DescriptionIn a quiet corner of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg World Heritage Park, with the cascading Umzimkulu river bounding one side and blue mountain sky the other, lies Birches Cottage. This luxury Bed & Breakfast and Self Catering establishment, consisting of a luxury suite for three persons and a bed-sitter sleeping two persons, offers complete privacy in a delightful country setting. Meandering footpaths connect the corners of the surrounding six hectare estate and provide access to spectacular trout pools and cascades. Wild geese, guinea fowl and peacocks roam about and the grassy hillsides shelter buff-streaked chats, pin-tailed whydas, waxbills and buntings. Patience and a cautious approach often reveal otters, rhebuck and caracal.
Accommodation in the Birches and the Willows Perfectly suited for the longer term visitor, Birches B&B and/or self catering is a luxury suite, offering accommodation for two adults and one child with an extra-length king size bed and a queen-sized sleeper couch. The kitchenette which contains a fridge, four plate hob with overhead extractor, microwave, toaster and kettle, has been designed for the traveler who wants to combine B&B with self-catering. The cottage consists of the kitchen/lounge and dining area, a spacious bedroom and a bathroom with a bath, shower and his/hers basins. Appointments are luxurious and designed to meet the requirements of the most discerning traveler. A cozy gas fire, panel heaters and electric blankets are provided to counter the chilly Underberg winter nights. The beds are dressed in percale linen and the embroidered duvets are filled with duck down. Floors are covered in sumptuous thick-pile carpets while the cottage walls are adorned with collector’s hand-coloured photographs and original paintings.
AttractionsSpecial two and three-day packages are arranged for visitors to Birches and Willow Cottages and include the following features:Two-day package - Day 1: a full-day visit to the highest pub in Africa at the top of Sani pass ( for which passports are required). A five star dinner at Moorcroft restaurant. Day 2: a two-hour moderate hike to N'thaben followed by a tube ride down the Umzimkulu river. The day's excursion is concluded with drinks and a barbeque on Moonrise deck. Three-day package - Day 1: a self-drive visit to the historic Reichenau and Centacow Catholic missions traversing some of the most spectacular rural Zululand mountain landscape (an approximately 150 kilometres, 5 hours excursion). A trout dinner at the Polo Restaurant and Trout Bar. Day 2: an early morning visit to a working dairy farm followed by a hearty breakfast at the Lemon Tree Bistro. Golfing at the spectacular Drakensberg Gardens resort (nine holes) or horse riding at Khotso Horse trails for the male members and a half-day make-over at the Total Body Clinic for the female members of the party. Dinner at the Himeville Arms Hotel. Day 3: a full-day visit to the highest pub in Africa at the top of Sani Pass (for which passports are required). A five star dinner at Moorcroft restaurant. Packages of various dimensions and catering for a variety of interests are arranged for visitors to the estate. Trout fishing clinics and venues with proven stock are arranged. Outings to exclusive trout waters in Lesotho can be scheduled with local guides. Mountain guides will lead the accomplished and aspirant mountaineer to several spectacular mountain peaks (one of which is the highest south of the Capricorn median). For the naturalist, other guides offer insight into the spectacular Drakensberg montane biome, its geomorphology, animal life and rich bushman art heritage.
DirectionsFrom the N3, take the Howick South/Underberg off ramp and follow the signs along the R617 via Boston and Bulwer to Underberg. The distance from the N3 to Underberg is 111 km. |
