Monday, 6 March 2017

Mtunzini Forest Lodge, Mtunzini, North Coast, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa


This lodge had been on our bucket list for a while (can't get better than trees and the beach) but we had never visited before due the cost factor. When we were awarded a couple of travelling vouchers, we finally made our booking and what a delight it was!

The staff were super friendly and greeted us with happy smiles, despite it being a sweltering 37 degrees. After a short drive through the very secure and well maintained property we arrived at our cabin - perfectly hidden from the road and other units amongst the trees and bushes. 

The wooden cabin is exactly what you would hope to find in such a natural setting - nothing fancy but with everything you need. We were most impressed that the kitchen even had a colander! There were beautiful red flowers placed on the beds and in the kitchen - such a lovely touch.  


Well equipped kitchen

Flowers left by the staff

The lounge had comfortable couches and a tv with full dstv (if you needed it) and opened onto the wooden deck with a bench set. The main bedroom also opened onto the deck and enjoyed the same view -  just trees and bush, wonderful for the soul. 


Lounge leading on to deck

Main bedroom with doors leading on to deck

View from the deck


We loved that you could stand in the shower and feel like you were outside with the branches so close you could hang your face-cloth on them. 


View from the shower

Bathroom


The second bedroom also had a double bed and cupboards but was much darker than the main bedroom. All the windows had gauze coverings so you could leave them open the entire time without worrying about mosquitoes and bugs crawling in to come cuddle up with you.


Second bedroom


We thoroughly enjoyed swimming in the communal pool (we would highly recommend a night swim, the water is lovely and warm from the pool being in the sun all day) , taking walks in the forest and to the private beach (less than half a kilometer from the cabins), sitting on the deck listening to the birds and sea (yes you can hear it from the deck even though it is over the dunes) and watching butterflies flit past. 


Path to the beach

Kiddies pool

Adults pool 
Private braai area


Great features:

* Absolute peace and privacy

* Close to the beach

* Clean and comfortable

Not so great features:

* The deck is not covered so when it rains, you unfortunately have to sit inside

* The outdoor bench and table is not comfortable at all! It definitely needs some cushions or even better, a couple of camper chairs for those who enjoy being outdoors.


Deck furniture - not comfortable at all



Price:

The charge is per unit so if 4 (or 6) people shared it is very reasonable. It is a bit steep for just a couple though (more than R500 per person) so would be nice if they offered reduced rates for couples.

Recommended for:

Couples and families - there are 4 and 6 sleeper units and lots of activities to keep the kids busy.

The host/s:

All the staff were very friendly and helpful, right from the lady who did the booking via email to the security guard who kindly shone the way to the pool. 

For more information and bookings:

selfcat@goodersons.co.za  



Friday, 3 March 2017

Lindisfarne B&B, Hillcrest, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

After our last magical trip inland 
(http://ontheroadagainwithsandyfeet.blogspot.co.za/2017/01/rooms-with-view-waterfall-durban.html) we were very disappointed with our overnight stay at Tyne Cottage. This B&B is located right opposite a school and has neighbours on either side. 

The two bedroom, one bathroom unit looks straight onto the main house and parking area and affords no privacy at all. 
(The other self catering unit also looks onto the main house's kitchen). 

The outdoor furniture was extremely uncomfortable and not conducive to relaxation at all. After waiting 40 minutes for a reply from the care-taker, we borrowed two plastic chairs from the main house and sat at the back of the unit for some privacy.

The kitchen was very small which was not a problem but it and had far too many cupboards with doors that were a 'head-banging' accident waiting to happen!


Kitchen
After our many trips being spoiled with queen and king sized beds, it was a bit of an adjustment to have to share a double. The bedding however was good quality cotton and the bed was comfortable. 


Main bedroom with bed and couches. Selected DSTV channels only 
Possibly the best feature was the nice sized shower with a massive head and good water pressure, it also heated up very quickly.

The awesome shower

We had hoped for a lovely romantic getaway to celebrate our anniversary but sadly this was the first place where we actually checked out well before the check out time. 

Great features:

* The garden was beautiful with lots of trees

* Nice shower

* Really nice feather pillows

Not so great features:

* No privacy

* Uncomfortable furniture 

* Needed a good airing before we arrived (we were told by the owner that they don't do that because of monkeys)

Price:

We felt it was over-priced for what you get (more than R500 per person), the unit is very basic and nothing to write home about. Apparently the owner does lower the price for just 2 people (the unit sleeps 4) so we would recommend you negotiate and bear in mind that breakfast is an additional cost and not included in the quoted price.

Recommended for:

* People who are going to be out most of the day and only need a place to cook and sleep.

The host/s:

Friendly enough on email, we did not get to meet in person as they were away that weekend. She was not impressed at our suggestion to plant some trees / put a hedge between the cottage and the main house. 

For more information and bookings:

www.lindisfarnebnb.co.za