Kwazulu-Natal Bush & Beach self drive exploring

Walking

Highmoor Nature Reserve is 90% of our border and has just been declared a world heritage site because of its inherent beauty. It is a 10 minute drive from Cleopatra in a normal motor vehicle, you park your car at the top. There are three big Trout Dams up there stocked with Rainbow Trout. Wildlife includes Eland, Reedbuck, Oribi, Jackal, Serval, Rooikat, extensive birdlife and a huge diversity of flora.

Cleopatra is situated on 500 acres of rolling hills and walking trails are available on the property

Horse Riding

Horse riding is available 10 minutes drive down the road on the most beautiful Appaloosa horses. The rides are approximately 2½ hours in duration and they cater for in-experienced and experienced riders. Your horse ride will take you over rolling hills with the most beautiful scenery and the horses are well suited to all types of terrain.

Helicopter

We have a helicopter on standby, which will pick you up in our gardens and fly you over the Little Berg to Giants Castle. You will hover next to the Big Berg and fly over wildlife, rolling hills, rivers and land on top of the Little Berg for a glass of sparkling wine with Giants Castle in the back-ground. The flight is about ½ an hour in duration and a fantastic way of seeing Ukhahlamba (The Barrier of Spears).

Bushman Rock Art

Some of the rock art in the Drakensberg dates back over 3000 years. The best sighting in our area is at Kamberg (Little Berg), a 20 minute drive from Cleopatra and a 2 hour walk. Alternatively there is Rock Art at Giants Castle (Big Berg), a 45 minute drive, and a 45 minute walk with tours on the hour every hour from 09h00 – 15h00.

Fishing

Fishing is available at various time throughout the year, please speak to us about the best places to fish and the open seasons. Our rivers in this area are stocked with Brown Trout whereas the dams are stocked with Rainbow Trout. Fishing is available at Highmoor and Kamberg as well as our Little Mooi River on the property. You will need to bring your own equipment.

Sani Pass

There are trips to the top of the Pass with various tour companies. The tours leave at 9:00am from Underberg & returning at 4.00 p.m. Bookings must be made and there is a charge per person. You must take your Passport & lunch is available at a fee. It will take about 2.5 hours to get to Himeville so any early breakfast must be arranged.

Historical Tours
These tours are organised by Ron Gold, a very experienced guide in our area and very knowledgeable on the Battlefields, Rock Art Tours, Hiking and the Drakensberg region

Midlands Meander
There are 184 craft stops on the Midlands Meander, from woodturners, to potters, to cheesemakers, to weavers and much, much more.

Guides
We work with 3 Guides who are available for various day trips in Kamberg and surrounding areas.

Shane Bennitt does the following tours, but should there be something else you are interested in we can enquire with him or should you prefer, you can contact him directly:

Birding Meanders of the Midlands
Kwa-Zulu Natal has over 650 recorded species of birds, with the Natal Midlands offering some truly amazing and picturesque birding destinations. (Half & Full Day)

Highmoor/Kamberg Nature Reserve
This magnificent destination is renowned for its birding, scenic views, soaring basaltic buttresses, golden sandstone ramparts, rock pools, rolling high altitude grasslands, steep sided river valleys and rocky gorges. (Very early morning start) 1 Full Day

Photography In the Meanders
Every season the Midlands offers those keen photographers, some very special opportunities, be it in the heart of the Midlands, or visiting the magnificent Drakensberg range.
(Half & Full Day)

Booking in advance is essential.
shane@wlafrica.co.za

Deon Small – Small Berg Adventures. Berg Adventures offers professional guiding in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Okhahlamba Drakensberg Mountain Range and KZN Midlands. Trips will usually be multi-day hikes into the High Berg or could be just an overnight trip for first time hikers wanting to experience hiking for the first time. We have a range of standard trips to choose from or we can tailor make a hiking trip to suit your needs. Booking in advance is essential.

Please click on the website link to view all adventures on offer:
https://www.bergadventures.co.za/

Samson Miya - 12 years guiding experience. Trained academy of climbing & mountaineering and rescue team. Works at Cathedral Peak and does hikes at Giants.
Contact number 076 474 7930. Age 35

Dinner is a sumptuous 7 course affair with no effort or expense spared to give our guests a memorable dining experience. Richard talks you through every mouthful from pan to plate before you sit down to enjoy his creations, and he doesn’t mind telling you that Cleopatra’s food is all about the tastes, fun and passion that go into good country cooking!

Don’t forget to stay for breakfast, though. The unusual and exciting 3 courses are the icing on the cake of your flavourful time with us. We so look forward to your stay with us at Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse.

Fresh ingredients are essential, and being able to pick from the gardens minutes before serving is a real pleasure. For the most exotic tastes, Richard spends hours hunting down local and imported ingredients of the highest quality – flying in fresh salmon from Norway and procuring genuine Parma hams and cheeses from Italy.

A very new and exciting development at Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse is our Copper Pot Spa. For a while now our guests have been asking for this to happen and at last, we can offer this wonderful add-on for our guests to enjoy.

We have a professional in-house therapist who is qualified to pamper you with all the necessary treatments to relax or rejuvenate you. We are proud to stock the Esse range of products and treatments.

We are tucked away in the beautiful Kamberg Valley close to Giant’s Castle Nature Reserve, and all the normal mountain pursuits such as swimming, mountain hiking and scenic walks are available. Please ask when you arrive for our full seasonal range of activities on the farm and in the area. Below is an outline of what you can do on and around the hotel.

Mountain hikes & walks

Highmoor Nature Reserve makes up 90% of our border and has just been declared a world heritage site because of its inherent beauty. It is a 10 minute drive from Cleopatra in a normal motor vehicle, (cars can be parked at the top).

There are three big Trout Dams up there stocked with Rainbow Trout. Wildlife includes Eland, Reedbuck, Oribi, Jackal, Serval, Rooikat, extensive birdlife and a huge diversity of flora. Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse is situated on 500 acres of rolling hills and walking trails are available on the property as well.

Horse Riding

Horse riding in the Drakensberg is extremely popular and is available 10 minutes drive down the road on the most beautiful Appaloosa horses. The rides are approximately 2½ hours in duration and they cater for novice and experienced riders.

Your horse ride will take you over rolling hills with the spectacular mountain scenery and the horses are well suited to all types of terrain. For those whose taste runs more to thoroughbreds, Sue Armstrong does tours of the local race horse studs. Full and half day tours available. She does offer transport to and from Cleopatra. 

Trout Fishing 

Fishing is available all year round, so please speak to us about the best places to fish.

Our rivers in the area are stocked with Brown Trout whilst the dams are stocked with Rainbow Trout.

Fishing is available at Highmoor and Kamberg as well as our Little Mooi River on the property. Rods are available for hire from the Lodge.

The Berg by Helicopter

We have a helicopter on standby which will pick you up in our garden and fly you over the Little Berg to Giants Castle. You will hover next to the Big Berg and fly over wildlife, rolling hills, rivers and land on top of the Little Berg for a glass of sparkling wine with Giants Castle in the background.

The flight is about half an hour in duration and a fantastic way of seeing Ukhahlamba (The Barrier of Spears – the Zulu name for the Drakensberg mountains).

Bushman Rock Art

Some of the rock art in the Drakensberg dates back over 3000 years. The best sighting in our area is at Kamberg (Little Berg), a 20 minute drive from Cleopatra and a 2 hour walk.

Alternatively there is Rock Art at Giants Castle (Big Berg), a 45 minute drive, and a 45 minute walk with tours on the hour every hour from 09h00 – 15h00.

And much more ... 

KwaZulu Natal is home to South Africa’s most prestigious golf courses and country clubs.
With these fine golfing destinations being located in panoramic locations along the
North Coast, it’s no wonder the region remains a popular golfing destination.
Nestled along the Thompsons Bay coastline in Shaka’s Rock just north of Durban, the
newly-built Sala Beach House is the perfect home-away-from-home for golfers of all
handicaps who wish to explore the various golf courses in and around the Dolphin
Coast.

3 night Golf Package is availalable with green fees, transfers and golf cart rental.

North Coast Country Clubs and Golf Courses
Almost a stone’s throw from Sala Beach House, the North Coast’s country clubs and golf
courses are of international standards, surrounded by incredible natural beauty.

● Zimbali Country Club
Distance from Sala Beach House – 5,6km (12 minutes drive)
This private Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole course provides world-class, eco-
conscious golfing, a hybrid course of links and coastal forest, and breathtaking
sea views.

● Simbithi Country Club
Distance from Sala Beach House – 2,6km (7 minutes drive)
Another Peter Matkovich-designed wonder, the 18-hole Simbithi golf course
remains one of South Africa’s most prestigious golfing destinations, set on a 430-
hectare coastline paradise.

● Umhlali Country Club
Distance from Sala Beach House – 5,7km (12 minutes drive)
The Umhlali Country Club is notorious for its energetic ambience and social vibe.
The 18-hole Peter Matkovich-designed course is complemented by stunning
facilities that include tennis courts, squash courts, and bowls on-site for those
looking for a variety of activities.

● Prince’s Grant Golf Estate
Distance from Sala Beach House – 36,8km (35 minutes drive)
This Peter Matkovich-designed course was reconstructed in November 2020,
offering links and parkland layouts of large greens and impressive fairways – a
unique and challenging day out for golfers of all handicaps. The Prince’s Grant
Golf Course consistently ranks in South Africa’s Top 20 courses

Sala Beach Spa is a secluded and intimate spa designed to indulge you with the highest quality treatments in a calm and secluded atmosphere. Each Sala Beach Spa treatment is designed to cater to individual needs and is guided by a highly trained, intuitive therapist, ensuring a truly personalised experience. The products that are used include Terres d'Afrique and QMS Medicosmetics

To complete your Wellness journey, various meal plans and yoga, reiki or sound baths are available by prior arrangement.

The protected tidal pools and rocky coastline are home to interesting marine life, with over 50 species of fish, corals, a wide variety of invertebrates and big shoals swimming around. Highlights include Parrot fish, Damsels, Surgeons, Butterfly fish, Moray Eels and loads of other colourful fish.

Private guided snorkelling tours (2hr) and coastal walks (3hrs) available

Twice daily game drives are conducted to explore the magnificent hills and valleys of the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park. Nothing is predictable in the bush; therefore each safari offers a potentially new and unique experience. Our guides will share their wealth of bush experience which involves the identifications of animals, trees, grasses, insects and birds. The medicinal uses of plants and local folk lore is also discussed as well as looking for the ever fascinating Big 5!

Guests can enjoy guided walks lasting 3-4 hours inside the park in Big 5 territory. No children under 14 years. Additional cost.

Treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment - extra cost.

Visits into the local Mpembeni Community are offered as well as a visit to the Isibindi Foundation community centre.

SCUBA diving at Mabibi is phenomenal. Our professional lodge diving team can accommodate enthusiasts, from the beginner to the veteran. For those who don't dive, we have an Open Ocean Experience. An exciting launch through the surf in front of the lodge takes you beyond the breakers to a world of dolphins, whales and many other creatures. The warm Indian Ocean supports a myriad of fish and marine life.
Guests can sometimes swim with dolphins or whale sharks, or snorkel with Manta rays and giant turtles. Scuba Diving and ocean experience are at an extra cost.

Daily guided snorkeling is done a 5 minute walk away from the Lodge at low tide in our beautiful rock pools. Guided snorkelling is included in the rate.

In summer there are nocturnal walks and drives along the beach in search of pre-historic turtles laying their eggs. Witness the culmination of an incredible journey as giant Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in carefully prepared nests.

Turtle tracking is offered in the evening from November to end of February. The turtles lay their eggs from November to February. Hatchlings arrive from end December to end February.

Every precaution is taken to ensure these magnificent creatures are not disturbed during the laying process and data collected from the turtle drives is submitted to the Ezemvelo Turtle Monitoring program.
Turtle walks take place 3 times a week and are included in the rate.
Nightly turtle tracking in 4x4 vehicle is at an extra cost.

Open Ocean Experience. An exciting launch through the surf in front of the lodge takes you beyond the breakers to a world of dolphins, whales and many other creatures. The warm Indian Ocean supports a myriad of fish and marine life.

Guests can sometimes swim with dolphins or snorkel with Manta rays and giant turtles
Ocean Experience is an extra charge.

A leisurely drive along the lake shore looking for Hippo's , Birds and Crocodiles, then surrounded by the magical sounds of dusk settle with a drink to watch the sunset over the lake. Sundowners are Included in the rate, with either a glass of house wine, cider, local beer or soft drink per person.

Daily tours are on offer to visit the local rural Community of Mabibi. This includes a visit to the clinic and the school, as well as a homestead visit. Optional is to include a visit to the local Sangoma (witch doctor), which may incur a cost.

Standard tours are included in the rate.

Relax with a soothing treatment in the Sea Spa - extra charge.

Daily guided walks through the indigenous dune forest, where the local guides share their knowledge of the flora and fauna. This activity is included in the rate.

Take a fat bike out for a ride along the beach - great excercise and fun.