It’s that time of year, when the boss has been piling on the pressure and some nasty deadlines have been demanding all your attention. Perhaps you’ve slipped up and not got down to planning a getaway for yourself and/or the family.
Here’s 10 tried and tested venues, all offering something a little different, none of them too far away from home.
Three Tree Hill Lodge, near Bergville
Three Tree Hill Lodge is on a hill above plains of acacia thornveld, thickets and ravines in a prime position overlooking Spionkop Mountain and the Spionkop dam and game reserve.
The mountain is the famous site of an overwhelming victory for the Boers over the English in the South African War (1900), and is thus an attraction for history buffs.
Three Tree Hill is a classy, yet relaxed affair, completely devoid of any stuffiness. Meals are delicious yet unpretentious affairs where warm conversation flows across the table.
A great springboard for all the attractions of the Northern Berg.
For info tel: 036 448 1171; cell 082 379 1864 (in case land line or power is down). Email: reservations@threetreehill.co.za
Spionkop Lodge, near Bergville
Spionkop Lodge is in a wonderful setting, your hosts are warm and welcoming and you could do no better on the Battle of Spionkop than go for a historical tour with Raymond Heron.
Highly recommended for history buffs.
For info tel: 036 4881404; e-mail: spionkop@futurenet.co.za
Fugitives’ Drift, Northen KZN
The late David Rattray’s Fugitives’ Drift Lodge is famous the world over for its historical tours of the battlefields, most notably Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift.
Staff, service, accommodation and facilities at Fugitives’ Drift are as good as any around. History nerds can enjoy deep and meaningful debate about intricate details of Anglo-Zulu battles, while enjoying good company, and some damn fine food. Might be tough to get a booking at late notice, but you never know.
For info tel: 034 642 1843; e-mail: reservations@fugitivesdrift.com
Jozini Tiger Lodge, near Pongola
The main attraction – other than beautifully decorated rooms, top-notch food and the sounds of silence – at the recently opened Jozini Tiger Lodge is the world class view.
Enjoy great views, indulge in delicious food or try your luck at catching the beautiful tiger fish.
Jozini Tiger Lodge in Northern Zululand is managed and marketed by Signature Life Hospitality Group. For information or bookings go to www.signaturelife.co.za or call 031 312 6250.
Amorello Bush Golf Lodge, Hluhluwe
This former pineapple farm is now a fab getaway for club-swinging experts and their families. But you don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy this one.
Game on the property includes antelope like duiker, nyala, reedbuck and blue wildebeest, and next door, at Amorello’s luxury lodge Ihlozi, you’ll also find zebra and giraffe.
Ihlozi is a gorgeous five-star hideaway with ponds, outdoor showers and three-corner-baths …and big fat overstuffed sofas and sumptuous décor. Sleeps eight.
For info tel: 035 562 3182 or info@amorello.co.za or www.amorello.co.za
Mahai Camp Site, Royal Natal Park
A bit different from the rest, Mahai is for campers but boasts really clean facilities and one of the best camp sites in the province. Loads of walking options and views to die for, set beneath the imposing Amphitheatre.
Breathtaking views, clean air, close encounters with wildlife, what more could you want?
If you go hiking you need: Good boots; trail food; water; cold weather clothes; a warm place to sleep. Always sign the mountain register.
Mahai Camp: Contact Ezemvelo Wildlife central reservations at 033 845 1000. webmail@kznwildlife.com
Mahai in the mountains
Phefumula Beach Resort, South Coast
This fabulous spot on the hill at Ifafa Beach has changed the whole flavour of the area: with panoramic views – the ocean, the Mtwalume River down below and its lagoon, and the perfect tidal pool and secluded cove (just three minutes drive further along the N2), its magnificent full length glass windows everywhere and the stunning rock rim pool – it’s a winner.
With two bars, an outside deck beside the pool for lazy lunches, and lovely forest walks within the secure grounds – oh, and a play area for kids – it’s an idyllic weekend retreat.
The resort is wheelchair friendly, has 24-hour security (including if you want to walk to the beach), and is linked to emergency medical services and air evacuation.
For info tel: Phefumula Beach Resort at 039 977 8108.
White Mountain Lodge, Central Berg
Set in the foothills of the Central Berg, White Mountain Lodge offers an affordable getaway for families, with loads of activities, self-catering or meals provided.
You’ll find it just two hours out of Durban in the Giants Castle Valley.
Look out for the excellent White Mountain Music Festival every September.
For info: info@whitemountain.co.za; tel: 036 353 3437/036 353 3644
Find info on the festival online or go to the Facebook page.
Qambathi Mountain Lodge, Kamberg
The owners of Qambathi Mountain Lodge have perfected the art of combining rustic Africa with contemporary comfort.
You can’t imagine a more picturesque backdrop for one of the most beautiful lodges in the Kamberg area.
For info tel: 033 267 7515; lodge@qambathi.co.za; reservations@qambathi.co.za
For more on Qambathi Mountain Lodge
Pleasant Places Guest House, KZN Midlands
John and Linda Hall are your affable hosts at this beautiful, laid back guest house in the Lidgetton Valley. Soak in the nerve-calming views, get spoiled by their superb kitchen staff or take on John’s latest challenge: Slackpacking.
See the definition that follows from the book Slackpacking in South Africa by Fiona McIntosh. “Most simply, Slackpacking is backpacking without the schlep. Slackpacking trails are a relatively new genre of multi-day hiking trails, which allow you to travel light, carrying only your water, lunch, camera and waterproofs in a day pack, while someone else takes care of transporting all your baggage to an overnight stop-over, where you can enjoy the comfort of being accommodated in luxury hotels or guesthouses.”
For info tel: 033 234 4396; cell 082 456 2717; e-mail: info@pleasantplaces.co.za
International travel picks
New York City: Culture, heritage, museums, architecture, food, nightlife etc. www.nyctourist.com
Namibia: Wildlife, open spaces, photography, room to breathe. www.footprinttravelguides.com
Thailand: Beach holiday, mountain trekking, family holiday (but be selective), culture. www.lonelyplanet.com
Argentina: Paris of the south, dance, style, food, culture, nightlife, gauchos, glaciers. www.argentina.gov.ar (select English language).