Umzimkulu River Lodge  Verified Listing

Beautiful fully equipped, self-catering Cottages nicely spaced along the river bank with log fires, river valley views and braai facilities. 30ha playground for the nature lover. Trout Fishing, Birding, Trail Walks, Children's playground, Games Room - all on site.

Set on a wide bend of the Umzimkulu River, home to an abundance of birds and wildlife. Easily accessible river frontage, beautiful gardens and cottages spaced for peace and privacy.

Serviced, Fully equipped, self catering cottages. Log fires and BBQ facilities. River Frontage and river valley views. Pets allowed on request. PERMISSION REQUIRED.

Underberg is a newly discovered jewel in the far west of Kwa Zulu-Natal. It is situated against the southern foothills of the Drakensberg. The berg and area was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000. It enjoys special protection by the United Nations Conservation treaty. It is a high rainfall area and serves as a spurge to the rest of the Province. Many pollution free rivers cascade down the sides of the berg then along the Umkomaas, Umzimkulu Polele, Umzimvubu Rivers & further north to the Tugela.
There are several internationally important Bushman paintings sites which vary in age from 4000 years old to only 150 years old. Scenes of the first white settlers and the Nguni Settlers from East Africa are depicted in some paintings. Today the culture remains varied with an English, Afrikaans and Zulu population.
The area boasts two of the highest peaks in the Drakensberg, Hutchinson?s Peaks. The height of the south peaks, 3252 m, the north peak at 3258 m. These can be seen from a long distance away.
There are several smaller nature reserves within the uKhahlamba World Heritage Area- Cobham, Loteni and Vergelegen Reserves. They are administered by KZN Conservation Services.
In the village of Himeville is the location of one of the only few roosts of the Amur Falcons. (Previously called Eastern red footed Kestrel.) There are several thousands bird roosting here from September to March every year. They are migrants from Eastern Europe and will do the journey twice a year, a distance of 16 000 kms!! (Unfortunately aerial crop spraying affects these little falcons, several are poisoned every year).

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES -
FISHING:
We have 2.5km of rainbow trout inhabited river frontage. The rivers are open from 1st Sept to 31 May annually. Should the river conditions be unfavorable, there is a dam on our neighbouring farm (4km away). 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 AND BIRDING :
There is a gentle walk along the river bank or longer 5km hike skirting 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.

CHILDRENS OUTDOOR FUN :
Jungle Gym/tree house and swings, Sandpit, MiniGolf, Trampoline & exploring the river island 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 FACILITIES :
Darts, Table Tennis and air hockey.

SANI PASS TOUR :
Any visit to the Southern Drakensberg would be incomplete without a memorable 4x4 adventure up the world famous Sani Pass. Sani Pass is the only road link between KwaZulu-Natal and the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho and the only road that crosses the summit of the high Drakensberg. In summer wild flowers splash the road margins with colour and in winter iced falls sparkle under brilliant skies.

HIKING:
you can contact Barrie Green at NUD Sports or phone him on 0337011096 to find out about planned hikes. For hiking in the Natal Conservation Services areas contact 0337011823 and to hike in the Drakensberg Gardens / Bushman?s Nek area; contact 0337020831. The Cobham area; 0337020712; Vergelegen area or 0337020540 for the Lotheni area.

MOUNTAIN BIKING :
There are several rugged mountain biking trails in the surrounding area. Low traffic means the trails are unspoiled and you can always be assured of an endurance-testing ride.
HORSE RIDING :
Enthusiasts or beginners can contact Sarah Craig (just 4km from URLodge) on 0824887292 or Khotso Horse Trails in Underberg on 0337011502.

SPORT :
Golf - Underberg Country Club 0337011130 or Drak Gardens Hotel 0337011355 or Sani Pass Hotel 033 7021320.
Bowlers meet regularly on Wednesdays at 13h30, Saturdays at 13h30 and Sundays at 9h15, visitors welcome at R5pp ask any local for directions.
Social tennis on Tuesdays at 9h00 and Saturdays at 14h00, court fees are R10pp. The clubhouse is situated behind the Himeville Arms Hotel.

PLACES OF INTEREST :
Reichenau mission which was built in 1886. Contact 0337012976.
Himeville Museum, situated in a fort built in 1899 ? open Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-12:30 Contact 0337021184.
Underberg Cheesery lovely selection of locally made cheese and yoghurts.
Marutswa yellow wood forest, Bulwer Biosphere Contact :Jill WardCell :0714718993 or 0714195238

RESTAURANTS :
The Old Duck Animal Farm, restaurant & gift shop. 1km along Drakensberg Gardens Rd.
Moorcroft Manor, 5 star country house for fine dining booking essential 0337021967
The Lemon Tree, Open 8:00-05:00 Daily, highly recommended ? White Cottage centre.
The Grind situated in the new Mall on the way to Himeville a la carte menu (Pizza's) and bar.