Spionkop Lodge

Spionkop Lodge, accommodation in Ladysmith Kwazulu Natal

Description

 Lynette and Raymond Heron look forward to extending their warm hospitality in this beautifully restored, colonial style farmstead, boasting spectacular views.  Luxurious en-suite accommodation is offered with a choice of  full-board or comfortable self-catering facilities.  This is the perfect base from which to explore the berg, bush, birds and battlefields of this historic region.

Your host and South African War raconteur and registered guide, Raymond Heron, will accompany you to the many historic sites.  He paints a vivid picture of the personal trauma and military mindset of the time, which resulted in the slaughter of so many British and South African soldiers.  Daily Tours to the battlefields.

 The Lodge

Colonial style chalets are located in the park-like grounds, each individually furnished and appointed to offer luxury en-suite accommodation in an out-of-Africa setting. Guests are offered the choice of full board or self-catering facilities. Cool down in the natural rock pool surrounded by water features, enjoy a quiet drink at the pub or spend time in the historic library with its extraordinary collection of war books. There are a multitude of activities on offer.

The hometead Guests at SpionKop Battlefield and Safari Lodge will be free to set their own pace.... bird watching from canoes on the Tugela river... game viewing from Safari vehicles or on horseback in the Nature Reserve bordering the farm... sunset cruises on the tranquil and beautiful SpionKop Dam...outrides to overnight stops at Vaalkrans Battlesite on the banks of the Tugela River... and the opportunity to relax on one of the most magnificent game farms in the country while the rest of the world rushes by. There is also the majesty of the nearby Drakensburg mountains, which for generations has been a favourite getaway destination for South African holiday makers and international tourists.Panoramic view

Contact Details Lynette and Raymond Heron +27 (0)86 127 6237 051 924 0585 Enquire now View Rates View Directions

Attractions

OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

* Bird Watching

* Sunset Boat Cruises on Spion Kop Dam

* Game Viewing amongst the Rhino, Giraffe and a variety of antelope which can be seen along with over 320 bird species

* Horseback Riding

* Fishing

* Walking

* White Water Rafting

* Tours of Rock Paintings and Caves occubied by the KhoiSan (Bushmen).

Please note:  This is a Malaria Free Area.

Game drives in the SpionKop Game Reserve will give you a chance to see rhino, giraffe, buffalo and a variety of antelope. Enjoy a sundowner cruise on the tranquil SpionKop Dam. Bird lovers will marvel at the vast number of birds this area has to offer - 270 species have been sighted. Birding safaris are arranged through the Lodge. Hiking, Canoeing and fishing are also on offer so your visit can be as action packed or relaxed as you make it. The business fraternity has the opportunity to gather at the Lodge's modern, well appointed conference centre. Whilst happy couples can be guaranteed of an unforgettable Wedding Day by tying the knot at a really special venue.

Battlefields

Relive the memories and walk in the footsteps of three great leaders, Winston Churchill ,Mahatma Gandhi and Gen. Louis Botha. A story on which the sun never sets. Britain marched into the South African war in the spring of 1899, confident that it "would all be over by Christmas!" The war lasted three years and was to become the most costly Britain had ever fought. 'Generations to come will find it difficult to believe that a man such as Gandhi ever walked the face of this earth.' (Albert Einstein)

"Stand on the hill where history was written"

Quote by Winston Churchill: 'History will be kind to me for I intend to write it.' .'What do you have in common with Churchill, Gandhi and Botha?'

Spion Kop. If you should choose to visit.

This was the scene of one of the most futile and perhaps bloodiest of all battles fought in the 1899-1902 Anglo-Boer War. It is also where Winston Churchill as a 23-year-old war correspondent, stretcher bearer Mahatma Gandhi, and Boer General Louis Botha all fought at the same time before they went on to shape history. And it is where you could relive the memories of that day and walk in the footsteps of three great leaders with Anglo-Boer raconteur Raymond Heron of Spion Kop Lodge, should you decide to enjoy the area. The farmstead on which Spion Kop Lodge is located was seconded by the Commander-in-Chief of the British forces, Sir Redvers Buller, for his headquarters. His troops camped on the farm for several days prior to the Battle of Spion Kop. The British suffered heavy losses in an effort to relieve the beleaguered town of Ladysmith where their forces were besieged by Boer Commandos for 118 days.

Your host, Raymond, will accompany you to the many historic sights. He paints a vivid picture of the personal trauma and military mindset that resulted in the slaughter of so many British and Boer soldiers. Tours to the various battlefields can be made on horseback or in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. It is a story on which the sun never sets.

DAY ONE

Arrive at Spion Kop Lodge .The farmstead on which Spion Kop Lodge is located, was seconded by the Commander-in-Chief of the British forces, Sir Redvers Buller, for his headquarters. His troops camped on the farm for several days prior to the Battle of Spion Kop. The British suffered heavy losses in an effort to relieve the beleaguered town of Ladysmith, where their forces were besieged by Boer Commandos for 118 days situated on the original Spearman farm in what is today a 700 hectare eco reserve, with some 270 bird species, an abundance of antelope, indigenous bush, and in June and July, a concentration of flowering Aloes ,whose beauty leaves one breathless. Allow some time to settle in and lunch and then depart for Mount Alice the site on which General Buller established his headquarters, Winston Churchill's camp and a lecture on the origins of the boer war followed by Sunset refreshments served on Mount Alice overlooking the Mountains and Spion Kop Nature Reserve. Returning to the lodge and Dinner. As the lodge looks out on to the kop and overlooks where Gen. Warren had his headquarter, it's easy to orientate oneself from the very first meal .

DAY TWO

Breakfast followed by a trip onto the Spion Kop Battlefield ,site of the most futile and probably bloodiest battle of the Anglo-Boer War ,fought on the 24 January 1900 .Your host and Anglo-Boer raconteur, Raymond Heron, will accompany you. He paints a vivid picture of the personal trauma and military mindset that resulted in the slaughter of so many British and Boer soldiers. Astoundingly, there were three men on Spion Kop that day, who were to influence the course of world history, Gen. Louis Botha, Winston Churchill and Mahatma Gandhi. Relive the memories of that day and walk in the footsteps of three great leaders

Lunch

Sunset boat Cruise on Spion Kop Dam in the Spion Kop Nature Reserve ,an opportunity to see some game before return to the lodge for cocktails followed by dinner.

DAY THREE

Breakfast

Visit the site of Churchill's capture
Tugela Heights and Colenso.

Lunch

Ladysmith Museum .- relief of etc
Return to the Lodge guests may cool down in the rock pool or simply relax before Dinner.

Breakfast

Departure.

* Apart from Battlefield Tours Spion Kop Lodge offers diverse activities. Bird watching, game viewing, sun set boat cruises, hiking, horse riding, and Golf (nearby), visits to San Rock Art and Drakensberg Boys Choir Recitals. Truly an OUT OF AFRICA Experience.

Facilities

Conference

Includes exclusive use of our Conference Venue
TV, Video Machine, Overhead Projector and Screen, Whiteboard and Markers
Pen and notepad, Mineral water per delegate & pepermints per table.
Mid morning break: Teas, coffees and Scones
Afternoon Break :  Teas, Coffees and Homemade Biscuits
Accommodation
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITIES
We are also able to offer a diverse number of activities making us fairly unique as a destination:

Battlefield Tours

• Birding (274 species, including the White Backed Night Heron)
• Sunset & Sunrise Boat Cruises (game and bird viewing - rhino, etc.)
• Game Drives
• Hiking
• Canoeiing
• Horse Riding amongst the Game in the Reserve
• Trips to the Drakensberg Boy's Choir, Recitals
• Tours to the Bushmen Caves and Paintings
• Trips to the Falconry Birds of Prey Display
• Hiking Trips into the Drakensberg Mountains

Directions