If you’ve ever dreamt of getting close to nature, Emdoneni Lodge with Cheetah Project and Spa is the place to visit! This three-star lodge is situated on a small game farm, with sand forest vegetation. Guests can relax and enjoy the true South African hospitality while viewing all of Zululand’s resources.
This intimate, multi-award-winning lodge is the ideal location from which to explore the wildlife and coastal reserves in Zululand. Close to the national road, Emdoneni Lodge is accessible for visitors who want to experience the luxury of a bush environment and also be close to the main attractions such as Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Game Reserves and iSimanagaliso Wetlands Park (St Lucia World Heritage Park).
Emdoneni Lodge offers guests elegantly decorated, intimate and comfortable accommodation in chalets or rondavels, on a bed and breakfast or dinner, bed and breakfast basis. The accommodation is enhanced by facilities which encourage guests to unwind, relax and enjoy the tranquil lodge surroundings which include a boma, swimming pool and sky deck.
It is impossible to run out of things to do in this little slice of wilderness heaven. Some of the activities to enjoy at Emdoneni Lodge include a visit to the cat centre, nature walks amongst the animals, enjoy a game drive or book an activity for the kiddies while pampering yourself at the spa!
Be mesmerised by the beauty of the caracal, enchanted by the playful serval, astonished by the speed and agility of the cheetah and delighted by the African wildcat… The Zululand Cat Conservation offers two educational tours daily, Monday to Sunday with a feeding during the afternoon tour. This small project focuses on rescue, rehabilitation, rewild and release of these cats. Their many successful releases speak for itself – up to date 4 Cheetahs, 13 Caracals, 22 Servals and 4 African Wildcats are roaming free and for a small project like this, it is truly an outstanding achievement.
I recently spent the weekend there with very good friends and everyone said how beautiful it was and commented on how relaxed they felt. Many of my friends hadn’t been away for years so it really was a wonderful holiday and only a couple of hours away from Durban! We were also treated to traditional Zulu dancing one evening and yours truly was invited up to partake in some ‘leg stomping’ – what a giggle we had before going off to enjoy dinner and a glass of wine or two!
Emdoneni Lodge and Spa as described by my good friend Mo, who is very experienced in the hospitality industry: “Stunning luxurious rooms. Crisp clean bedding and large bathroom and shower spaces. Scrumptious healthy breakfast with a selection of hot dishes, fruit, cereals, pastries and teas and coffee. The visit to the Zululand Cat Conservation was mind-blowing which covered several types of African cats from the wild African cat to the majestic Cheetah. Stunning wildlife spotted as you enter/exit the property and the wildlife have adjusted to vehicles passing by so they don’t run off, which gives you ample time to take pictures. A turndown service was provided and a bar fridge is available in the rooms. Waiter service is available at the swimming pool if one would like a cocktail or a cup of tea!! Dinner was pleasant with a selection of meat and veg options”.
So what are you waiting for – go and grab your own little piece of heaven, even if it’s just for a weekend!
Written by Victoria Arthur.
Photos by Penny Katz Photography.