Willowdale Lodge

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal

Description

Willowdale Lodge offers comfortable en-suite accommodation in a relaxed and peaceful country environment. Situated right on the N2 a few Kilometres from Kokstad, Willowdale Lodge offers both the business and leisure traveller the ideal environment in which to unwind.

Set on a historic farm mid-way between KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, our relaxed environment and comfortable accommodation is ideal for anyone requiring accommodation in the Kokstad region, or passing through to the Drakensberg, Wild Coast, Eastern Cape Game reserves,  KwaZulu-Natal battlefields or further afield.

Set on a historic working farm in the heart of the East Griqualand Highlands, our relaxed environment and historic lodgings combine perfectly to ensure a memorable stay. With 10 spacious en-suite rooms, large country fireplaces, huge rambling Gardens and a sumptious selection of food in our Coffee Shop, Deli and Dining room, your stay is sure to be a sensual and gastronomic delight. In keeping with the country philosophy ,we make our own yogurts and bread, get our milk and eggs from the farm, grow our own vegetables and herbs and take pride in their passage from the farm to your plate.

Surrounded by over 2000 hectares of panoramic highland countryside, Willowdale lodge provides the ideal environment in which to unwind. Set right on the N2 mid-way between Kwazulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, it is also the perfect stopover for travellers seeking the authentic.

Accommodation

Accommodation at Willowdale Lodge is characterised by the historic ambience of the homestead, including its grand fireplaces, beautiful polished floors, huge rambling gardens and luxurious furnishings. Willowdale’s Historic and homely character is further enhanced through the introduction of modern touches such as under-floor heating, hotspot internet access and full DSTV.

All rooms at Willowdale are en-suite twins with ¾ beds and 100% percale cotton linen. Most rooms open out onto deep verandahs with direct access to the huge garden. We also offer a cosy residents bar, a pool room, delicious country cooking, a great wine list and the best freshly ground coffee.

Attractions

Set on over 2000 hectares of Highland countryside, Willowdale offers numerous opportunities for the actively inclined, including Hiking, Mountain biking, horse riding, trout fishing and birding. At just over 4500 feet above sea level, Willowdale provides a typical highlands climate with cool dry winters and warm moist summers. Temperatures can range from - 5 to 22 degrees in the winter and 16 to 30 degrees in the summer. Snowfalls occur a few times a year.

Hiking: Willowdale offers the hiker numerous opportunities to discover the various terrain prevalent in the district. From open mountain grasslands to indigenous forest trails. Hikes are unguided but can be tailored to suit your needs.

Horse Riding: Horse Rides need to be pre-arranged. The rides can be tailored to your needs ( 3 hour, 1/2 day and full day) and will take the rider up into some of the most remote and beautiful areas of East Griqualand. Rides are guided and include all meals and equipment. The 1/2 day and full day rides are for riders with previous experience only.

Mountain Biking: The open Grasslands, ancient cattle trails, mountaneous terrain and endless country roads are a mountain bikers delight. Choose your direction and Go.

Fly Fishing: Fly Fishing needs to be pre-arranged. Willowdale has access to two of the most unspoilt and authentic trout fishing lakes in the region. Both lakes are in remote corners of East Griqualand and offer comfortable and fully equipped fishing cottages. Both lakes regularily produce trophy fish in the 10 pound plus region.

Birding: The Southern Drakensberg Highlands are a Twitchers delight. Besides numerous LBJ's, you might also be lucky enough to catch site of rare and endemic species such as the Blue Swallow, the Cape Parrot, Drakensberg Rock-jumper, Eurasian Bittern, all three Southern African Crane Species and both the Cape and Bearded Vultures.

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