Montusi Mountain Lodge is the only 4 Star graded lodge in the Northern KwaZulu Natal Drakensberg mountains (near the Royal Natal Nature Reserve), which offers superb views of the Amphitheatre from every building. Guests are accommodated in free-standing suites set apart in the indigenous gardens. There is a main-building with dining room, lounge, bar, games loft and massage room.
Table dhte, breakfast and dinner, are enjoyed in a spacious restaurant under a rather unusual thatched roof. Montusis kitchen provides delicious meals with a wide choice for all tastes. Special dietary requirements (including vegetarian, vegan, lactose or gluten free) are readily catered for with prior notice.
The bar offers a variety of excellent, reasonably priced South African wines and lively banter with the hosts.
The lounge is a quiet space where guests can really soak up the ambience of Montusi. The log fire-place, oil paintings and large picture windows provide a perfect atmosphere for unwinding over a good book and a delicious cappuccino. Complimentary wi-fi and the internet station mean guests can catch up on emails and current events.
Through our Emmemeli Community Project we offer Relaxation Massage by local Zulu ladies in the Emmemeli Massage Room.
Please note: A minimum stay of two nights is required over a weekend.
Accommodation at Montusi Mountain Lodge: A maximum of 40 guests are accommodated in 10 Garden Suites, 4 Family Suites and 2 Mountain Suites: The Garden Suites have one bedroom (16 square meters) with either a kingsize double bed or two single beds and a ceiling fan; a bathroom (6.5 square meters) with both a bath and separate shower; and a lounge (16 square meters).
The Family Suites have two bedrooms (each 16 square meters): the front bedroom has a kingsize double bed and an en-suite bathroom with a bath, and the second bedroom has two single beds and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. These rooms are on either side of the entrance passage that leads onto the lounge.
The Mountain Suites are our newest additions to the lodge. They are the new and improved versions of the Garden Suites, with a bigger floor area and a more modern design. They too have a bedroom (20 square meters) with a kingsize double bed and a ceiling fan, a bathroom (12 square meters) and lounge (25 square meters), but the rooms are all larger and more spacious. The views are stunning and the fittings and furnishings give these units a crisp, fresh feel. We have taken the best of 14 years of Montusi Mountain Lodge and channelled it into these two new units.
All suites lounges have a gas fire-place, wet-bar, fridge, tea/coffee facility (with coffee plunger), flat-screen TV, DVD-player and private patio. There is a private covered car port beside each suite. On arrival guests receive fresh flowers, complimentary welcome drinks, home-made truffles and nougat in the suite. Honeymooners receive complimentary sparkling wine.
There is a turn-down service with cookies and weather report for the following day.
Complimentary afternoon tea and snacks are served from 16:00 to 17:00 daily.
Activities at Montusi Mountain Lodge: On the property: Modern rock swimming pool, complimentary daily guided hikes and self-guided hiking trails, horse riding, tennis, trout fishing, birding, mountain bike trails and relaxation massage.
Nearby: Adventure Centre with adrenaline-pumping activities including quad biking, tree-top tour; and a golf course.
Activities:
Hiking We provide daily morning walks on the 1000 ha. estate (with a guide free of charge). There are also a number of self-guided trails.
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.
Trapeze and Adventure Center Activities offered include Flying Trapeze, Bungee Bounce (trampoline and bungee system), Zip Line (Giant Foofy Slide) 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.
Fly fishing We have two dams on the property stocked with trout (and with beautiful view) as well as several mountain streams. Fishing rods can be hired and flies are for sale.
Golf The nearest golf course is about 10 km away: the nine-hole and beautifully situated Amphitheatre Golf Course at Hlalanathi.
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.
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. Overlooking the dam is a spot where the conservation authorities leave carcasses for the Cape Vultures
Basotho Cultural Village, Golden Gate National Park and Clarens: At approximately one hour's drive from Montusi.
Health and Climate:
Montusi Mountain Lodge is situated only three and a half hours from Johannesburg and three hours from Durban, making it the ideal location when travelling from JHB and DBN international airports. Malaria Free Area!
Rooms and Units Available:
Family Suite - 2 bedroom, Showers only
Free standing unit
2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms: one with kingsize double bed and shower; one with twin beds and shower.
Lounge with patio.
Sleeps 4 Adults
Family Suite-2 bedroom, bath and shower
Free standing unit
2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms: one with kingsize double bed and bath; one with twin beds and shower.
Lounge with patio.
Amount of similar units: 3
Sleeps 4 Adults
Garden Suites Double
Free standing unit.
Bedroom with kingsize double bed
Bathroom with both bath and shower
Lounge with patio.
Amount of similar units: 8
Sleeps 2 Adults
Garden Suites Twin
Free standing unit
Bedroomw ith twin beds
Bathroom with both bath and shower
Lounge with patio.
Amount of similar units: 2
Sleeps 2 Adults
Mountain Suites
Newly built, bigger free standing unit
Bedroom with kingsize double bed
Bathroom with both bath and shower
Lounge with patio.
Amount of similar units: 2
Sleeps 2 Adults
Facilities & Services available:
Honeymoon Couples Laundry Service Ironing Service Limited Room Service Special Meals on Request Wedding facilities Bar on the Premises
Dining room Cots available Curio Shop Fax & Photocopy Machine Fireplace on the Premises Garden Library
Internet Access Parking (off-street - covered) Tourism Information Desk Wi-Fi English Xhosa / Zulu DVD and/or VCR
Hiking / Walking Trails Horse Riding Playground Swimming Pool Tennis Court No Pets Allowed
Cancellation Policy:
•Cancellation must be received in writing. •25% of total cost of stay is charged if cancelled 16 to 30 days before arrival date. •50% of total cost of stay is charged if cancelled 8 to 15 days before arrival date. •100% of total cost of stay is charged if cancelled 1 to 7 days before arrival date.
Directions:
From Johannesburg follow the N3 to Harrismith, turn towards Bethlehem on the N5, travel 4km, turn left onto the R712, travel 8 km, turn left again toward Bergville. Travel 28 km, down the Oliviershoek pass, as the pass levels out, turn right towards the Northern Drakensberg. Follow signs to Alpine Heath and Montusi.
