Amazing Karkloof

The Karkloof Safari and Spa is only an hour and a half drive away, and is the perfect place to get away, — far enough to feel like a holiday, but close enough to allow for a night or two’s easy getaway. It’s an easy drive to Pietermaritzburg, followed by a short dirt-road trip to the main gate. From the second that you drive in,you see game walking around and the tone is set. At reception we signed in and collected our room keys, after which we were transported to our rooms, which I absolutely loved — it is a true safari lodge with all the bells and whistles!

The rooms are 5 star and truly spectacular. The villa is spacious and the perfect place to relax, either in the wingback chairs, or outside on the patio and we loved the big, comfy beds. The rooms are tastefully decorated and a real treat! And very much on par and up there with the best of the best! An added bonus, I thoroughly enjoyed my book, bath and coffee while gazing out over the estate and the vast area in front of me.

Karkloof offers a variety of options, so, depending on how your day is structured, you will start with one of these. For sundowners we planned a game drive through the estate, and we were impressed to see the abundance of game. Pumba greeted us first (I happen to really love warthogs), so it was a great way to start, and then we saw zebra and birds galore, white rhino, kudu, nyala, wildebeest and hippos — we got to see it all right away,which was truly awesome. And the best part was stopping and sipping on sundowners and nibbling on snacks, whilst looking down at the vast area of the Karkloof Estate and then realising that we were only a hop, skip and a jump away from home — awesome!

We had dinner in the dining hall, and it was just perfect — the all inclusive package allows for a total relax for Mom and the downtown is just that – real downtown. The food is just perfect! And then after dinner, a night cap at the bar or by the fireplace and then an early retire to the room.

safari tick!

The next morning, we woke early and did another drive down to the waterfall… it was a good morning walk up to the waterfall (my Fitbit was extremely happy after the day before’s very few steps). It was a perfect way to start the day — exercise followed by the beauty at the end. An absolute must-do! A quick drive back and we were all very ready to enjoy breakfast, which we sure did.

We had planned to do our spa treatments on day 2 and this was a great idea, as it totally sets the tone for the day ahead. Karkloof is gorgeous and tranquil and the spa is no different. The ladies are so friendly from the moment that they meet you, and the spa is one of the most beautiful that I have ever seen — beautifully set-out and generous space-wise. Each room is unique and perfect and, did I mention, tranquil! To start off, you are welcomed with a ceremonial foot bath cleanse with salt scrub.We had booked the half day spa package, which is an hour and a half of pure bliss. The Thai ladies certainly know their stuff when it comes to massaging and every knot was superbly massaged away, with not one knot left at the end of my glorious hour. Next was the Lanna Hot Oil head Massage, OMG – pure bliss!

I must mention on my last visit, I had a facial which still rates highly for me, pure organic ingredients are blended with the healing properties of botanicals and infused with ancient knowledge, resulting in one of the most unique experiences that I have ever had. Facial-wise maybe not everyone’s cup of tea, but I thoroughly enjoyed the melon facial that I had. All-natural products are used, and my skin felt radiant and perfect thereafter. We then went for a light lunch before enjoying the Hydro pools.  We loved the fact that, as part of the massage package, you get full use of the extensive spa hydrotherapy area, which is a stunning way to end the perfect massage.

Spa bliss tick

The lodge offers a pool, a library, a fireplace for winter evenings and many chill-out areas. The rooms, of course, are another awesome break-away area and the perfect place to relax. We leave after 2 glorious nights with no regrets as last time, a day was not enough to fit everything in, we had left then with a promise to ourselves, that we will definitely be back!

PICTURE A PLACE OF SPECTACULAR BEAUTY, WITH VAST GRASSLANDS, ROLLING GREEN HILLS AND GLORIOUS VALLEYS, ADORNED WITH WATERFALLS AND LUSH VEGETATION. #karkloofsafarilodgeandspa

 

Web: www.karkloofsafarispa.com

Facebook: @KarkloofSafariSpa

Add a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *