The Gorge is many things to many people. To an engineer, its ovoid pods suspended over the sandstone cliff-face with stupendous views are something of an achievement. To nature lovers, the rare Oribi buck, the Cape Vulture colony and bat cave are highlights. To the hedonist, the spa and the food are to die for.
The Gorge is a five-star, owner-run, private game lodge with a day spa, which is situated 32km inland from Port Shepstone on the edge of the national heritage site that is Oribi Gorge.
It’s a perfect place for a pampered, relaxing stay. You can laze in or around the rim-flow swimming pool just gazing over the gorge with the willing staff close at hand should you require anything. Of course, you could also prise yourself from the pool lounger and walk to the spa, either to plop into the Jacuzzi or onto a therapy bed.
There are also plenty of other activities.
There is a great mountain bike track along the edge of the gorge, and a walk to the suspension bridge and lookout point, with Titanic moments to be had at the end of the platform.
The vulture colony is really special and there are fantastic views over the hazy hills and the winding Umzimkhulu River with vultures flying below and alongside, circling or landing on the cliff face.
Birders will be happy to know there are some 255 bird species in the area. Game drives will also reveal the diverse flora. The gorge has more than 500 plant species and animals such as the Oribi, rare samango, aardwolf, elusive leopard, caracal, serval, jackal, otter, genet and various antelope.
Hiking trails under the canopy of the indigenous trees take you to bushman paintings and bat caves.
Nearby is Africa’s newest, biggest and fastest zipline, where adrenalin junkies can reach speeds around 100km/h as they cross the gorge. There are many other adventure activities that can be arranged.
The Gorge is on the Classen family’s farm and the drive to the lodge takes you past a government-and EU-funded tea tree nursery and plantings that, within a decade, will produce a third of the world production of tee tree oils.
Derrick Classen, along with sister Catharina and her husband Mike Cross, opened their doors to guests at the end of 2009 and are proud to have achieved their five-star grading within the first three months. It’s easy to see why.
The five 81m² chalets are sheer luxury and beautifully designed with an unobstructed view of the Mzimkulwana River and the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve.
The Gorge Spa’s three treatment rooms also have large viewing windows. One is a double room, giving couples the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing massage or revitalising body wrap in each other’s company.
The restaurant and kitchen are headed up by Deon Kemp, who has a pretty impressive resume – and it shows. Here is a chef who really enjoys his work. Deon has his own organic veggie and herb garden outside the kitchen and prides himself on preparing only food that is organic, free range and hormone-free. He is continually experimenting and his food presentation is superb.
Rates per person sharing are R1 250 for bed and sumptuous breakfast and R1 650 on weekends and holidays. There are also special three-day rates. - Sunday Tribune
For reservations call 039 687 0378, 082 566 1045; e-mail [email protected] or visit www.thegorge.co.za.