This month we lose our hearts to stone-built wilderness accommodation: a charming stone cottage in the Cederberg, luxury rock chalets at Mountain Zebra National Park, and a picturesque stone camp in the heart of Swaziland.
Stone Camp
Mkhaya Game Reserve
Picture courtesy of Big Game Parks
Stone Camp gets its name from the dolerite rocks used to build the stone and thatch cottages. But these aren’t your run-of-the-mill cottages: the walls extend just halfway, so you feel you are sleeping out in the open while enjoying the comfort of the luxuriously appointed rooms. The camp’s 12 cottages are dotted around a forest – thick vegetation means each unit feels completely private. This four-star camp oozes romance, especially after sunset, when the meandering pathways are lantern-lit. Originally founded to provide a haven in Swaziland for the pure Nguni breed of cattle, Mkhaya Game Reserve is also home to endangered species such as white and black rhino, roan and sable antelope, and tsessebe. Whether you’re game for a guided walk or explorations in an open safari vehicle, you’ll encounter spectacular wildlife.
Wild tips
- Because temperatures can drop suddenly, pack warm as well as light clothing irrespective of the season.
- The reserve is a malaria risk area, so take the necessary precautions.
Bookings: +268 2528 3943, [email protected]
Rates: From R2,145 per person sharing (dinner, bed and breakfast)
Rietdak Cottage
Cederberg Wilderness Area
Picture by Scott Ramsay
Aside from the Cederberg’s unparalleled beauty, this mountainous landscape is a playground for outdoor explorers with hiking, mountaineering, bouldering, rock art sites and donkey cart excursions. Situated at Algeria, Rietdak is a quaint four-sleeper cottage with a fireplace for those chilly winter nights. The cottage is equipped for all your needs with modern appliances, hot water showers and an outside braai area. But the real appeal is its proximity to stunning walks and a heart-stirring view of the mountains. This is your chance to breathe in fresh air and surrender to the splendours of one of the most breathtaking places on Earth. Like Liesl Ravenscroft writes in Wild 31: “This wild bundle of tortured rock holds the most beautiful secret valleys and shale bands.”
Good to know: CapeNature’s annual tariff increases are due to take effect from 1 September 2018. Bookings: Book online, +27 (0)21 483 0190, [email protected]
Rates: From R680 per person per night
Rock Chalets
Mountain Zebra National Park
Picture courtesy of SANParks
These chalets are so luxurious, sophisticated and elegant, you’ll be wowed the minute you walk in the door – and that’s before you look at the view. With floor-to-ceiling glass panels along one side, you have a front-row seat to Mountain Zebra National Park’s soul-stirring rocky vistas. The two rock chalets have cleverly been developed on a level dolerite ridge so that you feel a part of the rugged landscape. Inside each chalet you’ll find leather couches, a fireplace, air conditioning, flat screen TV with DStv, and a modern kitchen. The bathroom has a walk-in shower and free-standing bath, not to mention your very own outside shower. Light a fire, pour your favourite drink and experience natural bliss.
Wild tips
- Mountain Zebra National Park is famous for its guided cheetah tracking excursions. Advance bookings are essential – call the park on +27 (0)48 801 5700 or send an email to [email protected].
- For the more adventurous, explore the park’s three 4×4 trails. The trails are unguided and you don’t have to make a booking.
Bookings: +27 (0)12 428 9111, [email protected]
Rates: R3,198 per night for four guests
The places advertised are very beautiful but for us South Africans just too expensive!! For the foreign tourists only.
What a pity.
So Very True, like there is special conservation fees for SA Citizens at some of our National Parks there should also be special rates for the accommodation.
I do understand your worries about prices in Sanparks. But also for us, Dutch pensioners, the ever increasing prices are a disaster. We love coming to your country but not all foreign tourist are big spenders..
I concur.
SA Ciizens should get a substantial discount as in previous years when a 40% discount, especially for retired visitors to Parks was available. Come on SANPARKS, bring back that discounts to your valued customers who stand by you for decades. The price tag for a vissit to our beloved Kruger Park got unafordable, especially when you happen to live in the WC.
Exactly. Having spent half a century supporting our Sanparks, we find we can no longer afford it. How about introducing a loyalty programme? One free night after every ten ?
Why font I receive a Wild Card magazine any more?
Do miss it a lot!
Thanking you
JA Blom
Good day Kobus. Thank you for your comment and apologies for the inconvenience. Please send an email to [email protected] with your name, Wild Card number and postal address. Thank you and regards, Wild.
Why don’t I receive a Wild magazine any more?
Do miss it a lot!
Thanking you
J.A.Blom
,0836514617
Itis outrageous how much these wonderful treasures within our own beautiful country costs!
I have been going to Sanparks since the age of six and am now 63. I have yet to be disappointed it is inevitable that prices rise. Enjoy it whilst you still can. Many South Africans have not been further than their backyards. Sponsor one next time you go away, we do.
How can South African pensioners afford these offers? What a pity.
Far to expensive, why target the overseas visitor? They don’t pay in RSA rands!
We love the parks! Too old to tent or caravan now.
Even the Wildcard is an expense that we consider renewing!!
I agree with you about the costs of visiting parks. Further, I have not renewed my Wildcard since about three years ago, when on a visit to KZN I found that is was not accepted, even in places where it had been before. It is not a national card in any sense. Still, I miss it and may reconsider.
Mountain Zebra Rock Chalets at R800.00 ppn is very good value.
Yes the prices are becoming high for Pensioners and discounts seem to be disappearing. We have more time now and can go out of season but prices hurt! This is very disappointing as we love the park.
I’m sure sanparks does regular marketing analyses and occupation stats of their parks.
Encouraging local visitors with discounts, seasonal rates to encourage off season visitors, block rates instead of per person rates, etc are some suggestions to not only encourage locals but also to sustain numbers of outside visitors.
Wildcard should also be tailored for schools and organisations. Group membership instead of just family and individual membership as is presently.
Our parks are so amazing and the accommodation generally so good that they are mostly fully booked regardless of the fast increasing prices. Of course conservation needs income, but the parks should never become so exclusive that only the rich can afford it. We have gone to many parks since childhood, but now have to curb the number of visits and the number of days due to costs. PLEASE reduce prices to make parks accessible to local, middle and lower class visitors again.
We share the sentiments addressed above. We had a goal of going to KNP at least once a year, however, it has turned out to be unachievable because of the excessive increases in costs. After a few years absence we gave ourselves an objective to go no matter what this year. We went through the motions worked out the cost of staying in KNP for four or five nights, but, again unachievable – not affordable!!! Unfortunately as pensioners communal living has become undesirable and the alternatives in KNP equates to what one can get for a week travelling overseas, flight costs included. Sorry but it is now only for overseas guests and, dare I say it, SA Politicians!!
I think what we do forget is that the accommodation offers a whole lot more these days . 30 years ago having a shower and toilet in your hut was not usual, but now it is. The old non-luxury huts are still available in certain camps at a very reasonable price . Shingwedzi for example – R616 per night for 2 people in an EH2 – that is a bargain !