We enjoyed 3 nights at Montusi.
The chalets are well furnished, provide all home comforts and have a stunning view of the famous amphitheatre mountain range.
The lodge is family run and the service and attention to detail was excellent.
We enjoyed a couple of strenuous hikes whilst there . The Tiger falls route in the national park, where we were lucky enough to see the falls in full flow due to the torrential downpour that had occurred overnight and the hike up Montusi mountain behind the lodge which afforded a magnificent 360 degree panorama after an energetic climb!
The menu for dinner each evening was small with just a choice of main and desert but the food was delicious, locally sourced and well presented.
Staff are local , very friendly and wanting to make your stay enjoyable.
If you are looking to spend time in the Drakkensburg mountains we would recommend a stay at Montusi.
We spent 3 nights at Montusi - we had one of the garden suites with the most stunning views of the amphitheatre. The food and service were outstanding and the hosts were very knowledgeable in helping us plan hikes both locally and to the top of tugela falls. Would highly recommend Montusi to people looking to explore the drakensburg but also for relaxing in fabulous surroundings. And for stargazing on a clear night!
We enjoyed virtually every aspect of this lovely lodge. The setting is truly stunning and surrounding grounds beautifully immaculate. Sitting on one’s tranquil cottage terrace looking out across the valley was a real delight. The cottage was cosy, inviting, comfortable and spotlessly clean. We very much enjoyed having a few early evening drinks on the main lodge terrace; watching the swallows and taking in the wonderful views: the open air dinning room proved to be a charming and atmospheric place to have dinner. Both breakfasts’ and dinners were good although we did find the dinning room service a tad disjointed and slow at times. Would we go back and would we recommend to friends and family ? Yes to both !
1719
The view across to the Drakensburg range is uncluttered by man's intervention gentle rolling prairie takes the eye to the strange rock formation which forms a half-circle underneath a clear blue sky. The view, the place is utterly enchanting as a gentle breeze rolls in across the Veld bringing with it a magical enticing silence.
19th November 2019
The view across to the Drakensburg range is uncluttered by man's intervention gentle rolling prairie takes the eye to the strange rock formation which forms a half-circle underneath a clear blue sky. The view the place is utterly enchanting as a gentle breeze rolls in across the Veld bringing with it an enticing magical silence.
I turn to look back at my cottage echoing a Zulu beehive what a fantastic blend echoing the past but very much of now. A luxury en suite shower, a comfortable bed, a black rectangular box sat on a ledge which will if switched on probably not impart ukithula - peace. All the mod cons you do really need are there to for a glass of cold wine on the terrace or a pot of tea after a hike.
What would the people of 1719 make of the rest of it? A super-efficient laundry service, a well-stocked bar, a delightful reading room which conjures up an afternoon tea including something naughty and a superb chef and lovely team serving up excellent food with a twist. Kudu, Impala Stew in a divine crust, Beef on a bed of risotto which has been cooked in a reduction which could grace the best of restaurants. And breakfast Eggs Florentine, Welsh Rarebit and it all tastes like Africa rich, powerful and authentic.
For a location to hold on to that precious calm requires real skill from the management. They need to offer an effortless unflustered still waters run deep vibe and they do it beautifully so you, of course, feel you are merely in someone's home which is yours too.
So all this enables you to take to the mountains and place yourself in 1719 and listen to the power of silence and if you hire a Zulu guide listen to a people who really make you feel it is 1719. They do not storm you with their knobkerries or assegai they remind you of a time when life was much more difficult where mortality was perhaps just around the corner and where modern entitlement was entirely absent. The blessing of that day is enough which they certainly were during each of my seven days on this second visit.
Great location away from civilisation but easy to find from the directions given. Accommodation is of a very high standard and are effectively suites with a separate bedroom area and an outside deck. Covered carport too so you can park right outside the door. Unfailingly charming staff and the food was of a very high standard with a small choice provided each evening. This can include local produce. Exceptionally good value wines from the Vrede and Rust vineyard with a wide range stocked. Time can easily be spent just watching the birds in the garden with the amphitheater in the background. Guided hikes are included, including to a local rock art site, but all routes are well signposted so are easily self guided. A useful leaflet with all the walks is provided. All in all on our come back to list.