Spionkop Lodge

The rambling colonial farmstead is beautifully positioned in the centre of park-like gardens that end in shadowy indigenous forests and the undulating Drakensberg foothills. A wide veranda overlooks the lawns, which slope down to the swimming pool, and the interior of the lodge has a strong sense of history, with an extensive private collection of Africana in the library and battlefields memorabilia throughout the dining room, lounge and bar. The deck offers wide, beautiful views. The chef offers top-class cuisine.

In the main building are eight country-cottage rooms, furnished tastefully in a style that echoes that of colonial-era homesteads, with every comfort. Each is spacious, with an en-suite bathroom. Two self-catering cottages set a short distance from the main lodge are a good option for families or a small group of friends, each with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a lounge, fully equipped kitchen, and braai facilities.The cottages are very pretty, with stone exteriors and traditional roofs.

Fascinating tours of the historic Anglo-Boer War Battlefields are a highlight here, expertly led by the owner of the lodge. For a fix of nature, neighbouring Spioenkop Nature Reserve offers the chance to explore on foot and on guided game drives in search of white rhino, giraffe, several species of antelope and good birding, and to take a sunset cruise on Spioenkop Dam. Other activities include horse riding, golf and fishing, and superb hiking in the Drakensberg "dragons' mountains".