Umzimkulu River Lodge

Umzimkulu River Lodge

Description

Umzimkulu River Lodge offers serviced, DB&B, B&B or Self catering accommodation on one of the most picturesque bends of the Umzimkulu River in the Southern Drakensberg. We are situated 2 hours from DBN and 6 hrs from Johannesburg in the foothills of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site.

FAMILIES love it for the unhurried old world country atmosphere with days spent picnicking under the huge oaks on the river island, boulder hopping in Thrombosis Gorge or just “messing about in boats”.

HONEYMOONERS revel in the privacy of a luxurious suite and private deck just meters from the river bank.

FISHERMEN love it for the unrivalled opportunities to catch rainbow trout along our 2.5km stretch of river. 

To make sure you have a relaxing break we have babysitters on hand to offer you solitude or an opportunity to enjoy a meal without having to mop up any spillages!

Umzimkulu River Lodge has recently been awarded 3 Star Grading in the Self Catering category (www.tourismgrading.co.za). We undertake to contribute to the sustainability of the Tourism Industry and are committed to quality assurance. We also boast an AA Recommended Status which is assessed on an annual basis to keep us on our toes (www.aatravel.co.za).

Come and experience restoration of body and soul in truly lovely surroundings.

DINNER
We offer a 2 course traditional set dinner menu which range in price from R55-R85pp, half portions are available for children . Dinner is served between 6:00-8:00. If you will be arriving late, we can arrange to have your dinner set up in your room ready to reheat on your arrival.

CELEBRATIONS
We also cater for celebrations. If you have gathered with friends or family at Umzimkulu River Lodge and would like to celebrate a special occasion by sharing a meal together, we will put together a menu especially for you. Contact Lynne to discuss your requirements.

Accommodation

All our fully equipped self catering units are situated just meters from the river bank with stunning views. All the units except the log cabin are equipped with log fires. All the units have individual braai facilities. In winter a complimentary bundle of firewood is supplied on arrival and additional firewood is available to purchase thereafter.

The units are serviced once daily in the mornings, excluding Sundays and Public Holidays.  Should you require additional assistance we can arrange to have a housekeeper available for an additional fee of R15/hour or part thereof in the afternoons.

We aim to have your cottages refreshed and ready for you by 14:00 on your arrival day and we ask that you vacate your unit 10:30 on your departure day. We do however make allowances upon request if there are no other guests expected.

HONEYMOON SUITE
The Bower is a free standing thatched unit set away from the family accommodation with its own private entrance through a rose covered pergola. Within the room there is an extra length king size oak canopy bed, 2 arm chairs in front of the log fire and a stocked mini bar. The kitchenette has a gas hob, fridge, microwave and all the necessary cutlery & crockery. The bathroom is made for two with a huge corner bath and a twin shower. The Bower has its own braai facilities and a private deck with loungers overlooking the river.
SORRY NO PETS ALLOWED

Malachite

 4 SLEEPER
Malachite is a free standing thatched cottage ideal for a family of 4 with young children. It is conveniently situated within earshot of the kiddies playground and lodge facilities. It consists of 1 double room, 1 bathroom and lounge with a bed-sitter and log fire. The bed-sitter is a wooden framed single bed with another single bed which pulls out from below. The kitchen is fully equipped with a gas hob and oven, microwave, fridge and all the necessary cutlery & crockery. It also has its own deck with views of the river and its own braai facility.
SORRY NO PETS ALLOWED

 Giant Cabin

Upstairs Giant has 2 double en suite rooms leading out onto veranda’s. The main en suite has a ball and claw bath from which you can overlook Thrombosis gorge! The additional 3 large twin rooms share a separate shower, separate toilet and additional bathroom. There is also a 3/4 futon in the lounge. The spacious open plan fully equipped kitchen, lounge, dining area and huge veranda with braai facilities are perfect for large family gatherings. There is a TV with DVD/VHS player but no TV reception.

Downstairs There is an en suite twin room with its own entrance downstairs. There is a jungle gym with water slide and swings on the front lawn.
PET FRIENDLY UNIT

Pied

Upstairs it sleeps 6 upstairs in 1 double en suite room, and 2 fair sized twin rooms.

Downstairs There is a bunk bed in the lounge downstairs which is suitable for under 12’s, an additional bathroom, lounge with log fire and double doors out onto the verandah. The kitchen is fully equipped with gas hob/oven, microwave and fridge/freezer and open-plan dining area also with double doors out onto the covered verandah.

The private garden has beautiful views and braai facilities.
PET FRIENDLY UNIT .

Woodlands

Woodland is a free standing double storey house set about 150m away from any other buildings. It is ideal for a maximum of 6 adults and 4 children. It offers excellent privacy, comfortable accommodation, and beautiful views. It has its own access down onto rolling lawn and the river island beyond.

Upstairs It sleeps 8 upstairs with 1 double en suite room (bath and shower), an additional double room, a twin room and a bunk bed on the landing with an additional bathroom to share.

Downstairs It sleeps 2 downstairs with a bed-sitter tucked into a corner of the lounge. The bed-sitter is a wrought iron framed single bed with a single bed which pulls out from below. The fully equipped kitchen has a gas hob and oven, microwave and fridge/freezer and open plan dining area with double doors out onto the covered veranda, 1 additional bathroom. The lounge has a log fire and double doors out onto a veranda. The private garden and veranda have braai facilities and beautiful views
PET FRIENDLY UNIT

Pigmy

Upstairs it sleeps 6 upstairs in 1 double en suite room, and 2 fair sized twin rooms.

Downstairs There is a bunk bed in the lounge downstairs which is suitable for under 12’s, an additional bathroom, lounge with log fire and double doors out onto the verandah. The kitchen is fully equipped with gas hob/oven, microwave and fridge/freezer and open-plan dining area also with double doors out onto the covered verandah.

The private garden has beautiful views and braai facilities.
PET FRIENDLY UNIT .

Attractions

fishing

We have 2.5km of rainbow trout inhabited river frontage. The rivers are open from 1^st Sept to 31 May annually.  Should the river conditions be unfavorable, there is a dam on our neighbouring farm (4km away) – booking essential. The dam is open for year round fishing enjoyment.  There is free tuition for beginners.  We also have a small bass dam which provides hours of fun for children.  We keep a small selection of flies and lures for sale and rods to hire.

walking & birding

There is a gentle walk along the river looking down onto Thrombosis gorge.  We encourage visitors to add to our check list of over 100 birds.  The more serious hiker can visit the Drakensberg conservation areas nearby where one can do trails of varying degrees of difficulty. There are several smaller nature reserves within the uKhahlamba World Heritage Area- Cobham, Loteni and Vergelegen Reserves. They are administered by KZN Conservation Services.

swimming, boating & tubing

The Lodge is situated at the finish of the Drak Challenge canoe marathon and the start of the Thromi XFest, an extreme sports event.  Canoes, paddles and tubes are available to hire.  Tubing is a favorite summer activity.  Guests are dropped off about 5km upriver and tube back to the lodge.

Animal Farm (Tortoises, Pigs, Rabbits & Guinea Pigs, Tame Spur Winged Geese, Ducks & chickens), Jungle Gym/tree house and swings, Sandpit, Trampoline & volleyball will keep your children enjoying this adventure playground all day long.

horse riding

Horse riding can be arrangement on our neighbouring farm (4km away)

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

NEW IMPROVED KTV LOUNGE/GAMES ROOM IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION – WE APOLOGISE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE!

Television & indoor sports

DSTV is available in the communal adult TV lounge for those sporting fixtures that cannot be missed.  There is also a dart board & pool table. We have a kiddies TV lounge with DSTV & DVD player for rainy days.

Meals

Facilities

Supplied
Linen and bath towels are provided, please bring your own swimming towels.

Laundry
Laundry service available

Provisions shop
Basic groceries and toiletries, cold drinks, sweets, preserves, freshly baked goods, local hand made crafts, firewood/charcoal/firelighters, sweets & chocolates.

Please Note
No credit card facilities

Smoking
Smoking is permitted outdoors

Directions