Farmstay accommodation in Drakensburg, South Africa
| country: | South Africa | ||||
| location: | Machadodorp | ||||
| price: | From R 550 - R 775 per person per night. Sleeps 8 (must be one group).
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| more info: | Please see price table below for more pricing information |
introduction to Farmstay accommodation in Drakensburg, South Africa
This country estate is situated just three hours from Johannesburg, exactly 275 kilometres from Hyde Park Corner, halfway to the Kruger Park, between Machadodorp and Badplaas. The estate straddles the Skurweberg on the very lip of the mighty African Escarpment with vast views over the Komati River valley all the way to Swaziland. This spectacular estate is over 1250 hectares in extent featuring a wide variety of terrain, from the ancient grasslands to Yellow wood forests, with a multitude of springs feeding into the Bankspruit, Elands and Komati rivers the farm is a kaleidoscope of waterfalls and streams, with VIEWS, VIEWS, VIEWS.
special things to see and do here
Trout fishingThe lodge is a fishing paradise with 4 large dams heaving with lively fat trout to temp the sportsman, the weary traveller and lovers of the country. There are 4 large spring fed crystal clear dams of about 3 hectares lavishly stocked with rainbow, brown and golden trout.
Hiking & walks
The estate has been extensively laid out with walking paths and hiking trails that make the spectacular places in the kranse and gorges easily accessible. These self guided paths will allow you to explore places that one can only dream about, they are set out so that you can choose the length of your walk from a ‘nice little walk’ to the full day Escarpment Trail and everything in between.
Game viewing
The state is fenced and game is being introduced, already there are many of the unique bucks only found on the high veldt, which are distinctive from the game in the low veldt.
Trees
The estate is also a showcase for a wondrous variety of trees to satisfy the most demanding dendrologist with 108 trees already identified just along the paths.
how to find us
Take the N12 from Johannesburg to Witbank, which joins the N4, go past Belfast and take the SECOND turning into Machadodorp.
- Go into town over the river and get to a 4 way stop by the FNB, turn LEFT on to the R 541 to BADPLAAS.
- Follow the road for 17.5 kilometres and take the BLOEMFONTEIN turn of to the RIGHT.
- This becomes a gravel road, go for 2 kilometres to the T-junction turn LEFT and follow the road, through one farm gate, and follow the signs to the lodge.
- Park in the garages available where you will find a bell to call us.
rooms, food and facilities
The fishing lodge is a very cute old stone home from the turn of the century, nestled in a protective valley overlooking large dams. Graded 4 star by the TGCSA and AA Highly recommended, the lodge offers an intimate country house atmosphere, which is exclusive and private. The open plan sitting, dinning area we provide hearty country fare,and there is the full bouquet of DSTV. The house has 3 double bedrooms en-suit and a fourth bedroom also en-suit with two single beds sleeping 8 altogether. All beds are equipped with electric blankets and fab linen and loads of soft cushions to ensure a duvet wilderness experience. The lodge is the epitome of 4 star comfy, shabby chic luxuries where one can set aside the troubles of the world.
price details
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Prices are per person per night
how this holiday makes a difference
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The estate is committed to nature conservation and sustainable use of the environment. Being part of the last remaining extant Highveltd grassland biome we are particularly sensitive to its preservation and restoration after many years of degradation. We have an on going program to rid the estate of alien species in conjunction with the national 'Working for water project'.We are also involved in combating the effects of erosion, the restoration of the wild life to the area and to creating a conservancy with our neighbours.
We have now cleared and rehabilitated over 200 hectares giving employment to 15 local people and from those training 5 to service the lodge and guests and to maintain the estate.We have undertaken training and literacy programs for our staff as well as an on going AIDs prevention program, including establishing a regular visit by a local nurse to attend our people. All refuse is removed from site, and sewage is ecologically dealt with to avoid any pollution to the water table and the environment.Construction of dwellings and accommodation is all situated in what were degraded sites with no fencing, exotic gardening or irrigation.Dam construction for fishing activities has been restricted to just one of the 11 water sources on the property and has been designed and placed to avoid degradation of the water table and to increase the wet lands and we are trying to re establish water that will encourage the stocking of indigenous species of fish such as yellow fish. We have also established nesting boxes for our vulture population and have started a program to re establish the minor species of mammals (rats and mice) and a policy of restrained burning to allow the propagation and protection of this ignored but vital part of the ecology. We have also allowed the University of Stellenbosch to survey and encourage the fecundity of the area. The estate is now a viable and sustainable tourism destination creating employment both full and part time in servicing our guests, construction, and estate management. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |
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