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Situated on an expansive 700 hectare game farm, SpionKop Lodge is the perfect base for exploring the berg, bush, birds, and
battlefields of the region. Spionkop Lodge offers visitors an awesome sense of
space and beauty, supreme comfort and warm hospitality. The turn of the
century farmhouse has been beautifully restored in Natal colonial style. The
converted barn now forms the magnificent dining room that boasts spectacular
views. Guests can savour fine cuisine and excellent service whilst
appreciating the African landscape and battlefield.
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.
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.
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.
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. Stand on the hill where history
was written.
Spionkop 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 Spionkop Lodge, should you decide to enjoy the
area. The farmstead on which Spionkop 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 Spionkop. 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.
Apart from Battlefield Tours Spionkop 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.
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