Thornleys Guest House - We all have times in our lives when the rat race becomes too much and escape is essential. Thornleys provides the perfect venue to re-charge your mental batteries.
Here you can switch off your phone and behave as though the internet had never been invented. Once you have checked in to one of our beautifully appointed suites you may find it hard to leave. Surrounded by the lush sub-tropical vegetation so indicative of the area, you will find yourself unwinding almost from the first moment of your stay.
Thornleys is set on a 2 acre property and is surrounded by the Dlinza forest, great for birders and nature lovers.
You may want to carry your coffee (or a G&T) to the Dlinza forest birding deck, where you can gaze over the canopy of the forest below, or just settle down in one of the comfy arm chairs in our well-stocked library with one of your own or one of our books.
Thornleys has no TV’s, this is by design.
In keeping with the relaxed atmosphere we strive for, guests are encouraged to make use of our facilities. The swimming pool and Turkish Den are perfect for unwinding on a steamy Zululand day.
Should one desire a cozier atmosphere, be it at night or on a rainy day. The “Thorn & Bubble” bar is prefect in this regard.
If you insist on some physical activity, we should mention we are right in the heart of the world-famous Zululand Birding Route, and a two-minute drive from the Eshowe Hills Eco Estate with its championship 18-hole golf course, designed by the same man who created the Royal Johannesburg East course and the exclusive River Club, amongst others.
In-room Facilities:
Each room features a private bathroom with tea- and coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Each room has a desk complete with a small “library”, as well as a seating area to relax and read a good book.
Play Golf - Play a round of Golf at the Bob Grimsdell designed 18 hole Eshowe Hills Golf Course
Go Birding - Go Birding at The Dlinza forest aerial boardwalk and surrounding forests
See the Butterflies - Visit the spectacular new Eshowe butterfly enclosure. This butterfly house conveniently situated right next door to Fort Nonqayi Museum village.
Visit Fort Nonqayi Museum Village - Less than three kilometers from Thornleys is the Fort Nonqayi museum village. Built in 1883, Fort Nonqayi has become a museum and showcase the interesting history of the area.
Vukani basket museum is adjacent to Fort Nonqayi - This museum has a comprehensive collection of Zulu baskets and a well laid out and interesting display of Zulu baskets and the history thereof.
Adams Outpost restaurant, which is also within the museum village is delightful restaurant which operates in a hundred year old building. Tasty midday meals are offered at very reasonable prices.
Madeathome farmers market - Held every Saturday morning, madeathome is a farmers market. On offer are: Baked products, fresh produce, arts and crafts. There is also a tea garden which has good quality coffee and tea complimented by home-made cake and scones.
George Hotel & Zululand Brewery - If you wish to experience a genuine country hotel and pub. The George Hotel is a kilometer away from Thornleys.
This room contains a king-size bed, positioned on large Persian carpet. En-suite with a bath and shower. An antique desk and 2 antique chairs together with old school wall sconces and a chandelier ensure a vintage feel.
This room has a king-size bed positioned on a large Persian carpet. It is En-suite with a large shower. The room is large and has a desk, a “ball & claw” couch and a collection of books. Old fashioned wall sconces and lighting ensure a vintage feel.
This room has a king-size bed which is positioned on a large Persian carpet. En-suite with a large shower. The room is white/beige in color and has a desk and a small library. 2 antique chairs and classic lighting ensure a vintage feel.
- If cancelling 7 days before arrival, forfeit 100% of the booking total.
- If cancelling 14 days before arrival, forfeit 100% of the deposit.
- If cancelling 21 days before arrival, forfeit 50% of the deposit.
- If cancelling 30 days before arrival, forfeit 25% of the deposit.
Driving from Durban, head along the N2 and take the R66 exit to Eshowe/Gingindlovu/Ulundi.
Continue along the R66 for approximately 25 km.
Take the first exit to Eshowe and at the traffic circle, turn left into Main Street and continue for 700 m past the George Hotel.
At the bottom of the hill, turn left into Mansel Terrace.
Look for a white signboard outside Thornleys Guest House on the left-hand side
