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Affordable Family Vaycay: Your Gooderson Adventure Awaits

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We all know money is tight and holidays aren’t something many of us can splurge on but Gooderson Leisure – operating since 1957 – is run on the ethos of good value, good fun. Our recent trip to the Gooderson Bushlands Game Lodge and the Gooderson DumaZulu Lodge in Hluhluwe was just that.

Both lodges are nestled in the heart of Zululand and are a 20 minute drive from the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve – home to the Big 5! On our game drive, we were treated to a magnificent elephant sighting as they treated themselves to a mud-bath.

Gooderson Bushlands Game Drive

The Gooderson Bushlands Game Lodge

Overall, this lodge offers guests’ cosy outdoor, rustic vibes with sandy roads and wooden walkways weaving through thick bush and tall trees. The accommodation offered varies to your travelling need. Book yourself into one of the newly renovated double rooms with en-suite bathrooms or a twin room on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. We like this, because when on holiday mom needs a night(s) off too!

We stayed in a self-catering two-bedroom chalet. It was clean, cosy and had everything it should for a comfortable stay in the heart of the bush (including aircon). These chalets were set a little further away from the reception and restaurant area which gave us more privacy as well as prestinely manicured gardens, a swimming pool and jungle gym for the kids to play.

Gooderson Bushlands Chalet Accommodation

Gooderson Bushlands Chalet Accommodation

After a day of game drives and adventuring, it’s time to wind down before dinner and Gooderson Bushlands seems to have been built for the ‘perfect sundowner’. The undercover viewing deck overlooking the watering hole is the perfect spot to sit back, relax and catch a sighting of some Zebra or Giraffe. The boma offers guests the opportunity to soak up the last bit of the day under the stars next to a roaring fire.

The restaurant opens onto a wooden deck overlooking a second swimming pool which is surrounded by lush greens. Meals are served buffet style and were found to be fresh and delicious. Naturally I had to try a bit of everything – the roast potatoes in particular deserve a tasty mention!

And on a special night, if you are lucky enough you may have the opportunity to spot the resident family of bush baby. On occasion they pop round for a bite to eat. Don’t get too close though, they are quite private and shy little creatures.

Gooderson Bushlands

Gooderson DumaZulu Lodge

The Gooderson DumaZulu Lodge is a 5-10 minute drive from Gooderson Bushlands. It sports a newly built Wozani Restaurant, Jabula Bar and entertainment area with great flow and an impressive boma.

Like the Gooderson Bushlands, meals are served buffet style. Again, the kitchen did not disappoint us. The food was tasty, hearty and filling! The Lodge is also home to the popular Traditional Zulu Village, Reptile Park and curio shop which along with the restaurant are open to the public daily.

Gooderson DumaZulu

Gooderson DumaZulu

Gooderson DumaZulu Wozani Restaurant, Jabula Bar and entertainment area

Before we go any further, let’s take a moment to talk about the accommodation. It really is an experience in itself.

31 unique and gorgeously designed rounded ethnic huts surround the crystal blue swimming pool, perfect for cooling off on a hot Zululand day. Each hut is designed to reflect the different tribes of Southern Africa – Zulu, Swazi, North Sotho, Xhosa, Venda, Tsonga and Ndebele. The inside is cosy, with rustic warm finishes to the bedroom. En-suite bathroom and kitchenette for the bigger units. Each room comes with the usual comforts including aircon!

Gooderson DumaZulu Accommodation

Gooderson DumaZulu Accommodation

The Traditional Zulu Village

The Traditional Zulu Village runs tours 3 times a day, for prices click here. As you step inside the village, visitors (both young and old) are transported back in time and treated to an exhilarating, entertaining and energetic song and dance performance. You are also shown how the locals made spears, shields, baskets and clay pots back in the day. And if you are daring enough, you can taste their traditional beer called Umqombothi.

The Gooderson Reptile and Bird Park

While you are in the area, you should also pop into the Gooderson Reptile and Bird Park. It is open daily from 8am to 4.30pm, for prices click here.

The highlight for me was the reptile park which houses various exotic and indigenous snakes.  We were lucky enough to handle two of the snakes which was both an exciting and harrowing experience for some in our group.

Gooderson DumaZulu Reptile

Gooderson DumaZulu Reptile

We would like to thank Gooderson Leisure for taking us on an incredible adventure. Teaching us about nature, tradition and especially for the good food!

A special thanks to CK Travel and Tour who chauffeured us to and from the Lodges in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus. If you are looking for reliable transport for your next school / church / corporate / conference / tour, hit them up.

If you enjoyed this review, check out our recent review of the Gooderson Natal Spa Hot Springs & Leisure Resort.

 

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Accomodation

Honeymoon in the most romantic place in KZN

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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.

BOOK HERE

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9 Reasons 1 Licorna Beach is the Ideal Umhlanga Stay

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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

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Accomodation

Want to stay in the heart of Cape Town? Here’s why The Cape Milner should be your go-to.

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For Durbanites, a trip to Cape Town is always enthralling. White-sand beaches, throngs of restaurants, and sea life sightings are just some of the things we look forward to when visiting our Mother City. Of course, the various accommodation on offer forms part of said hype – and can either make or break your experience!

Well, we’re here to tell you this: If you’re looking for a hotel that’s contemporary, comfy, central, quiet and not too costly, we’ve found the place for you. Not to mention its fascinating decor, great hospitality, and luxury charm that just wraps you up and keeps you snug throughout your entire stay.

The opulent Cape Milner building matches Cape Town’s Victorian aesthetic. But inside you’ll find a mix of art-deco, modern and African chic; much like the feel of modern Africa today.

As if wedged at the bottom of Table Mountain, the views from the rooms and lounges are spectacular. We particularly enjoyed dining out in the swanky Glass Lounge, where you can look up into the blue sky or night stars while you enjoy a hearty lamb shank below.

Our homely rooms overlooked the serene Milner Road, with its impressive avenues of trees. We were given complimentary macarons on arrival and enjoyed them with tea as we watched the rain pitter-patter on the tails of unbothered squirrels — how cute! The Milner Hotel really is a place you can enjoy come rain or shine.

The hotel was the absolute, perfect base from which to explore pretty much everything and anything. Just a few minutes drive away lies Bree and Kloof  – two favourites, Metropolitan streets for tourists and locals alike. Over the few days of our stay we visited many great spots, all within 5-10 minutes away.

We sank our teeth into cheesy pizza at the much-hyped “I love the dough” and tried out “Mochi Mochi” for dessert; we ordered fizzing and steaming cocktails from “Cause and Effect” at the V&A; and of course, we spent a fun-filled evening at the cheeky and illustrious “Beefcakes” in Green Point.

After each jam-packed day, coming home to our state-of-the-art bathtub and luxurious linen was the cherry on top. It fitted in perfectly with our diverse range of activities we had planned, and matched the entire style of our trip.

We didn’t want to leave!

And of course, we can’t wait to stay again…

To book your stay at the Cape Milner, contact

Tel: +27 11 516 4367
Email: res@extraordinary.co.za

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