Montusi Mountain Lodge

Exclusive, luxury lodge offers superb views of the Amphitheatre of the Royal Natal National Park.

Enquire now View Rates

Description

Situated in the Kwazulu-Natal Drakensberg, halfway between Johannesburg and Durban, Montusi is the only upmarket destination in the area with a full and uninterrupted view of the Drakensberg's most famous part, the Amphitheatre escarpment. Our guests enjoy this spectacular scenery in the comfort of their private individual garden suites.

Montusi consists of a large and beautifully thatched main building (with reception, dining room, terrace, bar, lounge and massage room) and 14 spacious, tastefully decorated, individual garden suites which are among the most luxurious in the Drakensberg.

The one and two-bedroomed suites each have a lounge with a gas Jetmaster fireplace, TV, mini fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. The bathrooms have under-floor heating. They are spaced well apart and guests can admire magnificent views of The Amphitheatre and the sandstone hills of the Little Berg from their bedroom, lounge or private patio. The marvellous cuisine is enjoyed in the thatched dining room or outdoor boma.

We have 4 six-sleeper self-catering cottages, which have three bedrooms, three bathrooms (two of which are en-suite with a total of two showers and two baths per chalet), open plan living room/kitchen and a patio. Each cottage has limited DSTV, under-floor heating and a fireplace, and is fully and luxuriously fitted with fridge/freezer, dishwasher, electric stove/oven, microwave, cutlery, crockery and linen.
Guests wishing to smoke are requested to please do so on the patio.  The maximum number of people per six-sleeper cottage (including children) is six.  Please bring your own swimming towels, torch and umbrella.  The units are serviced daily, but dishes are only washed on day of departure.  Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate self-caterers in the lodge dining room for breakfast or dinner.

Attractions

Doing nothing is probably the most favourite past time at Montusi. No pressure, no wake up calls (in fact no telephone in the room), hot water all day long. Montusi is the best place to simply wind down and relax. Just enjoy our little bit of paradise and recharge the batteries.

Hiking

Hiking is the most important active past-time in the Drakensberg. We provide daily morning walks on the 1000 ha. estate (with a guide free of charge). Popular destinations are the top of Montusi Mountain, Bushman Cave (with paintings), Waterfall Cave and various streams and rock pools (with summer swimming). There are also a number of self-guided trails, both at Montusi and at nearby sister resort The Cavern. The uKhahlamba National Park (formerly Royal Natal National Park) is about 15 kms away with the Tugela Gorge walk and a number of other well-known trails. On request, we will organise day hikes 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).

Horse Riding

Exploring the Berg on horseback is even more spectacular than on foot. We have stables on the premises and a number of thorough bred horses. Three rides a day are provided for various levels of proficiency, including absolute beginners (rides bookable in advance at reception - rides are open to non-residents). Sundown rides are an extra special favourite.  Special group outings, including overnight safaris, can be organised with advance notice. For more riding ideas visit The Northern Horse, our dedicated horse riding website - www.drakensberghorseriding.co.za

Trapeze and Adventure Center

Anyone approaching Montusi will not fail to notice the impressive high flying trapeze and safety net as well as a number of other “structures” used by our on site team building and adventure specialists All Out Adventures. The now famous Flying Trapeze forms part of the Adventure Center, operated by All Out Adventures just 10 minutes drive from the lodge. Activities offered include Flying Trapeze, Bungee Bounce (trampoline and bungee system), Zip Line (Giant Foofy Slide), Canopy Tours, Quad Biking and Paintball (two parties shooting at each other with paint). Activities are run with an emphasis on safety, and are achievable by participants of all ages and fitness levels. Unauthorised use of equipment is (naturally!) prohibited and indemnity forms must be signed. Book with Chris (072 386 1344) for your private of group session (Separate charges are payable). All Out Adventures also organises Circus Workshops, Eco Challenge courses and a host of team building activities both on and off site. Also offered: corporate entertainment, circus shows and fire shows.

Fly fishing

We have two dams on the property stocked with trout (and with beautiful view) as well as several mountain streams. Permits for trout fishing are required and can be purchased at reception. Fishing rods can be hired and flies are for sale. There is an additional charge for trout caught and not released.

Golf

The nearest golf course is about 10 km away: the nine-hole and beautifully situated Amphitheatre Golf Course at Hlalanathi. Please call at Hlalanathi reception before commencing your game.

4x4 tracks and Mountain Biking

We have 4x4 trails starting from the property (not for the faint-hearted!) which are used by mountain bikers as well (bring your own bike).

Township tours

With some notice we will take you to the nearby tribal areas, for a visit to a traditional doctor (sangoma), school and a general insight into contemporary rural Zulu life.

Sterkfontein Dam and the vulture restaurant.

Just behind Montusi across the Oliviershoek Pass lies the large and stunningly beautiful Sterkfontein Dam which forms part of the Tugela Vaal Water Scheme which supplies water to Johannesburg. The clear water of this large dam is suitable for watersports such as sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing. Overlooking the dam is a spot where the conservation authorities leave carcasses for the Cape Vultures a vulture "restaurant".

Basotho Cultural Village, Golden Gate National Park and Clarens

At approximately one hour's drive from Montusi is the interesting Basotho Cultural Village which gives an overview of Basotho culture and building styles from the past to the present. A good spot for tea and a guided tour. Then on to the spectacular scenery of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park with immense sandstone cliffs and lots of smaller game and birds (hiking and scenic drives both recommended). Clarens is also worth a stop, a pleasant village where many artists have settled. Good curioshops and art galleries can be found here.

Spioenkop and the Battlefields

The Spioenkop Battlefield and Game Reserve is approximately an hours drive from Montusi. HClick to Enlargeere you can relive the Battle of Spioenkop (1900) where the British army on its way to relieve besieged Ladysmith was involved in heavy fighting with the Boer Army. After heroic persistence on both sides, the Boers eventually occupied the summit | but with heavy casualties for all. The nearby 6000 ha Spioenkop Game Reserve is based around a dam in the Tugela River. There are rhino, giraffe and antelope in the reserve and it is a popular spot for picnics and day trips. With advance notice we can organise (guided) tours to other points of historic interest e.g. Kerkenberg and the Kaalvoet Vrou Monument, 4x4 excursions through the magnificent Mnweni valley right throught to Mike's Pass (Central Berg), etc.

TGCSA Star Grading

Facilities

Our 1000 ha. estate offers a superb playground for hiking, horse riding, mountain biking (bring your own bikes) and 4x4-ing (using your own 4x4 on the designated track).  We have a beautiful swimming pool,  tennis court and 2 trout fishing dams on the property (equipment available at reception).  For the less active, we offer relaxation massage for a perfect destressing exercise.

Temperemental Wi-fi internet access is available in the main building.