There is something quite exhilarating when you spend time lying flat on your back looking up into the sky. Granted, this is made easier if you are floating in a pool with a beer in hand as I found, but the effect is the same. After spending so many hours a day in front of a computer screen, it was hard for me at first to focus on something other than tweets and #hashtags. Watching the cape vulture catch a thermal right above me, with the magnificent Bylde River Canyon mountains seemingly engulfing it, transported me to the perfect place I wanted to be, heaven. Over-exaggeration? Definitely not. There are however a few key components that make Amafu Forest Lodge the perfect escape for Christmas or 2012 if you are looking to get back into nature without sacrificing on comfort (and cold beer).
In the mountains
In my opinion, this gem of a spot in the Lowveld has arguably one of the best views around. Located right beneath the majestic Mariepskop mountain, the lodge is backed by 180 degrees of spectacular mountain with bushveld valley extending below as far as the eye can see. What is really special about Amafu Forest Lodge is that it is located just beneath the Mpumalanga Parks Board property, and with full access to this area it gave me the perfect opportunity to hike and explore the surrounding mountains during my stay. One of the must do activities in the area is to hike up the Mariepskop mountain. Being the highest peak in the northern Drakensberg Escarpment, it makes for unbelievable views of the Blyde River Canyon and Dam and even the Indian Ocean and Maputo on a clear day. Unfortunately, the pull of beer and the pool was too strong, and so it remains on my list of things to do. I am not too hung up on missing out on the views from the top, as I know that I will be heading back for seconds.
Wildlife haven
Mariepskop contains well over 2000 plant species, greater than the whole of the Kruger National Park and easily topping Table Mountain’s plant diversity. What does this mean? There is a whole lot of diversity that comes along with those 2000 plant species, including birds and mammals that frequent the grounds of Amafu. With this new found knowledge in hand, I was quickly in seventh heaven – beer in hand, cool water between my toes, stunning scenery and with the chance of spotting wildlife without moving from my idyllic spot. Some of the birds and mammals I identified en route from my chalet door to the pool (about 50m): samango monkey, purple-crested turaco, olive bush-shrike, suricate, crowned eagle, cape white-eye, southern tchagra, bushbuck, klipspringer and of course the cape and white-backed vulture. When bedtime came along, the calls of the fiery-necked nightjar and lesser bush babies put me right to sleep.
Bush lodgings
The welcoming and ever hospitable Steve Trollip, the owner of Amafu Forest Lodge, prides himself in providing an authentic bush experience for guests. Steve made me feel right at home and there was no request too big or small. Each cottage is named after a cycad and if there is any correlation to be drawn between that of a cycad and Amafu’s cottages then it would be the stunning detail and impressive features. I was lucky enough to stay in the luxurious Laevi cottage. My sister and I spent many hours kicked back on the veranda, eating around the impressive wooden tables and chilling for hours on the comfy couches. There are five cottages, each with its own blend of uniqueness and charm. If there are any lovebirds looking to tie the knot or lovebirds in general in need of some alone time, then there is no shortage of privacy and seclusion to be found. No washing up or cleaning is required, as the cottages are serviced every day.
Collector’s cycads
Now, I know that plants and trees don’t blow most people’s skirts up, but the impressive cycad and indigenous garden that surround the chalets and sitting areas deserves a few raised glasses. There has got to be something to toast to every couple of hours and this is definitely one of them. A lot of time and effort has gone into creating this garden and it provides the perfect atmosphere to take a walk or enjoy a braai. Indigenous attracts indigenous and just as South African’s attract braaivleis (or maybe it is the other way around?), indigenous trees attract indigenous creatures: sunbirds, mousebirds and geckoes and chameleons all made an appearance. The cape chestnut in full bloom by the wooden deck was my favourite.
Cooling off options
I like it hot, but I also like to be able to cool off when I want. Amafu Forest Lodge has several options to let off some steam. Dive in head first into the pool (this was my first choice), head for one of the outdoor bush showers (each chalet comes with one), relax on one of the cool granite rocks under the trees or on the wooden decks, head for a waterfall in the area (this might be a good option when hiking to and from the fall in question) or simply pop another cold one! The choice is yours.
Bosberaad deck (or bush meeting place)
In a nutshell: a great place to socialize, have parties or hang out. The lapa and wooden seating area at Amafu Forest Lodge has great views of the valley and offers the ideal setting for an intimate wedding, Christmas or New Year’s Eve party or celebration. Up to fifty people can be accommodated with great catering facilities for those that feel like cooking or for the chef that can be arranged on request (for those that don’t).
What you need to know:
- All cottages are on a self-catering basis and cater for a variety of groups
- There are several restaurants in the area. Meals can be arranged for large groups on request.
- Three of the chalets come with DStv for those that need their fix of visual entertainment
- Safe parking is provided at the lodge
- The distance from Johannesburg is approximately 420km and from Nelspruit is approximately 140km.
Rates:
From R375 to R595 per person a night sharing.
Other activities in the area:
- Take a boat cruise on the Blyde Dam and visit ‘the weeping face of nature’ or better known as the Kadishi Tufa waterfall
- Just down the road is the Moholoholo rehabilitation centre. A great education experience and a chance to get up close to wildlife at the centre.
- There are no shortage of rapids to raft with a variety of rivers for white water rafting including the Blyde, Olifants and Sabie Rivers.
- So you want to get a bird’s eye view of the Blyde River Canyon? Then why not go for a hot air ballooning or microlight experience.
- Head for one of the stunning waterfalls in the area: Klaserie waterfall, Berlin falls, Mac Mac falls and Tufa falls are some of the popular choices with a variety of hikes to and from these falls.
- If you are keen on game viewing by vehicle or on foot, there are several game parks and reserves in the area that offer these activities including the Kruger National Park (Orpen gate), Klaserie and Manyaleti Nature Reserves.
If you are looking for the perfect spot to spend your Christmas holidays or are planning on a getaway for 2012, head for Amafu Forest Lodge you will not be disappointed.
Contact:
Tel 082 771 8497, [email protected], www.amafuforestlodge.co.za
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