There is a place in South Africa. They call the rising sun. Bit of plagiarism there but lie back, hum along and daydream. Mpumalanga is the Zulu name for the 'place of the rising sun'. And there, snuggled into the hillside forests and grasslands is Oliver's Lodge.
They say they offer Austrian elegance. The lodge, not the golf course. Either way it sounds grand. And you're only 5 minutes from the town of White River, too.
The lodge has 14 rooms. They all have an outdoor space with views over the golf course and the Mpumalanga forest. King-sized beds - or you can request twins. You'll have an en-suite. Antique furnishings. You must endure pastel colours. DSTV, telephone, minibar with snacks, air-conditioning, heater, coffee & tea facilities, safes, hairdryer and bathrobes. Yes! The best extra any lodge can offer. Should be law.
There are 4 Exclusive Standard Rooms, 1 Exclusive Standard Family Room, 5 Luxury Rooms and 2 Executive Suites. There's also a Luxury Family House and Family Cottage.
The Luxury Rooms are in the adjacent building in front of the pool. They have a seating area in front of a fireplace as well as private patios with views over the gardens and golf course. Their bathrooms have a separate WC and bidet.
The 2 Executive Suites are on the first floor in the adjacent building with private balconies and views over the pool, garden and area. They have a separate lounge and bedroom with a fireplace in each room and the bathrooms have a private outside shower overlooking the golf course.
Next to the Lodge and in front of the pool is the Luxury Family House. This sleeps 8. There are 4 bedrooms, two king-size and two queen-size. Two of the rooms have en-suites, the other two share a bathroom. There's an open-plan lounge, dining room and kitchenette walking out onto a private verandah. 2 private and secure parking bays.
The Family Cottage is a separate house next to the lodge. It has two bedrooms with queen-size beds. They have en-suites with shower only. The lounge has a fireplace with a seating area and kitchenette and there's a private verandah.
14 rooms(king-size beds in most):
In addition:
Oliver's guests may use all the facilities of the White River Country Club, which include tennis, squash and of course golf. Golf lessons may be arranged with the club pro. You can also use the renowned Leopard Creek golf course 45 mins' drive away (strictly) by prior arrangement and subject to availability.
Oliver's is only about 25km from the Kruger National Park. The closest gate is Numbi Gate and the lodge can arrange Full Day or Half Day safaris.
You're also near the Blyde River Canyon and consequently just 45 minutes from Gods Window. Here, the cliffs drop away to a 700 - 900m gorge filled with trees, shrubs, and wildlife. Lots to explore nearby - waterfalls, botanical gardens and caves.
There's the chance to try loads of adrenaline sports. White water rafting, quad and mountain biking, horse riding. There's a Big Swing in Graskop, or you could go fishing. Want to go higher? Take a helicopter trip or try micro lighting.
Or hit the shops. Riverside Mall, Ilanga Mall and The Grove in Nelspruit. Here you’ll also find cinemas and a casino. There’s shopping to be done at Casterbridge Farm in White River and Perry’s Bridge Trading Post in Hazyview as well.
