Durban - Spionkop Lodge is set against the backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains on a game farm which was the headquarters of the commander-in-chief of the British Forces during the South African War of 1899-1902. This beautifully restored colonial style farmstead is a perfect base for hearing about and exploring the berg, bush, birds and battlefields of this historic region of KwaZulu Natal.
The lodge comprises of the original homestead with beautifully appointed en-suite (bath and shower) bedrooms, each with its own veranda, overlooking the garden.
The main building houses a small but well-appointed library, a lounge and a sunroom. There are also two self-catering cottages with fire-places, sleeping four and five guests.
The original barn, built in 1890, has been converted into a reception area, dinning room and cosy pub, and a conference room for smaller corporate gatherings is available.
Spion Kop was the scene of one of the bloodiest and, perhaps, most futile battles fought during the South African War. It brought together three significant and influential characters from the chapters of modern history, namely: Winston Churchill, a 23-year-old war correspondent; Louis Botha who was to become the first prime minister of the Union of South Africa in 1910; and a London-qualified lawyer, Mahatma Gandhi, who was a stretcher bearer with the Ambulance Corps.
For members, there is a 50 percent discount on the dinner, bed and breakfast rate of R1 600 a person per night, until the end of the year. To book, call Lynette or Raymond Heron at 036 488 1404 or 082 573 0224/5, or fax 086 647 8134 or e-mail [email protected]. See www.spionkop.co.za for more details.
l Raymond Heron offers fascinating battlefield tours - Saturday Star