private patio.

The Family Suites have 2 en-suite bedrooms plus a a lounge with a TV, a gas-operated fireplace, tea/coffee making faciities, a hair dryer, ceiling fan, fridge, Wi-Fi, underfloor heating, and a private patio.

There is a swimming pool and a tennis court (tennis rackets and balls are available at no charge).

Mountain bikes can be hired from All Out Adventures just 4 km from Montusi.

Daily morning walks are offered on the 1,000 hectare estate with a guide who provides tea, coffee and cookies free of charge. Popular destinations are the top of Montusi Mountain, Bushman Cave (with paintings), Waterfall Cave and various streams and rock pools for summer swimming.

Guests can also safely hike the estate on their own using the Montusi Hiking Guide as well as at the uKhahlamba National Park (Royal Natal National Park) 15 km away, with the Tugela Gorge being the favourite.

On request, day hikes can be arranged to the top of the Amphitheatre, an experience you will never forget and do-able for all those of average fitness and unafraid of heights (the last ascent is via metal chain ladders).

The Northern Horse operates spectacular horse trails from the Montusi Estate. The stables are within easy walking distance from the lodge and all levels of rider are catered for. They specialize in customizing trails to suit the rider with everything from gentle strolls over flat fields to exhilarating descents into the river valleys and up the escarpments.

The nearest golf course is 8 km away at the nine-hole Amphitheatre Golf Course at Hlalanathi.

There are 2 dams on the property stocked with trout (and with a beautiful view). Fishing rods can be hired and flies are for sale. This 'Catch and Release' activity is strictly reserved for Montusi residents.

Beverly Hills Hotel

Durban

Days 4 - 6: Durban

Beverly Hills Hotel Location Map

 The hotel is perfect for romantic escapes, family holidays and business travel and offers an idyllic place for guests to unwind and enjoy the gracious and intuitive service it is so well-known for.

The award-winning Beverly Hills hotel opened her doors over 50 years ago and is considered to be one of Durban's finest hotels. Over the past 5 decades, the  hotel has been home to royalty, celebrities and captains of industry - the place where deals have been done and memories have been made.

The hotel is situated in Umhlanga and boasts uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. The 88 Standard and Deluxe Rooms are all eleganty and stylished decorated.

The hotel also boasts a state of the art fitness centre, heated swimming pool, spa, two restaurants with an al fresco dining option and a convenient retail outlet. 

Example Details For Beverly Hills Hotel

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Standard Room
Includes: Breakfast is included.
 
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Beverly Hills Hotel Location.

Directions

Directions from The King Shaka Airport: Take the M4 Highway toward Durban.

Proceed until the Umhlanga Rocks off ramp and keep left on Lighthouse Road.

Proceed on Lighthouse Road pass two sets of traffic lights.

Proceed through the stop street keeping left to the Beverly Hills Hotel.:

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may normally be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must please be vacated by 11:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

Children of any age are welcome.

 

AmaKhosi Safari Lodge

AmaKhosi Private Game Reserve

Days 7 - 9: AmaKhosi Private Game Reserve

AmaKhosi Safari Lodge Location Map

AmaKhosi Safari Lodge is situated in the 12,000 hectare Amazulu Private Game Reserve, about 4 hours north of Durban.

The reserve is made up of a varied ecosystem which includes savanna, mountains and wetlands - making it the ideal home to the Big 5 as well as giraffe, zebra, warthog and hyena, hippopotamus and crocodile. There are also more than 400 bird species.

Early morning and late afternoon guided walks and game drives take you into the African bush to observe the animals and their fascinating behaviour. Qualified game rangers introduce the unique role each animal plays on the massive stage within the African Kingdom.

Amakhosi's main lodge boasts a deck with an intimate bar, lounge area, a swimming pool and dining area where meals are served under the stars. With panoramic river views, guests can unwind at Amakhosi River Spa, which offers beauty and message treatments using eco-friendly and holistic products.

The 6 luxury river suites are situated along the flowing Mkuze River. Each one boasts a separate air-conditioned bedroom, a lounge with a fully stocked mini bar and tea/coffee making facilities. The high thatched ceilings and glass walls are complimented by a large bathroom with a unique bath made for two and an outdoor (al fresco) shower.  

For ultimate privacy there are 2 honeymoon suites with private plunge pools and hammocks.

'IsiGodlo' (meaning 'chiefs residence') is a private 2 bedroom house which overlooks the Mkuze River and can accommodate up to 4 guests. Guests staying here have their own ranger, tracker and private game vehicle for game drives.

Example Details For AmaKhosi Safari Lodge

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x River Suite
Includes: Brunch, high tea (late lunch) and dinner; all local branded beverages; bush walks; and 2 shared game activities per day with qualified guides 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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AmaKhosi Safari Lodge Location.

Address

AmaKhosi Safari Lodge,Near Pongola, AmaKhosi Private Game Reserve

Directions

From Johannesburg: Take the N4 towards Witbank. Take the Middelburg exit to Hendrina, and continue towards Ermelo on the N11.

Continue towards Piet Retief on the N2. Drive through the town Piet Retief and continue for approx 3 km. Turn right towards Paul Pietersburg on R33 - DO NOT continue on N2 due to terrible roadworks (roadworks likely to be there until early 2010). Continue past Paul Pietersburg towards Vryheid on R33. Turn left onto the R69.

From here the main gate is approx 103 km. Continue on R69 past Louwsburg. 2 km before the junction with R66, you will see the Amakhosi main gate on the right.

Please note that you drive through the reserve to get to the lodge - do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstanance.: : Alternative directions from Johannesburg (after roadworks have finished): Take the N4 towards Witbank. Take the Middelburg exit to Hendrina, and continue towards Ermelo on the N11. Continue towards Piet Retief on the N2, and stay on the N2 North until you reach Pongola. Take the R66 to Nongoma and continue for +/- 22 km past Magudu sign on your left. Turn right at the R69 towards Vryheid and continue for 2 km. Turn left down a gravel road and follow the AmaKhosi Lodge signs.

From Durban: Take the N2 North, and stay on this road until you reach Pongola. Take the R66 to Nongoma and continue for +/- 22 km past Magudu sign on your left. Turn right at the R69 towards Vryheid and continue for 2 km. Turn left down a gravel road and follow the AmaKhosi Lodge signs.

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may normally be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival. If possible, aim to arrive at the lodge around this time, which will be in time to check into your room before High Tea is served, 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 normally please be vacated by 11:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

Children of any age are welcome. Children under 8 years old are not allowed on main game drives, but babysitting services can be arranged. A separate Childrens Programme is available at an additional cost - currently R350 per child (subject to change).

All rooms offer the following facilities: lounge, bedroom, mosquito nets, bathroom, separate shower and toilet, a private deck overlooking the river, air conditioning, a mini bar, electronic safe, and a telephone.

The Honeymoon Suite has a private pool and hammock.

A laundry service is available on request.

There is a main swimming pool, a spa, a library and a curio shop. Wi-Fi is also available.

Visa and MasterCard credit cards are accepted.

From November to February each year, when the rains come, AmaKhosi invites guests to discover the fascinating world of amphibians. Night safaris with qualified guides take you deep into the bush to marvel the spectrum of colours and the loud calling of mating frogs.

Pakamisa Lodge

Pakamisa Game Reserve

Days 10 - 12: Pakamisa Game Reserve

Pakamisa Lodge Location Map

Pakamisa Lodge offers an unforgettable African experience in a private 2,500 hectare game reserve. The reserve is predator and malaria free, creating a safe environment for a range of activities for adults and children not usually available in other Big 5 Reserves. Pakamisa in Zulu means 'to lift up' and guests are assured that their spirits will soar in this African Shangri-La.

Pakamisa is home to a collection of magnificent Arabian horses all superbly trained by the owner. There are few greater thrills than exploring the wild African bush on horseback. Each trail ride offers incredible game viewing from the meandering plains or the challenging hilly ascents. There is nothing more exciting than riding into a herd of impala, giraffe, wildebeest and warthogs and getting close to them before they trot off. No horse lover coming to South Africa should miss this opportunity!

For visitors who would like to experience Pakamisa on two legs rather than four, there are numerous walks and trails through the valleys, along the river banks, or climb the Pakamisa Mountain for the most rewarding panoramic view of 360 degrees. Or traverse the reserve in an open safari vehicle with an experienced game ranger who will explain the fascinating life cycles of insects, plants and trees and the behaviour patterns of mammals, big and small, that you may encounter along the way.

The main lodge has breathtaking views over the reserve, the evergreen valley and plains of the Pongola River and the surrounding mountains. The eight meter high ceilings, legendary of hotels in bygone days, create a pleasant, cool atmosphere. The impressive Main House, with its eclectic mix of African and European art and antiques, offers an ideal place for quiet relaxation or pre-dinner socializing, or alternatively slip into the intimate atmosphere of the Hunter's Bar for a cocktail. The large pool is the ideal place to relax around and enjoy a light snack or a lunchtime drink.

The 8 spacious, tastefully-decorated suites offer the highest standards for comfort and complete relaxation. Each suite consists of a bedroom, a deluxe bathroom and a cosy sunken lounge leading onto a spacious veranda. The rooms have been individually styled and themed after an African animal. The suites are deliberately techno-free with no telephone or television, but internet access is available at the reception area of the Main House for those who simply cannot let go of the outside world.

Example Details For Pakamisa Lodge

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Luxury Suite
Includes: All meals; tea/coffee; and choice of 2 activities per day (horse riding, game drive, guided bush walk, archery, target shooting with air rifle) are included. PLEASE NOTE: All other drinks are NOT included. Horse riding is restricted to one ride per day per person - weight limit 90 kg.

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

 
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Pakamisa Lodge Location.

Address

Pakamisa Lodge,Off the R66, Pongola

Directions

From either Johannesburg (500 km) or Durban (400 km): Follow the N2 towards Pongola. In Pongola, turn off the N2 onto the R66 - the signboard says Ulundi/Nongoma.

After 7 km turn right onto a gravel road - the D429. Continue for 7.5 km then turn left up the hill, and drive for a further 3 km. Follow the Pakamisa signs until you reach the main gatehouse.

The entrance gate is not permanently manned Ionly between the hours of 07:00 and 16:00) therefore guests are asked to phone the lodge when they arrive at Pongola, where there is good mobile phone reception - the number to call is +27 (0) 83 229 1811.

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may be occupied from 13:00 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.

Pakamisa is not a Big 5 Reserve. As a result guests safely enjoy game drives, bush walks and horse riding without the threat of predators.

Game drives last between 2-3 hours and guests encounter an abundance of wildlife, such as various species of antelope, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras and lots of warthogs! Bush walks range from a stalking trip with camera and binoculars to a comfortable stroll to a shaded picnic spot.

Horse rides last between 1-3 hours and cater for beginners and more advanced riders. English and Western saddles and all tack is of a high quality and in excellent condition.

There is a laundry service available (additional cost).

There is a main swimming pool and a guest library.

Pakamisa offers a variety of dining experiences - guests can enjoy sumptuous breakfasts and delicious alfresco lunches on the panoramic veranda, and an elegant formal 4 course dinner is served in the award-winning El Prado restaurant.

Credit cards are accepted.

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