eMakhosini Hideaway

From R500 p/unit

Maximum guests:  4 

Deep in the heart of the unspoilt Zulu Kingdom, lies the eMakhosini Valley known as “Valley of the Kings" - it is here where many early Zulu kings lie buried. This area is the cradle of Zulu history. Emakhosini Hideaway is tucked away in the "Valley of the Kings" - located 4km from Dingaanstad (umGungundlovo), on a private 328ha Game farm, part of the Mkhumbane Game Ranch (3649 ha) There is a difference of about 280 m in altitude between the highest and lowest points on the farm.This gives rise to a rich diversity and interesting mixture of fauna and flora which include both typically Highvelld and Lowveld species.

  

* Tucked away in the "Valley of the Kings" , located 4km from Dingaanstad (uMgungundlovo), and 60 km from Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve.    

* This is an Eco friendly Cottage - built with natural stone collected on the farm    

* private lapa/boma area,     

* spacious sunny deck overlooking a farm dam and panoramic views of the historic eMakhosini Valley ...    

* No electricity (solar power) no TV...  the sound of the of the Jackal calling create the ambiance of Africa and make this a nature lover's paradise 

More about the Cottage: A lot has been done to make this Cottage a well equipped and peaceful home from home.    

* A cozy one bedroom Cottage with large covered veranda and spacious sunny deck.    

* The cottage sleeps up to 4 people with one bedroom (contains a queen-size bed) with en-suite bathroom, toilet, basin and shower (linen and towels provided)    

* 2 single beds in the open plan lounge area - Extra separate toilet in the passage.    

* On request Extra people can camp or sleep on the front under-roof veranda or around the fire in the boma, weather permitting - an experience not to be missed!    

* The dining room table seats 6 people.    

* The kitchen is fully equipped with 12Volt fridge & freezer, and hot and cold running water, kettle, cutlery and crockery for 6 people.    

* Gas is used for cooking on a two plate Gas stove.    

* Solar-panel lights and solar geyser for warm water.    

* An outside boma/lapa (barbeque) area which over looks the dam and surrounding mountains. Paraffin lamps are used to enhance the bush atmosphere around the boma area at night for a real bushveld experience.    

* Fantastic view- The sunny wooden deck overlooking the dam and endless views of the historic eMakhosini valley and distant Nhlasatshe Mountain.    

* Accessible to cars but the majority of the roads on the farm is only suitable for 4x4 vehicles.    

* NO TV    

* Solar-panel lights. Generated mains power is available on request at an additional cost.    

* Solar geyser for warm water.    

* Cell phone reception is good - you can use your own laptop for internet.    

* Gas is used for cooking on a two plate Gas stove    

* 12Volt fridge & freezer    

* No collection of firewood, plants, stones or aloes…    

* No open fires allowed - only in the place provided in the boma.    

* Guests are welcome to smoke on the veranda or on the deck and in the "braai" area. Please no smoking in the Cottage!!! Please throw your stompies in the tin provided!    

* No driving at night. A general speed limit of 30 km/h must be maintained.    

* Game and scenic drives are available on request.    

* Closest shop in Ulundi 30km away: Petrol stations Pick ‘n Pay Supermarket, Shoprite, SPAR, Liquor store, KFC, Nando's / or Melmoth 40km away: SPAR, Liquor store, Post Office, Medical doctor, KFC, Petrol stations.    

* Malaria: This is low risk malaria area / consult your Doctor.     

* Indemnity - Please Note: Whilst all reasonable care will be taken during your stay, eMakhosini Hideaway and their staff will accept no responsibility for any loss to property, damages, illness, injury, death or negligence whatsoever.Services:    * Complementary tea, coffee, sugar & fresh milk and rusks on arrival.    

* We can provide braai packs on request.    

* Cottage is equipped with bath towels ,linen, sunlight liquid and dishcloths.    

* Firewood: will be provided for each visit.      - 

If you don't want to go self catering we can fill the fridge according to your wishes or order prepared meals from a local home-based caterer.      - The boma/ lapa area, bathroom and kitchen will be serviced once daily.    

* Campsite: On request - An adjacent campsite caters for an extra 2-4 people will be available soon! The basic necessities (outdoor bush showers, toilet and a bush scullery) will be in place to complement the bush environment and where guests can either pitch surface or roof tents. What to bring:    

* Remember to bring a camera, binoculars, bird, butterfly and wildlife reference books, walking shoes, and a hat and sunscreen lotion and plenty of spare time!!    

* Also remember to take along medicines such as anti-histamine and lotion for insect stings and bites. Malaria: This is low risk malaria area.    

* Extra Filter water to drink - we supply you with 10 liters.    

* Swimming costume and towels    

* Bring matches, charcoal and Blitz if required.    

* We provide battery powered lamps in case of emergency. Visitors should also remember to take a torch along!    

* Duvets and cushions are supplied. Bring extra blankets for winter time.    

* Don't forget the food, braai goodies and the refreshments too! What to do:    

* In summer, relax on the wooden deck, sun bathe or swim in the river or the dam    

* In winter, get a roaring fire going in the boma and enjoy the peace and quiet.    

* Informal walks/ hiking on the farm    

* Game drives on request.    

* Identify trees, tracks, birds, butterflies, wild flowers, grasses, frogs, reptiles and animals.    

* Picnic at the dam, down by the river or top of the farm where you have a 360 degree view of the area.    

* Stargazing is awesome at night!! Braai/barbeque ... Party gently!    

* Mountain biking - bring your own bikes.    

* Excellent bird watching on the farm and in the district - see if you can add to our list.  

Places to visit nearby: 

On Zululand Heritage Route 66. Make Emakhosini Hideaway your base to explore the surrounding area or for day trips into the Game Reserve 60km away.  Ideal for those traveler's on their way to the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve as a stopover. 

* Mgungundlovu -This historic site is undergoing major improvements to its interpretative centre and will be closed to the public until later in 2009 Almost all the Zulu kings in Zululand were born, lived and died in the area and with the opening of of the multimedia interpretation centre at uMgungundlovu, interactive displays will showcase four centuries of Zulu history.     

* Emakhosini - The Valley of the Kings     It is here that in 1785 King Shaka was born and the first Royal residence of the Zulu Kingdom, Mgungundlovu (Place of the Elephant) was established here. The Voortrekker leader,Piet Retief was executed in the valley and the grave can be visited at Moordkoppie. Seven Zulu Kings lie buried in the Emakhosini Valley.    

* The Spirit of Emakhosini, overlooking the valley, was built to honor them. The monument consists of a large bronze beer pot (Khamba) that rests on a beaded plinth. On the plinth are bronze reliefs showing aspects of rural life. Surrounding the pot are seven different animal horns representing each of the seven kings. The pot is symbolic as a receptacle for the heritage of the valley.

* Mgungundlovu  -    The name `Mgungundlovu` stems from the Zulu word `ungungu we ndlovu` which means the `secret meeting place of the elephant`. The word `ndlovu` (elephant), refers to the king. Mgungundlovu was one of several military complexes and the headquarters of King Dingane, who reigned from 1828 to 1840. He established the kraal in 1829 in the Makosini Valley against the slope of Singonyama (lion hill). KwaMatiwane (hill of execution) is the ridge north- east of Mgungundlovu. Here the bodies of people condemned to death by Dingane were thrown and where the remains of Piet Retief and his fellow boers were found by Andries Pretorius after the battle of Bloodriver. * Ulundi: KwaZulu Cultural Museum and Ondini Battlefield *Mthonjaneni Heights  - Dingane's Spring    The Mthonjaneni Heights were named after the Ntonjaneni Spring overlooking the Emakosini Valley * Ophathe Game Reserve - The eMakhosini Ophathe Heritage Park is being developed as a major tourist attraction. The total area of the reserve is 29 000ha of which 8 825ha is open to the public and can be accessed from the R66* The Mtonjaneni Zulu Cultural Museum is situated at Mtonjaneni Lodge and within easy access from the R34. The museum hosts a comprehensive collection from the Anglo Zulu War dated from before 1890 as well as items from Zulu Culture and Africana. Restaurant and Coffee shop * Nkandla forest is about 68 km from Melmoth and is the largest remaining indigenous forest remaining in Zululand * Golf - Melmoth Golf Club 40km away * Beaches:The closest beach will be Richards Bay or Mtunzini (about 1hour, 30 min drive) or go to St Lucia via Game Reserve.

 Check-In 02:00 PM Check-Out 10:00 AM