Tillietudlem Game and Trout Farm, Impendle, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

The first thing that struck us about this beautiful private game farm is the complete raw and natural beauty that surrounds you. The second thing was the incredible silence - absolute bliss for the soul. For our entire stay all we heard was the occasional cry of a bird of prey and the constant soothing sound of the river running over the rapids. 

One of the waterfalls on the property

Acres of trees and open space

One of the dams 

Untouched 

There are no bells and whistles - the self catering unit is clean, comfortable and equipped with all you need. Ample heating is supplied by the fire-place in the lounge, three gas heaters, two electric heaters and electric blankets on the beds. As we arrived on what felt like a winter's day, we were extremely grateful for the warmth all of the above provided. 

Lounge with fire-place

Kitchen - small but well equipped

There are four bedrooms, three of which have two single beds (and share a bathroom with a bath, basin and toilet) and one with a double bed. The main en-suite bedroom (with a shower, basin and toilet) has stunning views of the river and dam on either side. 

Upstairs bedroom 

Downstairs bedroom 1

Downstairs bedroom 2

Bathroom 1

Main bedroom 

Bathroom 2

View from the main bedroom

View from the main bedroom 

One of the many great features is the massive partly covered patio with stunning 180 degree views of the natural surrounds. We sat for hours just admiring the beauty and listening to the river. The game did occasionally pay us a visit and we spotted quite a few birds, including fish eagles. 

Wildebeest in front of the patio

Spacious and partly covered

We also took walks along the river and to our own private rock pool - possibly the best part of this self-catering unit (besides for the fact that you are miles away from the anybody). The water was crystal clear and we drank straight from the river! 

View of the rock pool from the patio

Up close - crystal clear water

Good enough to drink!

If you are looking for a place to get away from everything and everyone, to find your peace and calm your mind, Tillietudlem is the answer. We cannot wait to go back and would highly recommend it to any nature loving person.

Great features:

* Everything mentioned above!

* No cell reception in the unit and no wifi - just be in the moment and appreciate what is right in front of you (you can take a drive up to the North Gate if you are desperate to make a call)

Not so great features:

* The outdoor furniture is not very comfortable and a pair of loungers would make it ideal (we made our own out of the sleeper couch mattresses)

* The roads for the drives around the property are only suitable for 4 x 4 vehicles so you might have to do your exploring on foot

Price:

Mid-range but you cannot put a price on the experience! (More than R500 per person)

Recommended for:

Couples or families 

The host/s:

Absolutely fantastic over email and in person!

For more information and bookings:

www.tillietudlem.co.za

The Beach House and Beach Cabin, Clansthal, South Coast, KwaZulu Natal

There are two separate units available for rent - The Beach House and The Beach Cabin - we stayed in the cabin and felt like we were back at Illovo River Lodge when we walked in!

The wooden cabin has exactly the same lay-out, with lovely wooden floors and two en-suite bedrooms on either side of the kitchen, lounge and deck . 

Entrance

Lounge with sleeper couches

First bedroom

En-suite

Second bedroom 

We loved the view from the wooden deck - trees to your right, a lovely pool down below and partial sea views in front. This is where we spent most of our time as usual - the outdoor area is the most important feature for us!

Outdoor furniture - not conducive to relaxation

Trees to your right

The pool / entertainment area is for use by the guests of the house and the cottage but we were grateful to have it all to ourselves for the weekend. There is a table-tennis table (not sure where they keep the rackets and balls though) and 3 braai-stands available. 

Pool and sea

The kitchen was small which is not a problem but there were a few essential items missing - like plugs for the sinks (!), a can opener, a sieve / colander and a wiping up cloth. 

The unit is fairly close to the beach, approximately a 10 minute walk but you do have to cross the railway line. Otherwise a short drive takes you there in less than 5 minutes. We loved that you can hear the sound of the waves crashing in the distance when you lie in bed at night. 

Great features:

* Nice view

* Lovely pool and loungers 

* A second bathroom is always a plus

Not so great features:

* The place needed a really good clean - the top of the fridge was covered in a layer of dust, shower had lots of mold, windows could use a wash

* The kitchen needed a few essential items mentioned above

* Furniture was uncomfortable - the bench on the deck as well as the sleeper couches in the lounge (we borrowed two chairs from the house to put on the deck)  

* There are only single beds which are pushed together. This is not normally a problem except they did not fit very well next to each other so we had to use an extra duvet in the middle to make it more comfortable. 

Price:   Budget / mid-range (Less than R500 per person)

Recommended for: Couples / small families

The host/s:  We never met the owner even though she lives on the same property. We were grateful for a later check-out on the Monday though.

For more information and bookings:

rainbow@yebo.co.za