Accomodation
REVIEW: Brahman Hills, Midlands
Three girls from Durbanite were tasked with finding the perfect girlfriend’s getaway. Read up on what they had to say about their experience at Brahman Hills.
”
THE MIDLANDS KITCHEN
Mouths salivating at the thought of brunch, after each of us skipped breakfast to be awake and ready for our road trip and Midlands weekend away. Fact. If anyone plans to go for dinner there is usually a lot of umming, and ahhhing. Someone is in the mood for Mexican, but what Mexican restaurant sells Pizza? Or someone wants a salad, and someone wants a cheat-day-burger, and someone is suddenly a converted vegan. It’s exhausting. We’ve all been there. Women are indecisive. We know it, men know it, and we accept it. (And The Midland’s Kitchen know this too!) With over 15 restaurants to choose from, it made a girls only (concentrate of indecisiveness) a lot more bearable. At least, so we thought…
Seated, with a view of the soft hills, and lavender, we were handed comprehensive menus, detailing what was on offer. We settled for a taste of the Mediterranean with the platter for two with falafels, smoked garlic aubergines, lamb kebabs, hummus, beef skewers, feta, olives, carrot strips, red peppers and bread sticks. And crispy chicken nuggets, chips, honey and srirracha sauce served with sweet potato fries. And a juice. This was the tricky part… You can design your own juice, each ingredient providing beneficial health properties. This was certainly too overwhelming for the likes of us. There are also other already formulated juice recipes, all named after areas in the Midlands Meander to choose from.
“What juice do you recommend?” We asked the waitress. (Cleary remarking on the mere challenge we faced while trying to select a juice.) She suggested The Nottingham. Health benefit- Brain Food. Well, can’t argue with that… Brunch, was then concluded with Tiramisu and caramel toffee gelato.
BRAHMAN HILLS
Tucked just behind the N3 Highway is home to the Brahman cattle that roam Brahman Hills. This fortunate and unexpected location makes it easy for 3 girls with a sometimes less than reliable GPS navigator. All gelatoed out, and with stretched legs we were ready to embark on the next leg of our road trip. This road trip involved us hopping back into the car and driving several meters to be suddenly met with laser cut steel cow cut outs and the beautiful entrance of Brahman Hills.
On our way to check in, we noticed a room beautifully decorated in various table settings.
“Are you having a wedding?’’ we asked. (They were having a tasting and mock–up setting.)
“Are you looking for a venue?” The lady enquired.
“No! We’re looking for a man!” We laughed, she laughed, she told her colleague what happened, they both laughed. (A little too hard for our liking…)
With cheerful and friendly staff, Brahman Hills feels like a home away from home. (At least, we wished our homes looked like that.)
A family of cats were being fed outside the reception, and one of the staff members made sure that each of them got enough food. It was with this comfort, that we were assured we would not go hungry.
And duly so. Brahman Hills contains two restaurants, 89 on Copper and the Brahman Hills Café. Which we were to certainly experience. (There is also the Stables Restaurant which is open by arrangement. Seating up to 90 people the restaurant is fully serviced with a private kitchen and in room bar, which is great for conferences or weddings. But we were here for pleasure!)
As the smell of cappuccino wafted through from the coffee bar we were led down some stairs. Although bringing an undercover-lover to the cellar and underground bar would seem like a good idea, this is definitely the place to be. Softly lit by copper lights illuminating the concrete that drips down the raw and exposed brickwork, the cellar and bar area have several seating arrangements all warmly lit by various fires, perfect for snuggling, wine tasting, a casual drink, or even business meetings. That’s right, there on our navigation tour, were some people having a business meeting. Not just a place for undercover lovers it seems…
After our tour through the newly renovated hotel and cellar, we were lead through the beautifully landscaped gardens to the chapel. The chapel, constructed of timber and glass panes, frames a tranquil vista of a dam. That was the moment Bianca and Sabrina decided that this man-hunt was now no laughing matter. Brahman Hills is an exquisite wedding setting with several reception venues and packages to choose from. With a variety of eventing venues seating from 10 to 400 people, which is ideal if you have a really large extended family, and of course, if they all happen to accept the curtesy invite. Or even if you are fortunate enough to work for a company that holds business functions or conferences here. Preferably with the bonus breakfast buffet. (If there is a job opening at described company, please respond with a private message.)
The self-catering cottages, all named after animals, instil the notion of being situated in the Blue Crane Reserve. More concerned about food, and relaxation in the Jacuzzi rather than exercise, we didn’t fully experience the walking trails, but noticed that Park Run takes place through the nature reserve at Brahman Hills. (For those who choose to run on a Saturday.) I suppose running through a reserve with wildlife does sound alluring enough… But if you are not built for speed, you’ll be pleased to know that there are no predator animals. (However, did not see any Brahman cattle, so, let’s just hope you don’t roll an ankle…)
We stayed in one of the 6 sleeper self-catering cottages, overlooking the beautiful hills and dam. The cottage is equipped with DSTV, a Kitchen, and a private Jacuzzi (which we spent most of the late afternoon giggling in while we posed for many a photo.) The bedrooms each have their own bathroom, which made 3 girls getting ready for our evening at 89 On Copper an absolute breeze. The cottages are also serviced. This we realized only after we came back to beds ready to hop in (and a sudden self-awareness of how messy our “getting ready” had actually been.)
We were chaperoned into the dimly lit 89 on Copper restaurant. With soft playing music, and ambient lighting reiterating a romantic setting. The restaurant is open to the public and bookings is an absolute must. An a la carte menu is available but the highlight is their Chef’s Selection menu – a 3 course set menu with 2 options per serving. This menu is designed by their Chef and changes every night.
We had the heart-warming butternut soup with sweet potato and croutons, foam and herbs. Followed by the Beef sirloin, served with rosemary mash, corn puree, a parmesan disk, and pak choi (which google tells us is a Chinese cabbage, and what our gut tells us is why we didn’t see any Brahman). Just when we couldn’t handle any more, we were presented with the baked cheese cake. And we did not resist.
“The zebra are here every morning.” Shelley told us. Yeah, sure… Well, waking up at 5.30 to a sunrise, and sipping tea while a herd of zebra grazed in front of our cottage was well worth waking up to. After trying to convince Shelley to hop in our private Jacuzzi, but being 6.30 am and Siri warning her to Stay Dry (due to rain. Which never happened. Thanks Siri.) She declined.
Breakfast was served at the Brahman Hills Café. A spread of fruit, cereals, yoghurts, cheese, nuts, juices and scrambled eggs, bacon, tomato, sausages and mushrooms were displayed. Fried, or poached eggs and toast may be ordered to your liking. After our breakfast we rolled out into the gardens for a slow walk before our Spa appointment. Yeup. Cows (if you see them), cats, cross-country running, a chapel, cottages, zebra, dams, windmills, wedding and conference facilities and even a spa?
THE SPA
The spa, like the cellar area, was not what was expected. In a contemporary, corrugated barn like structure, pierced with porthole windows overlooking the vivid colours of the lavender and herb garden. The deep blues of the lavender and sky reflects in the interior colour scheme.
Transported to a place of serenity, with full bellies, once again, we lounged on the arm chairs, sipping water and watching the tranquil trickling of the water as it cascaded down. The stillness, was interrupted when Shelley, blissfully ordered a cappuccino. Her whisper, contradicted by the deep humming of the coffee machine. Scared we would miss our appointment, we stayed awake. And thanks to Shelley and her coffee machine, it wasn’t hard. We opted for a back, shoulder and neck massage, which also involved a wonderful arm massage (the perks of having arms connected to your shoulders…)
“Do you carry a lot of things?’ The therapist asked Sabrina. At last, Sabrina thought. Finally, the years of moving furniture, carrying fabric books, and wallpaper had paid off. And someone had noticed… (but it was more due to knots than any muscular definition, unfortunately.)
Shelley, took advantage of one of the various bathrooms after her massage. How divine does a cappuccino in a bath tub actually sound? Or just a hot and quick shower after an oiled up massage? Bianca, still complaining about leg day (but truth be told, it was probably the little walk to the dam that finished her) decided on a leg massage instead. This time, her waddle improved to a little spring in her step when we wandered back to the car. And just like that, with our left over baked cheese cake, oodles of photos and a collection of memories of our latest girls’ weekend away, we left our country escape and headed back to Durban.”
Thank you for having us!
Visit their website for more information: www.brahmanhills.co.za
Author: Shelley
A Hidden Mountain Escape: Weekend at Giants Cup Wilderness Reserve
Tucked deep within the breathtaking landscapes of the Southern Drakensberg lies a secluded gem — Giants Cup Wilderness Reserve. If you’re looking to truly switch off, reconnect with nature, and enjoy a peaceful weekend away from the city, this is the kind of place that quietly steals your heart.
The Journey There 🚗
Our adventure began with a scenic drive through the Southern Drakensberg, winding deeper into the mountains toward what felt like a hidden escape. The final stretch took us slightly off-road — definitely a route best tackled with a high-clearance vehicle — but it only added to the sense of adventure.
Along the way, we were greeted by a family of baboons casually crossing the road. That moment alone made it clear: we were officially in the wilderness.
Our Stay: Duckbay Cottage 🏡
As we approached Duckbay Cottage, the views immediately took our breath away. Perched on the edge of a tranquil lake and surrounded by mountains and trees, the setting felt completely untouched and serene.
The cottage comfortably sleeps four, with two cosy bedrooms. Inside, you’ll find:
- A spacious kitchen fully equipped for self-catering
- A warm family lounge area
- A fireplace with wood provided (perfect for chilly mountain evenings)
This is a self-catering stay, so come prepared with your own food and drinks — but rest assured, the kitchen has everything you need to cook up a proper meal.
Outdoor Living at Its Best 🔥
Step outside and you’re instantly immersed in nature. Just a short walk from the cottage leads you to the lake, where a braai stand awaits — ideal for relaxed afternoons with family and friends.
The area is also a dream for bird lovers. With a birding book in hand, you can wander through the reserve spotting a variety of species in their natural habitat.
Exploring the Reserve 🌿
One of the highlights of our weekend was exploring the reserve itself. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there are trails suited to all levels.
We set out on a hike and were rewarded with:
- Incredible mountain views
- A refreshing stream perfect for a cool swim on a hot day
- A magical encounter with a herd of buck grazing nearby
There are also several high points along the trails where you can pause, catch your breath, and soak in the sweeping scenery.
Wildlife & Special Moments 🐾
Back at the cottage, the magic didn’t stop. Sitting on the verandah, we took in the stillness of the surroundings — and were lucky enough to spot a jackal darting past. It’s moments like these that remind you just how special this place is.
Lake Activities & Extras 🎣
Duckbay Cottage also comes with access to a small boat right on the lake. For a daily fee, you can head out onto the water and even try your hand at fly fishing (just remember to bring your fishing license).
Another unique feature of the reserve is its trout hatchery, which you can explore during your stay — a great little addition to the overall experience.
Good to Know 📶
- WiFi is available in the cottage if needed
- The reserve is not pet-friendly due to the abundance of wildlife
Final Thoughts 💭
Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a trip with friends, or simply a quiet break from the noise of everyday life, Giants Cup Wilderness Reserve offers the perfect setting. It’s peaceful, scenic, and allows you to truly disconnect and recharge.
Ratings ⭐
- Location: 10/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Accommodation Comfort: 9/10
- Activities: 9/10
- Overall Experience: 9.5/10
Ready to experience it for yourself?
👉 Book your stay here: https://www.giantscup.co.za/
Click here to see some of our fav shots of Giants Cup Wilderness Reserve
Author: Carla Wynne
Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨
This Is Your Sign to Book a Glamping Getaway on the South Coast
If you’ve been craving a break that reconnects you with nature — without sacrificing comfort — then Kingfisher Lakeside Retreat may be just what you’re looking for!
From the moment you arrive, the air is alive with song. Birds fill the daytime hours, while frogs and crickets create a soothing soundtrack once the sun sets. It’s peaceful, grounding, and instantly slows you down.
Location & Setting
Located only 2hours away from Durban, tucked along the South Coast shores of Trafalgar Beach, Kingfisher Lakeside Retreat is perfectly positioned for those who want the best of both bush and beach.
Surrounded by indigenous bush, the accommodation is just a five-minute walk to a private stretch of pristine Blue Flag beach, with not a drop of litter in sight. It truly feels untouched and exclusive.
You’re far enough away to feel secluded, yet close enough to explore everything the South Coast has to offer.
Accommodation & Rooms
The property offers:
-
4 luxury safari-style glamping tents (2 with plunge pools)
-
1 cottage (with a pool)
We stayed in the Falcon Tent, the most sought-after unit — and it’s easy to see why.
It offers maximum privacy, breathtaking views, and its own plunge pool overlooking a tranquil freshwater lake.
Inside, the tent includes:
-
1 queen-size bed
-
2 single beds (sleeps 4 comfortably)
-
A shared bathroom with a stunning clawfoot bathtub
-
An indoor/outdoor shower
Outside, you’ll find:
-
A fully equipped kitchenette (gas stove, fridge, microwave, kettle, toaster)
-
Dining area
-
Verandah with an outdoor lounge set
-
A private plunge pool to cool down
-
Sun loungers and chairs to sip your coffee from
-
Views over the lake that make the mornings and evenings unforgettable
The linen is crisp, clean, and hotel-quality — always a detail I appreciate.
Food & Self-Catering
This is a self-catering stay, but honestly, they’ve thought of everything.
Each unit comes equipped with:
-
A full kitchenette
-
A Weber braai
-
Dining and outdoor eating spaces
Aside from food, clothes (optional for naturalists 😉), bug spray, and beach towels — you won’t need much else.
Nature, Atmosphere & Wildlife
This is truly a nature lover’s paradise.
Before we even reached the resort, we were welcomed by bushbuck at the gates.
From our deck alone, we spotted:
-
Kingfishers
-
Weavers
-
Swallows swooping past before roosting nearby
-
A water monitor
-
Vervet monkeys
- Bats
Birdwatchers will be in absolute heaven here.
There’s also a spectacular shared viewing deck overlooking the ocean, complete with a built-in hammock — the perfect place to pause, breathe, and soak it all in.
Activities & Amenities
There’s more to do at Kingfisher Lakeside Resort than you might expect:
-
Swimming
-
Private beach access
-
Swings and a jungle gym for kids
-
Paddling and pedal boats on the dam
-
Endless space to walk, read, relax, and simply be
You could easily stay on-site for your entire visit without ever needing to get in the car again.
Alternatively, if you’re keen to explore, the nearby area offers:
-
Coffee shop hopping
-
Farm stalls
-
Scenic drives
Connectivity & Comfort
-
WiFi is available
-
No TVs in the units — perfect for a digital detox
-
1x Fan provided to keep you cool in the KZN heat
It strikes the ideal balance between comfort and unplugging.
Who This Stay Is Perfect For
-
Couples seeking a romantic, reconnecting getaway
-
Families (sleeps 4 and has kid-friendly activities)
-
Nature lovers & birdwatchers
-
Naturalists — Falcon Tent offers maximum privacy
-
Anyone craving bush-meets-beach tranquillity
Worth noting: as you exit the private access beach opening, there’s a nude beach to the right and a standard beach to the left, allowing guests to choose what suits them best.
Final Thoughts
This South Coast escape is a rare find — a place where luxury, nature, and simplicity meet effortlessly.
Whether you’re floating in the plunge pool, listening to birdsong from your deck, or wandering down to an untouched stretch of beach, it’s the kind of stay that leaves you feeling deeply rested.
A true South Coast hidden gem — and one I’d return to in a heartbeat.
Give them a follow:
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR STAY
Author: Carla Wynne
Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨
Mavela Game Lodge: A Hidden Big 5 Gem Just a Road Trip Away from Durban
If you’re a Durban local looking for a weekend escape that feels like Kruger-level magic without the long-haul flight, let me introduce you to your next obsession: Mavela Game Lodge nestled within the Manyoni Private Game Reserve in the heart of Zululand.
This is not just a bush getaway. It’s luxury, wildlife, five-star food, and once-in-a-lifetime sightings — all wrapped into one unforgettable experience.
The Stay: Luxury Tented Living (10/10)
We stayed in a luxury tented accommodation, and honestly? It redefined what “glamping” means.
- Aircon and fan (because KZN heat is real).
- A fully stocked coffee station for early mornings or chilly evenings.
- An outdoor shower where you’re completely one with nature (don’t worry — there’s an indoor shower if you’re feeling shy).
- Positioned right along the fence line.
At night and in the early mornings, lions were roaring and casually walking past our tent. Imagine falling asleep to that soundtrack. Pure bush magic.
They even provide a birding book — and since Manyoni is a hotspot for birding, it’s perfect if that’s your thing.
The Game Drives: Unreal Wildlife Encounters (11/10)
There are two game drives daily — one in the morning and one in the afternoon — and every single one felt like a National Geographic episode.
We experienced:
- Female lions teaching their adolescent cubs how to hunt.
- Cheetahs feeding up close.
- Giraffes and zebras interacting in the wild.
- A herd of elephants with their little ones completely surrounding our vehicle (heart-pounding but safe!).
Morning Game Drives
You’re treated to tea or bush coffee (yes, including Amarula hot chocolate coffee vibes) and rusks — sometimes with hippos watching you, sometimes overlooking the breathtaking reserve landscape.
Afternoon Game Drives
Same format, but now add:
- A golden KZN sunset
- Your drink of choice (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
- Local snacks from biltong to more gourmet bites
It’s giving Durban safari aesthetic, and we loved every second.
The Food: Five-Star Dining in the Bush (10/10)
When they say you’re spoilt for choice, they mean it.
Their in-house chef delivers true restaurant-quality meals:
Dinner
A three-course masterpiece:
- A berry palate cleanser
- Perfectly cooked steak with gourmet mash and seasonal veggies
- Hands down the best cheesecake we’ve had in a long time
Breakfast
A generous buffet-style tray served to you, plus a hot breakfast of your choosing. All you can eat. No complaints.
Lunch
Light but packed with flavour — think tasty meatball chutney, great sides, and just the right spicy kick.
You genuinely feel like you’re dining at a five-star restaurant — just with lions somewhere nearby.
The Service: Above & Beyond (10/10)
The staff deserve their own spotlight.
- Always available.
- Safety is a top priority.
- They escort you back to your tent if animals are roaming nearby.
- Rooms cleaned daily.
- Warm, friendly, and genuinely passionate.
You truly switch off and feel like you’re on holiday from the moment you arrive.
The Views & Atmosphere (10/10)
The main deck area overlooks the reserve, so you could easily spot a lion or elephant wandering past while sipping your drink.
It’s peaceful.
It’s exclusive.
It’s intimate.
It’s a hidden gem.
For Durban locals wanting a luxury bush escape without leaving KZN, Mavela Game Lodge is elite.
You’re spoilt for:
- Wildlife
- Food
- Views
- Comfort
- Service
It’s romantic enough for couples, adventurous enough for friends, and unforgettable enough that you’ll already be planning your next visit before you leave.
⭐ Overall Rating: 10/10
If you’re ready to experience Big 5 luxury just a road trip away, click here to book your stay.
Trust me — this is KZN’s best kept secret.
Author: Carla Wynne
Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨
