Spurwing Lodge is the perfect KZN getaway right on the front step of the majestic Albert Falls Dam.
Spurwing Lodge.
Welcome to Spurwing Lodge, a pretty thatched property set in an exclusive private game reserve in KwaZuluNatal. An ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of busy lives where you can enjoy a well deserved measure of peace and tranquillity. Recently modernised, it provides the comfort of modern living but retains the essence and character of the African bush experience.
Found within Emanzini Private Reserve, Spurwing occupies an elevated and private position, commanding great views of the valley below and Albert Falls Dam. It is a secure destination and not available to the general public as a game reserve, leaving you to relax and enjoy the ebb and flow of the days in relative seclusion.
Where are we?
We are located in KwaZuluNatal, South Africa’s so called Garden Province, just a short journey from the Province’s capital of Pietermaritzburg at Otto’s Bluff. We are only 14km or so from the N3 Highway, but when you arrive it may as well be a light year. From Durban it is no more than an hour’s drive and from Jo’burg, it will depend on whether you take the number plates off your car!
Accommodation.
The thatched lodge has self catering accommodation for 6 people in three comfortable bedrooms. All have a beautiful view of the Reserve and Dam and each has a queen size bed and an en-suite bathroom with shower.
A fully equipped open plan kitchen and living room extends out to the large tiled deck and gazebo. The kitchen has a gas and electric stove, microwave and all facilities. A DVD player and stereo is provided in the lounge. (Please bring your films and music).
A gas braai can be found on the deck and a fire pit can be used (subject to fire restrictions) in the garden. Outside seating is provided and there is an indigenous garden area which merges into the bush.
Ample parking is available outside the lodge.
What’s included?
Complimentary tea and coffee is provided. All linen and towels, loo paper and soap are also included. There is a hairdryer and also an iron and ironing board (if you really feel the need!) Electricity is provided by Eskom, well mostly.
What to do?
Not to be missed are those big African sunsets over the Dam. Take a walk around the Reserve and take in the flowers and wildlife, maybe try the same on bikes. In the evenings, turn out the lights and watch the fireflies dance.
Wildlife
Emanzini is home to a wide range of plains animals including giraffe, wildebeest, eland, oribi, kudu, ostrich, zebra and warthog. If you are “twitcher” then there are over 300 different birds that have been spotted, including Secretary birds. The resident fish eagles can also be often seen perched below the Lodge. You can watch from the deck or take your own game drive on the network of roads in the Reserve.
Albert Falls Dam
The Dam is famous for its international bass fishing competitions and is also used as a watersports venue. A kilometre of exclusive access to the Dam frontage is included in your stay. Launch a boat to fish or water-ski or just throw in a line from the water’s edge.
Round and about.
If you want to explore the beauty of the Natal Midlands and the history of Pietermaritzburg, Spurwing can provide you with a gateway to all the attractions that the region has to offer. The area has established tourist meanders with crafters, country restaurants and pubs and a quaint colonial atmosphere. A worthwhile excursion, if time permits is to the stunning and majestic Drakensberg Mountains.
Sorry to all the guys, (but she who must be obeyed insisted I put this in) but there is also a very good spa just down the road from Emanzini.
If you head to Durban you can experience all the delights of South Africa’s playground and the beauty of the Indian Ocean.
Check in and out
Check in is 2.00pm and check out is 11.00am. This can be extended by request, where we can and if it doesn’t inconvenience other guests.
Rules of the Reserve
Guests are asked to acknowledge and adhere to the rules of the Reserve. Most importantly are the ones that relate to the control and spread of fire. In some months of the year, no open fires are permitted. The others relate to noise and general conduct.
How to find us.
From either South or North on the N3 highway take the Chota Motala interchange, ( R33) in Pietermaritzburg in the direction of Greytown. Remain in the left hand lane and proceed up the hill where you will be filtered off to the left at a robot (traffic light) junction. Continue under the railway bridge on Otto’s Bluff Road. Some 12km distance there is a right turn signposted Otto’s Bluff station. (I am guessing that Otto used to be a big noise in these parts). Take this turning and after about a kilometre, Emanzini’s gates can be seen on the left.
If you are not using the N3, to find us, then you are either local and don’t need my help or are hopelessly lost.
GPS Co-ordinates
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Rates
Spurwing Lodge can be rented for R3500 per night subject to a minimum two night stay. It can accommodate up to 6 people in 3 bedrooms.
Bookings and Enquiries.
Please email me at spurwinglodgekzn.com for bookings and enquiries.
Terms and conditions
No Children under 10.
FAQs
• If you are an international traveller, you may worry about malaria. There is none in the Province and nowhere near.
• Is it safe? Emanzini is patrolled by its own security staff, and entry and exit is controlled by security staff and cell phone gate control. The Natal Midlands particularly is considered to be a safe and laid back area.
• A Spar shop can be found on Chota Motala Road before you swing left under the railway bridge. This can cater for most food and drink. Otherwise, the Midlands Liberty Mall on the N3 in PMB has supermarkets.
