Email
Montusi Mountain Lodge Reservations: booksa@madbookings.com
Space, comfort and peace are what you will find when you treat
yourself to the natural splendour and peaceful, romantic ambiance
of this Drakensberg haven.
Situated in the Kwazulu-Natal Drakensberg, halfway between Johannesburg
and Durban, Montusi Mountain Lodge 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.
Activities on the 1000 hectare estate are diverse. Enjoy the peace. |
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Since June 2000 the Carte family at Montusi Mountain Lodge has provided
an opportunity for their guests to intimately indulge in the freedom of
the Drakensberg experience.
We believe in the conservation of the Northern Drakensberg and for ten
years we have preserved and planted – changing a Wattle infested
wasteland into a rehabilitated conservation area. Our indigenous trees
and manmade forests continue to flourish and the resultant birdlife (once
non-existent) has become abundant. This ethic has resulted in the return
of the Mountain Reedbuck, Vaal Rhebuck, Bushbuck and the elusive Eland
to this area once inhabited by Bushmen.
Montusi boasts the privilege of space with 14 suites set in open gardens
each with spectacular views of the Amphitheatre and surrounding mountains.
This is an idyllic escape to space, comfort and peace.
Montusi Mountain Lodge Accommodation
The Lodge
Montusi Mountain Lodge consists of a large and beautifully thatched main
building with reception, dining room, terrace, bar, lounge and massage
treatment room. The 14 spacious, tastefully decorated, individual garden
suites are among the most luxurious in the Drakensberg. The peace and
quiet, like our homemade chocolates and bread, are quite addictable!
Garden Suites
Each suite is decorated in the earthy colours of Africa and has a comfortable
bedroom with en-suite bathroom (bath and walk in shower), a lounge with
a television, gas operated fire place and private patio. Tea and coffee
making facilities, including a bar fridge for fresh milk, are provided.
Minibar facility in the suite is available upon request. All suites have
a car port for one vehicle. Most suites have a kingsize double bed (others
with two singles beds) and the Honeymoon Suites have a corner tub for
two. The suites all have panoramic views of the Drakensberg’s Amphitheatre.
Self Catering Cottages
There are six privately owned, thatched self-catering cottages on the
estate, some of which are let out through the Lodge. Each generously furnished
cottage sleeps between 4 to 6 guests. They are equipped with stove, fridge,
freezer, microwave, dishwasher, crockery and cutlery, braai facilities
and log fires (regret NO fires on windy days). Linen and towels are provided.
The cottages are serviced daily but this does not include dishwashing.
Guests must bring their own supplies and swimming towels.
Cuisine
Our intimate restaurant (with under-floor heating and log fireplace)
is renowned for sumptuous local cuisine with innovative menus. In summer
we eat outside on the Phumleni with the Amphitheatre view enhancing the
delicious meals. Breakfast and dinner are included for lodge guests. Light
lunches are available between 12.30pm and 14.00pm.
Awarded a Chef’s Hat in the Portfolio Collection, our cuisine is
the subject of much praise.
~ Dinner Menu ~
Olive and Chilli Flat Bread
with Tzatziki, Sundried Tomato, Parma Ham and Feta
Sweet Potato Soup
Ostrich Fillet in a Green Peppercorn and White Wine Sauce
With Beetroot Syrup and a Biltong Salsa
Served With Roast Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables
Honey and Pepper Roasted Duck Breast
Served with Potato Wedges and Seasonal Vegetables
Portebelini Mushroom, Parmesan and Spring Onion Risotto
Served with a Garden Salad
Vanilla Bavarois with a Berry Coulis
Chocolate Ice Cream and Amarula Sauce
Activities at & around Montusi Mountain Lodge
Doing nothing is probably the most sort after pastime 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 eagerly enjoyed in the Drakensberg. We provide daily morning
walks on the 1000 ha. estate with a guide who provides tea, coffee and
cookies free of charge. Popular destinations are the top of Montusi Mountain,
Bushman Cave (with paintings), Waterfall Cave and various streams and
rock pools for summer swimming. Guests can safely hike the Estate on their
own using the Montusi Hiking Guide as well as at the uKhahlamba National
Park (Royal Natal National Park) 15 kms away, with the Tugela Gorge being
the favourite. 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). Please contact us for further details.
Swimming Pool
Our fenced swimming pool looks out at the escarpment. The surrounding
rocks have provided inspiration for this unusual and beautifully crafted
pool.
Horse Riding
The Northern Horse operates spectacular horse trails from the Montusi
Estate. The stables are within easy walking distance from the Lodge and
all levels of rider are catered for. They specialize in customizing trails
to suit the rider with everything from gentle strolls over flat fields
to exhilarating descents into the river valleys and up the escarpments.
All Out Adventures
Anyone approaching Montusi will not fail to notice the impressive Adventure
Centre 10 minutes drive from the Lodge. Guests wanting an adrenalin rush
have access to a spectacular Cable Tour, a hair raising Free Fall King
Swing, thrilling Flying Trapeze, Bungee Bounce (trampoline and bungee
system), Zip Line (Giant Foofy Slide), Forested Paintball and Quad Bike
Tours to the river. Activities are run with an emphasis on safety and
are achievable by participants of all ages and fitness levels. This is
a great venue for corporate and family Teambuilding. Unauthorized use
of equipment is (naturally!) prohibited and indemnity forms must be signed.
There is also a Tea Garden and New Kidz zone with sit and zip line. (Closed
Mondays and Tuesdays during KZN school terms).
Fly Fishing
We have two dams on the property stocked with trout (and with a beautiful
view). Fishing rods can be hired and flies are for sale. This ‘Catch
and Release’ activity is strictly reserved for Lodge residents.
Golf
The nearest golf course is 8 km away at the nine-hole Amphitheatre Golf
Course at Hlalanathi.
Mountain Biking Trails
We have access to 45km of mind blowing mountain bike trails ranging from
gentle 4 x 4 trails to technical single track. It is worthwhile bringing
your own Mountain Bike to enjoy this enviable terrain.
Township Tours
With some notice we can take you to the nearby tribal area, for a visit
to a traditional doctor (sangoma), school and a general insight into contemporary
rural Zulu life. We encourage interest in the local community and the
Khanyisela Project. ‘By educating our children we are helping to
build our nation and ensure a better tomorrow for all.’ These authentic
tours are beneficial to this impoverished rural area.
Email
Montusi Mountain Lodge Reservations: booksa@madbookings.com
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