Accomodation
REVIEW: Gooderson leisure, Bush Camp, and Dumizulu Cultural Village
Durbanite was recently invited to enjoy a weekend away with Gooderson Leisure.
“Darryl, the Gooderson group PRO from Durban treated us to breakfast and coffee at the Gooderson Tropicano Hotel.
Peter, the driver from “Guest Shuttle Services &Tours” met us and we all left for Hluhluwe. Joining Cheryl and I was Inga, Nichola, Bongiwe, Zama and Darryl.
On the road Darryl supplied us with Juice and water for the 3 ½ hour trip. We left the N2 at the Bushlands offramp and turned right onto a fairly bumpy dirt road.
The entrance road was a beautiful scene between rows of indigenous trees.
We met the manager, Courtney with his dog. Checked in and was taken for a light lunch at the restaurant of sandwiches and salads.
We took a walk back to the chalets along the viewing walk (a raised wooden walkway) and found a herd of buck, a few zebra, wildebeest and 2 giraffes that wouldn’t stop staring at me. Standing in the shade of a tree exchanging looks with around 30 wild animals gave me an immense feeling of peace.
The chalets were tastefully furnished with flower petals all around the room to make you feel special. An unusual but welcome omission was the lack of TV. It really felt good not to have the TV intruding on the peace of the surroundings.
Unfortunately, Cheryl got hit by a bout of vertigo on the trip up and arrived a bit “out of sorts” and retired straight to the room. The care and compassion shown by Courtney, his wife Tracy and the staff was very commendable.
After a rest, Cheryl felt a bit better and went for a walk to the viewing deck off the walkway. What a place for a comfortable nature experience.
We had a rest in the afternoon. Once again it was the wind blowing through the branches and the sound of birds that dominated the experience. Coming from Durban where there is all sorts of background noise. This was absolutely lovely.
We went up to the restaurant for a few pre-dinner drinks.
As entertainment, Siyabonga the ranger managed to call two bush babies to come and eat at the Bushbaby buffet.
Dinner was magnificent and I managed to sample almost everything on the menu. My favourites were the chicken livers, the mushroom and herb pasta and the chicken curry. The potjie was also tasty and tender. I would do an injustice not to mention the roast potatoes that were absolutely scrumptious and loved by everyone present. My compliments to the chef.
Breakfast in the morning was outside on the deck overlooking the pool with the food up to its normal excellent standard.
The check out was friendly and efficient. Talking about friendliness, the staff were all amazing. Always smiling and greeting you with genuine pleasure.
It was around a 10 minute drive to the Gooderson Dumazulu Lodge & Cultural Village for a day of culture, reptiles and game viewing.
We met Fortune, or guide through the reptile and bird park. Fortune was interesting and loved the animals under his care. Highlights were holding the baby crocodiles and the Albino Burmese Python. Zama, one of our group took great courage to hold the snake amidst loud screams of terror. Well done to her.
We then were taken for a Zulu cultural tour through their living village where we were shown different Zulu activities such as Making Spears, Shields, Baskets and bead necklaces. During all of these viewings, we were given a lot of details on reasons and meaning of the different activities. To complete the visit we were treated to demonstrations of Stick Fighting and Zulu dancing.
We had a quick lunch as we were running late for the planned game drive, and then met Siyabonga again who was driving us to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park which was around a 30 minutes drive away.
Within a few minutes, we had seen Wildebeest and a couple of Rhino, not to mention quite a few Nyala. We then started looking for Elephant. Spotted a few Hippo in the distant Hluhluwe river and drove through a troop of baboons. It was getting late in the day and still no elephant, so we stopped at the Hilltop Camp for refreshments.
As we drove out of Hilltop Camp, not 50 m from the gate, an elephant came over the hill, wandered towards us, and crossed the road right behind us. We were all thrilled that we had seen an elephant and were ready and satisfied to go home.
We were running late to get out the gate by 6 and it was already dark when we passed another 2 elephants right next to the road. Less than a km from the gate we were stopped by 5 or 6 elephants in the road. We weren’t going to get out and ask them politely to move so we just had to wait patiently for them to get off the road before continuing.
By the way, If anyone is going to the park on a game drive from any of the two Gooderson resorts, please ask Siya to be your guide. He was a safe, informative, knowledgeable and observant guide. I can’t praise him highly enough.
We got back to the camp dishevelled and windblown just in time for dinner. The food, as at Bushlands was superb. What made it even more special was that they are cooking on a pop up kitchen since a fire around 2 months ago destroyed the permanent kitchen. We had a lovely chat with Maurice (Dumazulu GM) and his wife Caryn about the resort and their passion about the bush and the resort.
Needless to say, I think we all slept like logs that night.
Breakfast the next morning was up to it’s normal standard and we were joined again by Maurice and Caryn.
We finished the weekend with an obligatory 3 ½ hour drive back to Durban.”
Give Gooderson a like on Facebook here:
www.facebook.com/GoodersonBushlands
www.facebook.com/GoodersonDumaZulu
www.facebook.com/GoodersonEzemveloKZNWildlife
Author: Durbanite
Nestled in the heart of Kamberg Valley in the Drakensberg, Qambathi Mountain Lodge is a hidden gem designed exclusively for couples seeking a tranquil retreat. As Durbanites, we had the pleasure of spending a rejuvenating weekend at this stunning mountain lodge, and it truly exceeded all expectations.
From the moment we arrived, we were treated to exceptional hospitality. The gracious hostess welcomed us with a glass of champagne at their stylish yet homely bar. As we walked through the entrance, we were led through a glass passageway that opened up into a beautifully designed lounge. The decor seamlessly blends modern elegance with a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Intricately designed chancellor beads enhance the ambiance, while the lodge’s wine cellar offers guests the opportunity to indulge in wine and gin tastings.
The Greenhouse Suite: A Luxurious Stay
Qambathi Mountain Lodge features only five exclusive suites, which get booked up quickly due to high demand. Our bags were promptly taken to our suite—the Greenhouse Suite—which boasts a sleek, modern aesthetic with high-end finishes. Each room is thoughtfully equipped with a Nespresso machine, offering a delightful selection of coffee and tea. One of the standout features of the suite was the locally crafted artwork showcasing the wild animals that roam the property. Stepping out onto our private sitting area, we were greeted with a breathtaking view of zebras, horses, and donkeys peacefully grazing.
Activities & Experiences
Qambathi Mountain Lodge offers a variety of unique experiences designed to enhance your stay. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there is something for everyone. One of the lodge’s most highly recommended activities is horseback riding, an experience that allows guests to take in the stunning scenery in an intimate and unique way. Additionally, we embarked on a 5km hiking trail within the property, which led us through a picturesque waterfall and stream, offering mesmerizing views of the Drakensberg mountains. Guests can also enjoy trout fishing in the nearby streams, indulge in a romantic picnic set up by the lodge, or participate in a rejuvenating yoga session amidst nature.
A Culinary Delight
Qambathi Mountain Lodge takes pride in its exquisite dining experience, offering a daily changing five-course menu prepared by a specialized chef. Our dinner was a gastronomic journey, starting with a mini feta pizza, followed by a creamy butternut soup, and culminating in a delectable lamb dish served with fragrant rice. Each course was beautifully presented, with locally sourced ingredients adding to the rich flavors. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the malva pudding, accompanied by homemade ice cream—a dessert not to be missed.
The morning after, we indulged in a delightful homemade breakfast buffet. From fresh oats, muesli, and yogurt to warm, flaky scones with cream, every bite was a treat. For those who prefer a heartier meal, the lodge also offers hot breakfast options such as eggs Benedict and a traditional farmhouse breakfast.
Unparalleled Service & Special Touches
The staff at Qambathi go above and beyond to ensure guests feel at home. They regularly checked in with us, ensuring our needs were met, whether it was arranging additional experiences or providing in-room comforts. The nightly turndown service was a lovely touch, adding to the overall sense of luxury.
A Celebrity Retreat
Adding to its prestige, Qambathi Mountain Lodge has even hosted Hollywood royalty—Tom Cruise himself stayed here for several months while filming the latest Mission Impossible installment, set to release in 2025. It’s easy to see why, as the lodge offers a stunning deck area perfect for unwinding with sundowners by the pool, accompanied by delightful chef-prepared snacks.
Relax & Rejuvenate
For couples seeking ultimate relaxation, the lodge also offers a serene spa where guests can indulge in a rejuvenating couples’ massage. The tranquil surroundings only enhance the experience, making it a must-do during your stay.
Final Thoughts
Qambathi Mountain Lodge offers an exclusive retreat with only five suites, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Despite its limited number of suites, the lodge can accommodate up to 10 guests, making it perfect for small gatherings. Owners Nadia and Stephen have curated an exceptional retreat that truly feels like a home away from home. Whether you’re looking to explore the surrounding beauty of the Drakensberg or simply unwind in luxury, Qambathi Mountain Lodge offers an unforgettable experience. With its perfect blend of natural beauty, top-tier hospitality, and fine dining, we highly recommend this sanctuary to couples seeking a romantic and rejuvenating getaway.
Whether you seek a romantic getaway, a family reunion, a company retreat, or a gathering of friends, Qambathi can accommodate that for you. We invite you to immerse yourself in the serenity and beauty of this nature lodge, where every moment is crafted to perfection.
Author: Melissa Moodley
Planning the ideal honeymoon can be exceptionally daunting, not to mention expensive, but if you’re looking local, and want to continue the romance long past your wedding day, Granny Mouse Country House & Spa is a definite contender! Renowned for being one of the most romantic getaway destinations in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, this idyllic retreat offers the perfect setting for a romantic honeymoon, with its tranquil atmosphere, breathtaking scenery, world-class facilities and attentive staff.
Granny Mouse’s accommodation is luxury at its finest, ranging from their secluded garden rooms, nestled in their spectacular gardens, to their sprawling deluxe suites with private balconies overlooking the Lions River. Each and every room has been designed with comfort and luxury in mind, and are equipped with large bath tubs and aromatic bath salts and oils for those intimate evenings in.
Following the excitement of the wedding, what could be better than relaxing in their on-site, state-of-the-art spa, which offers an extensive range of treatments and therapies, including hydrotherapy to replenish your mind and body before you have to get back to reality?
One of the standout features of Granny Mouse is a culinary haven, offering guests a diverse range of delectable experiences. From their fine-dining restaurant, Eaves, with its sophisticated menu of modern fusion cuisine, to their open-sky Bistro, providing a more casual dining experience, and their wine cellar, which is undoubtedly the perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two. These, coupled with their award-winning wine menu, will have you toasting to your new life together. No matter where you choose to dine whilst on honeymoon, the Granny Mouse team will pull out all the stops to ensure the most romantic of occasions.
In addition to the fantastic facilities, Granny Mouse Country House & Spa is also ideally located for exploring the surrounding area. From picnics in the Caversham Valley to wine tasting, or just taking a leisurely stroll around the local stores to choose some new items for your home together, the list is endless.
Don’t miss out on an unforgettable honeymoon. Book your stay at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa today and let their team ensure a romantic and memorable experience for you and your partner.
Author: Durbanite
In the heart of Umhlanga Beach lies a beautifully furnished, newly renovated beach house. Being a double storey with views and access to the ocean, 1 Licorna Beach is the perfect luxury getaway.
Suitable for both business and vacation rentals, this beachfront property will give you the “home away from home” relaxed feel with a pool, garden, outside braai area.
This beach house can accommodate up to 6 guests, and comprises of 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. Stay entertained with smart tv, dual view DSTV and free wifi.
We’ve listed 9 of the many reasons why 1 Licorna Beach should be your next stay in Umhlanga:
1. UMHLANGA PROMENADE ACCESS
Enjoy direct access to the Umhlanga Promenade: a stretch along the Umhlanga coast and nature reserve, perfect for walks or runs and home to restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream spots and local vendors.
2. DIRECT BEACH ACCESS
Go for a swim in the warm Indian Ocean or chill on the shore. With beach access and a choice of four beaches in walking distance, what more do you need? Make sure there’s a life guard on duty if you go for a dip!
3. UMHLANGA NATURE RESERVE
Explore the coastal wildlife, birds and forest along the Umhlanga Nature Reserve wooden boardwalk and trail. Be sure to check out the Bike & Bean coffee shop at the Northside of the Umhlanga Promenade.
4. FINE-DINING RESTAURANTS
Spoil yourself with a dinner date at The Chef’s Table or the 14 on Chartwell, both just a stone’s throw away at Umhlanga Village.
5. FREE WIFI
Stay connected with 1 Licorna’s free wifi during your stay. Whether for business or leisure, you and your family or guests are covered.
6. DAILY HOUSEKEEPING
No one wants to do the dishes & sweep on holiday! What’s better than arriving back to your accommodation to find it’s been cleaned?
7. 24 HOUR SECURITY & SAFE PARKING
Safety is a priority at Licorna Beach. Relax knowing that you, your family & belongings are tucked away in a gated, access controlled estate.
8. POOL ACCESS
The communal pool is available for a dip, if the sea isn’t calling. Whether you’re braaiing, chilling or just cooling off – it’s nice to have options.
9. SELF-CATERING
Explore new restaurants or enjoy the comforts of home cooking. Remember, you won’t have to do the dishes either. Don’t forget to have a braai while you’re at 1 Licorna.
To book your stay:
Cell: 083 492 3241
Website: www.1licornabeach.co.za
Address:
82 Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga
Author: Shelley
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