True Relaxation at this Retreat .... To a Heavenly Place

One Summer's Day .....

Driving from Kwazulu-Natal on the R74 you cross over into the Orange Free State more or less on top of the Oliviershoek Pass. On your left is the start of the Sterkfontein Dam. We slowed down here, not just to take in the stunning surrounds, but to be sure we did not miss the turnoff to Drakensberg Mountain Retreat – our stop over for the night on the way to the Eastern Free State.

What a place! You know you’ve found a gem of a spot when you instantly feel at home. Like the wave of a magic wand you’re transported into a peaceful world where you feel at one with Nature as you gaze out in wonder across our beautiful land.

The photographs and captions will tell you more, sit back and feel the peace. One day we will return to breathe in the mountain air, walk the trails and revive the Soul.

Smiles from me

Dale

Turning right (from KZN) off the R74 – look out for the sign Kaalvoet Vrou & of course Drakensberg Mountain Retreat. Once on the District Road there is a short distance of tarred road then it is dirt. Not far along is another right turn … (this is also the route to take to see the monument of the Kaalvoet Vrou - I will be posting more about that later on South Africa My Best) . From the R74 it is about 13km and took us about 25 minutes – taking it nice and easy which, in my opinion, is always the best way!

The scenery is stunning as we eased along this road we had Kerkenberg ahead.

“Kerkenberg, or church mountain, is where the Voortrekker leader Piet Retief's followers camped while their leaders went to Zululand to parlay with the Zulu chief Dingaan for land….. “ an extract from Night Jar Travel

Eventually arriving at the entrance gate. An exciting moment as we still did not know what to expect!

Oh my goodness me! Knocking on Heavens Door …. I thought, as we eased our way past the huge Self Catering Home and on to Drakensberg Mountain Retreat …. overlooking Kwazulu-Natal. Somewhere on the drive here we’d crossed back into KZN

As tempting as it is to share every single photograph I took with you I’ve chosen to tease you with my choices … portion of Room 5 our home for the night. A huge room, with this great siting area and a fireplace for the winter nights, leading onto an enclosed balcony with forever views. Fabulous accommodation

Elegant. Timeless. Comfortable. Behind me is the formal lounge area with a separate area for children to enjoy. Ahead is the dining area and beyond another lounge / entertainment area, and, beyond that …..

…. would you believe it! Sheltered from any wind a fabulous indoor pool area.

The views are superb from the rooms facing Kwazulu-Natal. As a bonus there are wild horses that visit and roam around the grounds

Another delight, an indoor garden area. Being on the top of the Drakensberg there can be days when it is a bit windy but the lodge is built with lots of thought for the guests’ wellbeing and comfort.

At the crack of dawn I was out and about – the remains of the Super Moon still in the sky was a fitting start to our day.

The shimmer of a new day … just absolutely loved being here.

View from the dining room at breakfast time – how unique is that! Another enjoyable meal and time to do a short hike before we had to move on …

There are many hiking trails laid out and the lodge can do packed lunches for those wanting to do a longer hike. With it being early summer the veld flowers were stunning – just so much to enjoy here. Restful, Soul reviving place.

All thanks to the vision of this man David, the original owner of Drakensberg Mountain Retreat, his love of Nature, this environment and the wish to share with others

I’m not going to tell you or show you all the treasures of this place I can only hope that you too will be able to plan a night (or more) here during your travels. The staff were fabulous, the food was excellent, the surrounds superb, we loved it! http://drakensbergretreat.co.za/

Love good memories of great places - our stop over was a little while ago but would return in a heart beat as it was an absolutely wonderful experience

This extract of a map gives you an idea of where the Drakensberg Mountain Retreat is situated