Formerly a farm on the edge of the Drakensberg Mountains, Chestnut Country Lodge took on its current role as home to luxurious accommodation back in 1996.
Since then, visitors from all over the world have enjoyed staying in this gated development set within 50 hectares of farmland, just 10km from Hazyview in Kiepersol, Mpumalanga.
Now solar powered, the lodge is used by many as a base from which to explore the nearby Kruger National Park and Panoramic Route, both of which are top tourist destinations.
There are 8 deluxe rooms (each sleeps 2 guests) and 4 luxury rooms with lounges (each sleeps 3). Some of the rooms can be joined together to create family accommodation. You can choose from kingsize, queen or twin beds and a bathroom with either a shower or a tub with shower overhead. You room will have access to unlimited Wi Fi as well as tea and coffee making facilities, plus a private patio with views of the Sabie Valley.
You can also book the Chestnut Suite for two, with its enclosed patio, outdoor shower and an indoor bathroom that has both a tub and separate shower.
All guests get access to the large swimming pool and the recliners on the surrounding deck and sun terrace. The gardens are also open to you and to mongooses (or is it mongeese?) who are regular visitors.
Inside the main lodge, there’s a lounge with comfy chairs and satellite TV, presumably showing the big sporting events. There’s also a more formal lounge with all of the comfort, minus the TV, but plus an open fireplace. Cosy.
The lodge has an on-site restaurant serving breakfast and dinner from a set menu. You can also choose to eat out in the BBQ area (braai). And if you’re here on business, the conference facilities are sure to come in handy.
Visit captivating Kruger and explore the Panoramic Route. Regular game drives are available, thanks to the lodge’s location just a 30 minute drive from the Phabeni Gate into the Kruger National Park, in which sightings of the coveted Big Five are frequent (the main gate into the park is about 55km away). You can book a full day safari that departs from the lodge in the early morning, or trips that leave in the afternoon or at night. Whatever time you leave, you’ll be in the capable hands of an expert tracker.
You can also book a guided tour of the Panorama Route, taking in God’s Window, the Three Rondavels and the geological wonder of Bourke’s Luck Potholes. And why not visit Elephant Whispers for close-up encounters with those wonderful mammals?
Walking tours are also available, including a leisurely stroll alongside a stream that meanders through a forest in the grounds of a neighbouring farm. Monkeys and many species of bird are known to live here so don’t forget your binoculars. And to give your visit a cultural edge, you can take a trip to the Shangana Village (about 15km away) to experience authentic traditional life.
Cycling is another popular activity, with bike hire available nearby. You can explore the region on horseback if you prefer, or slow the pace right down with a day’s fishing.
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