Entavhine Kliphuis Guesthouse
This restored house, which is a 65-year-old monument, is located on open grassland on the edge of an indigenous forest that borders a plantation 18 km from the main road. It is situated in the north-eastern part of the Entabeni Plantation and is about 144 m above sea level. A vehicle with high clearance is required to reach Entavheni Kliphuis.
Although the house is quite modest, your overnight stay will definitely be exceptional. The kitchen is fully equipped and has a coal stove, gas fridge and freezer. Thanks to solar electricity, you can enjoy the 'luxury of light'. A donkey provides hot water for the outside shower and for a washbasin and bathroom inside the main house. Firewood is provided.
Relax in the lapa around a crackling fire (braai facilities are available) while you enjoy the breathtaking view of the Soutpansberg.
While at Entavheni Kliphuis, be sure to visit the waterfalls and indigenous forest in the area. The Entavheni Kliphuis is a must for birdwatchers and, although there are short hikes around the house, guided or self-drives will make your birdwatching experience even more memorable.
How to get there
Drive 40 km east of Makhado on the R524. Turn left at the Entabeni sign and follow the gravel road to the plantation entrance gate. After entering, carry straight on for approximately 900 m and turn right at the Kliphuis sign. From here, follow the Kliphuis signs, which lead past the Entabeni Hiking Hut. The Kliphuis is situated 18 km from the plantation entrance gate.
Facilities
- Fully equipped, self-catering. However, catering can be arranged on request
- Solar power provides electricity for lighting
- Gas stove and fridge
- Woodstove provides hot water in the kitchen and bathroom
- Three bedrooms with six single beds
- One bedroom with one double bed
- Four mattresses (bring own bedding)
- Bathroom
- Two flushing toilets
- Two outdoor showers with hot water
- Lapa with braai area
Reservations
Tel: +27 13 754 2724
Fax: +27 13 754 2790
Mail: Private Bag X11201, Nelspruit, 1200
E-mail: ecotour@klf.co.za
Lakenvlei Forest Lodge and Conference Centre
Lakenvlei Forest Lodge nestles amid pine trees on a lush 4500 ha forest estate approximately 10 km north of Belfast in the eastern highlands of Mpumalanga, an area well known for its trout-filled streams and dams. It is approximately 230 km from Johannesburg and 200 km from Pretoria.
Situated on a Natural Heritage Site, the estate offers unsurpassed tranquillity and outstanding natural beauty. The diverse wetland habitats and dams provide refuge to a variety of bird species, including the crowned crane and African jacana. Smaller mammals, such as the Cape clawless otter, water mongoose and serval, add to the rare charm of this delightful forest sanctuary.
How to get there
Take the N4 East past Witbank and Middelburg. Turn left at the Belfast turn-off. In the town of Belfast, turn right onto the Dullstroom road (R540). The entrance to Lakenvlei Forest Lodge is exactly 10 km from Belfast, on the left-hand side of the road.
Main attractions
- Country-styled restaurant. The restaurant specialises in fine country cuisine and local specialities, such as fresh trout. It is ideally suited to special occasions, such as weddings and anniversaries.
- Star-gazing. Lakenvlei's unique observatory is situated on the vlei and accessed from a bridge suspended over the water. It houses a 12" Meade computerised telescope. Staff members are available to assist visitors.
- Hiking and mountain-biking. A leisurely walk will bring you into contact with some of the unique eco-systems in the area, including grasslands, rocky outcrops and the forest floor. Several trails have been laid out for this purpose.
- Fishing. Fly-fishing for trout can be done from boats on the main dam and bass fishing can be done from the side of the separate bass dam.
- Horse-riding. Equestrian facilities include upmarket stabling with morning and afternoon guided out-rides. Pony rides and horse cart trips are available along the wetlands.
- Birdwatching. More that 220 species have been recorded at Lakenvlei. The bird hide on the edge of the bass dam provides the ideal opportunity to watch the abundance of water and wetland bird species.
Facilities
- Twelve self-catering luxury chalets, made from solid pine logs
- Six eight-person chalets with two en suite double bedrooms and an open-plan loft sleeping four persons
- Six four-person chalets, with one en suite double bedroom and an open loft sleeping two persons
- Firewood, mountain bikes and a boat are provided at each chalet
Conference facilities
- Accommodates 40 delegates in a U-seating facility
- Modern equipment
Reservations
Tel: +27 13 253 0550
Fax: +27 13 253 0844
Mail: P.O. Box 438, Belfast, South Africa, 1100
E-mail: lakenvlei@klf.co.za
More information on Lakenvlei is available at www.lakenvlei.co.za