Gourmet places to indulge in scenic KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, day hikes in the heart of the Berg, a wonderful 3 day slack packing experience, wildlife and very good art and craft… a perfect week’s break to indulge all senses. Also enjoy game drives, star gazing, riding and San Rock Art.
This interesting route which takes you from a Midlands crafter and 2 artists in Nottingham Road, to the beautiful World Heritage Drakensberg and a renowned and wonderfully quirky hotel, ticks all the boxes. The slack packing is through the Berg lowlands, fringed by spectacular mountains, to colonial comfort back in the Midlands at another renowned and much loved country hotel. Compared to other parts of the country, gourmet options in KZN are incredible value for money. So… let’s get on the road! A slow drive… as you will encounter potholes.
Shuttleworth Weaving Sculptor Sarah Richards Artist Lori Schappe- Youens
Start in Nottingham Road and visit a fantastic small carpet and rug maker, Shuttleworth Weaving. Watch them work by hand on looms to create the carpet which finishes a room to perfection. Nearby, visit the studio of sculptor Sarah Richards. The creating of a bronze sculpture is quite fascinating. Her art is part of national monuments and in private homes as an immortalized memory of their trips.
Another interesting open studio to visit, close to Nottingham Road, is that of American abstract artist, Lori Schappe- Youens. She also has a line of jewellery … LoveLori.
Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse & Spa
Now head for 5 star Cleopatra’s Mountain Farmhouse. In an idyllic mountain and lake setting, Richard Poynton creates stunning meals of many courses, perfectly proportioned and taking you on a sensational culinary tour. Your food is included and you will be very grateful. The place is packed full of gorgeous natural and creative objects, Mouse is a collector of note, just as a farmhouse should be, but this is an unpretentious and luxurious 5 star spot with beautiful gardens, fabulous suites and spa to indulge after exploring the picture perfect mountains, rivers and waterfalls.
If you are in a group, Cleopatra’s has 2 wonderful self -catering homes, River Run and larger, Homestead and you can still arrange to savour Richard’s gourmet cuisine. The quirkiness and eccentric décor extends to these fabulous places to stay and each has a beautiful outlook and lots of privacy. While at Cleopatra’s, ask for assistance and visit a fantastic San Rock Art site: Game Pass Shelter. This site changed our understanding of our rock art.
Want to sample Richard’s food but staying elsewhere? Cleopatra is open for casual lunch to non- residents.
A couple of days later, head for 4 star Antbear Eco Lodge, just 40 minutes away and here another husband and wife team have created a wonderful environment with stunning, creative hand carved furniture, windows and more. Enjoy a delicious home meal with most ingredients from the lodge, organic, free range and home crafted including cheese. Go riding, be pampered with a massage and if the weather is good, go and lie in a hammock while your guide paints the heavens in Zulu traditional narrative. A lovely romantic spot!
Game Pass Shelter Hike Antbear Eco Lodge Antbear’s Cave Room.
Antbear Eco Lodge is the start of your Giants Castle Slack Packing experience. What is it? With an outstanding Berg hiking guide, Deon, you will have 3 great days of hiking without a heavy back pack as someone else transfers your luggage. The hiking is easy to moderate and you cover 12 to 15 kms per day. There is pretty grassland, moderate hikes up ridges to magnificent views of Giant’s Castle and walking through lovely valleys. You will come across many interesting birds and some rare butterflies. There are rock pools and rivers for swimming en route during summer. The overnight stays are each very different, giving a range of South African hospitality styles.
Night 2 is at a functioning farm, Leopard’s Lair. It is a great place to explore and the Berg scene when with snow in the distance, is lovely. You will immediately become one of the family and meet the WHOLE family… which means the farm animals, too. A yummy home cooked farm dinner and farm breakfast gets you ready for the next hike.
Now you hike to the only game reserve in the Berg, 5 star Zulu Waters and as well as walking with the animals, you can ride.
Ask to see the ancient spear sharpening stone which was found here. An excellent chef prepares your meals and you can relax in the pool before or after supper. Besides game drives, you can visit a rather special dining room and from a great hide, watch the Vultures eat.
Giant’s Castle Vulture Restaurant Hartford House
On day 3 your hiking ends and you are returned back to Antbear Lodge where you can stay the night or travel the 40 minutes to one of KZN’s favourite boutique country hotels, the historic, country chic, 5 star Hartford House with its gourmet restaurant, The Manor Restaurant. Hartford House is alongside their famed thoroughbred horse stables. There are lovely walks or you can cycle for a change around this lovely estate. Relax in the beautiful gardens and feel the tranquillity seep through you. This place is not easy to leave so plan more than one night. Chef Keegan Lock has a superb tasting menu and he can also pair this with his wine choices. It is one of South Africa’s top restaurants. There is a Spa to relax any stiff hiking muscles.
For May 20024, there is a discount if you bring your Mom. Look at #hartfordmonthofmoms.
Have a wonderful trip!
