Tillietudlem Game and Trout Lodge offers an extraordinary eco-experience with a variety of activities available and is set on 2000 hectares in a secluded valley on the southern side of the Inhluzane Mountain, in the Upper Dargle, KZN Midlands.
Fly fishing, birding, Nguni Cattle interaction and game walks, there are many ways to explore the diversity of this ecological treasure, available exclusively to guests.
If it`s a quiet retreat you prefer, simply relax amidst the tranquility of Tillietudlem host to a myriad of wildlife including rare and endangered animal and bird species plus a plethora of wild flowers and indigenous trees. If you have never had the pleasure of walking amongst our Nguni herd, you are in for a treat!
Accommodation is available in two houses. Whether you are looking for the pampered surrounds of the lovingly restored 105 year old Ogramsluxury self catering house (rated 4-star and) with its splendid views of the dams and mountains, or the seclusion of Hleka Manzi standard self catering house set over a spectacular waterfall and indigenous forest.
There is nothing like the magic of Tillietudlem Game and Trout Farm. Join us and unwind in the unique ambiance of our ecological paradise.
We invite you to experience our exceptional hospitality in a relaxed and magnificent environment.
Accommodation at Tillietudlem Game and Trout Lodge: Ograms luxury self catering 4 star house Ograms is a luxurious classical farm house dating back to the late 19th century, set under a huge oak tree overlooklodge ing several tranquil dams, rolling lawns and a magical feeling of absolute peace. Roaring fires, original Oregon pine floors, sash windows and high ceilings capture the magic of a bygone era. This luxuriously furnished 4 star graded guest accommodates 10 guests in 4 double bedrooms and 1 twin bedroom with 5 en suite bathrooms. All bedrooms are equipped with electric blankets, gas heaters and hairdryers. Surrounded by a wide flagstone covered veranda, its easy to while away the days watching the otters playing in the dam below, taking advantage of the excellent trophy fly fishing literally on your doorstep or dining at your leisure whilst watching the herds of wildebeest grazing on the hillsides. Satellite internet connection and DSTV are just some of the facilities on offer. Ograms house operates on a self catering bases.
Hleka Manzi standard self catering house A comfortable self catering lodge perched over the spectacular waterfall on the upper reaches of the Elands River. An expansive wooden deck overlooks the canopy of indigenous forest with spectacular views of the Inhluzane Mountain. Tranquillity and seclusion make this an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the Tillietudlem reserve. The lodge sleeps 8 people in 1 Queen and 3 Twin bedrooms with two bathrooms to chare. Relax in the spacious open plan lounge and dining room with welcoming fireplace for those cold mountain evenings. A sleeper couch is available in the lounge to accommodate 2 extra children. Fully equipped kitchens provides all the necessary amenities for self catering. Linen is provided. The lodge is serviced daily. Other facilities include DSTV, electric blankets, gas heaters, braai facilities and fire wood.
Activities:
General activites Tillietudlem is a paradise for fly fisherman, game viewers, birders, mountain bikers, photographers, artists, hikers, and those who simply want to relax in the most tranquil environment.
Ecology and Reserve Tillietudlem is a part of one of the most threatened eco-systems in Africa the mist-belt (or mountain) grasslands. Only 2,2% of the South Africas mountain grassland biome is under formal conservation. Tillietudlem is passionately committed to protecting and encouraging the conservation of the area and a visit will expose you to much of this bio-diversity should you take even a short walk in the open grassland or indigenous forests.
Animals The reserve is home to large herds of African game animals including eland, zebra, blue wildebeest, waterbuck, and blesbok, plus family groups of endangered small antelope species such as Oribi, Vaal Reebok and mountain reedbuck. The quiet observer may have the chance to see some of our smaller no less interesting animals such as porcupine, ant bears and mongoose or illusive predators including: mountain leopard, caracal, serval, genet and black back jackal. We are proud to be home to a large and healthy population of cape clawless and spotted necked otter species, which will often be found frolicking in the dams and along the rivers.
Birds Tillietudlem is an official "Birder Friedly Establishment". Due to the diversity of habitats at Tillietudlem, including wetlands, grasslands, indigenous forest, open waters and rivers, the bird life is bountiful, from the tiny sunbirds to the commanding secretary birds. Whether you are an avid twitcher or a novice birding enthusiast, you will definitely be able to add to your checklist, hopefully including a number of rare, protected or endangered birds which includes: crowned blue and blue cranes, blue swallows, cape parrots and half-colared kingfishers. It is remarkable to think that the reserve has 5 different king fishers and three species of sun birds. For those interested in raptors Tillietudlem is truly a Pandoras box with more than seven species of eagles, five species of buzzards, kites, harriers, kestrels, hawks and vultures.
Flowers and Trees Tillietudlem is truly a wonderland for the keen botanist with many thousands of different wild flowers, shrubs, trees and grass species many of which have been exported around the world (agapanthus, gladioli, arum lilies, grass orchids and Watsonias). Guided or casual walks through the grassland, along crystal clear rivers and read fringed wetlands reveal hidden blooms and floral treasures each day. The reserve has several areas of indigenous hardwood forest with a wide variety of trees, shrubs and plants which thrive in the climate of the area. For those prepared to walk into the mountains there is the prize of seeing the protea forest and the aloe gorge.
Health and Climate:
Beautiful spring and warm summers, although cold snaps are possible even in mid summer. Winters are cold, and snow can be expected a few times through the winter months.
Rooms and Units Available:
Garden Room Queen
Luxury cottage with fireplaces in their own small private sitting rooms and ensuite bathroom with bath and shower. All bedrooms are equipped with electric blankets, gas heaters and hairdryers.
Sleeps 2 Adults
Garden room Twin
Luxury cottage with fireplaces in their own small private sitting rooms and ensuite bathroom with bath and shower. All bedrooms are equipped with electric blankets, gas heaters and hairdryers.
Sleeps 2 Adults
Hleka Manzi Self-catering Lodge
Lodge with 4 double bedrooms (1 x queen en-suite, 3 x Twin, 1 en-suite). Open plan lounge and dining room with fireplace. Fully equipped kitchen. DSTV, electric blankets, gas heaters & braai facilities. Linen & bath towels included. Wood available.
Sleeps 8 Adults
Luxury Queen Room
Luxury queen room with ensuite bathroom with bath and shower and heating lamps as well as heated towel rails
Amount of similar units: 2
Sleeps 2 Adults
Ogram's Country House (Unit)
Self catering accommodation at its absolute best! This luxury 4 star graded guest house accommodates 10 guests in 5 bedrooms it include wireless internet connectivity and full DSTV as well as fire wood. There is no cell phone reception on the farm.
Sleeps 8 Adults
Ograms Country Lodge
Embark on a journey of timeless elegance at Ogram’s, a meticulously restored country estate nestled amidst the splendour of the late 19th century. Lose yourself in the captivating views of Otter Dam and the rugged grandeur of Inhlosane Mountain.
Sleeps 10 Adults
Facilities & Services available:
Babies Children under 12 Elderly Honeymoon Couples Limited Room Service
Self-Braai / Barbecue Dining room Fireplace on the Premises Garden Internet Access
Xhosa / Zulu Communal Television Communal Satellite TV Hiking / Walking Trails
Cancellation Policy:
- Refund of deposit if cancelled 60 days or more prior to arrival - 50% refund of deposit if cancelled 30 days or more prior to arrival - Deposit not refundable if cancelled within 30 days prior to arrival (unless unit re-let, refund at manager's discretion)
Directions:
South gate (recommended route): - From N3 - Take the Howick South/Underberg (exit 99)off ramp and head for Underberg (via Boston) on R617 - Pass through Boston village and after 6 kms turn right onto Impendle Road (signposted Impendle) - After 6,5 kms pass Coquidale Farm on your left - Continue for another 500 metres and the South Gate is on your right (please be careful as this turn off is on a corner)
IMPORTANT - the South Gate is usually locked and arrangements must be made with Tillietudlem management for it to be unlocked.
North gate: - Take the Howick North/Tweedie off ramp from the N3. Turn towards Nottingham Road/Mooi River. - At Lions River, on the R103, take the Dargle/Impendle road, (P130), and continue for 19 km along a tar road. After the road turns to gravel, travel a further 6km, pass the Boston Underberg Turnoff. - Travel a further 5 km and take the D522 turnoff and travel another 7km to Tillietudlem Trout and Game Lodge.
