The Gorge Private Game Lodge KwaZulu Natal in Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve (South Africa)

Description:

Welcome to The Gorge Private Game Lodge & Spa
The Gorge Private Lodge Hotel Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve five star luxury resort South Africa
The Gorge Private Game Lodge & Spa is nestled in the majestic Oribi Gorge, an unspoiled part of KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast. A short 90-minute drive away from Durban, it offers one of the most spectacular natural wonders of South Africa. No expense or luxury is spared at this romantic destination. As such, the property clinched the 2014 World Luxury Hotel Award for Best Lodge in the global category. It goes without saying that our owner-managed boutique lodge provides unsurpassed hospitality, world-class service and exquisite fine dining – all in a timeless environment.

The lodge offers ultra luxurious accommodation, a conference/meeting room and a wine cellar ideal for private functions. Hiking or mountain biking through our indigenous forests and grasslands provides a great way to unwind. With over 255 different bird species, including several resident fish eagles, the endangered ground hornbills and the Cape vulture, the Gorge also caters for the avid birdwatcher.

ACCOMMODATION
Both our villas and suites provide a deluxe and well-appointed experience, as guests are treated to sheer luxury while they enjoy our glorious vistas in a magnificent setting. The rooms are fitted with:
Heating & Cooling Air Conditioner
Coffee and tea station
Hair dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Double Vanities
Mini bar and snacks
DSTV and DVD player with a wide selection of movies
Private balcony
Bath & Shower

Sandstone Suite
Our luxury suites, 50m2 rooms built onto the main reception building, have uninterrupted 180° views of the Gorge thanks to floor-to-ceiling glass. Fitted with twin double beds, they are preferred by our guests who enjoy sleep quality, and feature a spacious en-suite bathroom with double vanities, shower and separate bath. These sandstone suites are closer to the dining area and other amenities for added convenience.

Quartz Villa
Our exclusive, luxury villas are built on the edge of the impressive sandstone cliffs offering resplendent views of the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve. Two thirds of the 81m2 villa boasts double volume glass, ensuring an unobstructed view of the Gorge. The villas are equipped with a king size extra length bed, and an open plan quarts stone bath overlooking the edge of the cliffs, giving new meaning to “relaxing in your bath”. They also have an indoor and private outdoor shower.

DINING
MORE ABOUT OUR CHEF CHRIS
A PASSION FOR COOKING
Christopher Whitham, or Chris as he’s affectionately known, heads up our kitchens. Born in the Eastern Cape, Chris hails from a culinary family with a deeply ingrained love for food. He completed his culinary diploma in 2001 under the guidance of Christina Martin at the world-renowned Christina Martin Culinary School.

YOUNG CHEF IN THE MAKING
Chris‘s career started at various hotels and restaurants within the greater Durban area. He subsequently moved back to the Eastern Cape to run the kitchen at River Bend Lodge. Upon his return to KZN, Chris was the head chef at several 5-star properties. Luckily, we met this dynamic man and he joined The Gorge as head chef in September 2013. Chris thrives on creating fine dining experiences and enjoys the fact that we seldom exceed sixteen guests for dinner to ensure uncompromised quality. He takes his cooking very seriously, and is always trying new recipes to keep us on par with current culinary trends.

OUR CUISINE
Our food is mainly modern contemporary with a country twist. Thanks to menus only finalised on the day, Chris can keep it local and fresh! Scrumptious breakfasts and delectable multi-coursed dinners are enjoyed in our fine dining restaurant with amazing views. For the ideal bushveld experience, dinner can also be served in our boma under the African stars. Lunch is served in our sunny Pool Deck Bistro restaurant. For added convenience, our guests may enjoy all meals in the privacy of their room at no extra charge. Enjoy some of our finest whiskeys, cognacs and wine from our well stocked bar & restaurant.

SPA
TIME TO RELAX
Treat yourself to a rejuvenating experience at our Clivia Day Spa, where numerous treatment options are available in a stunning natural environment.
Three treatment rooms each sport a large window providing a spectacular view of the majestic cliffs of Oribi Gorge. One is a double room, giving couples the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing massage or revitalising body wrap together. Simply allow nature to replenish body and soul.
Our unique treatments, performed by experienced therapists, incorporate the acclaimed Dermalogica brand, as well as the eco-friendly Africology body therapy range. You can also enjoy hand or foot therapy whilst soaking up the sun on a private deck, or lounging next to the Jacuzzi.

CONFERENCES
A boardroom style conference room within our wine cellar is fitted with state of the art equipment. This venue may also be used for private functions & meetings.
Seating maximum 12 people
Drop down screen
Flip chart
Free Wi-Fi
Computer with speakers (memory stick essential for presentations)

ACTIVITIES
GAME VIEWING
Daily educational game drives are available and the following animals may be viewed:
Most antelope (including the endangered Oribi buck)
Giraffe
Wildebeest
Zebra
Black Back Jackal
Leopard
Lynx
Samango Monkey (indigenous to the Gorge)
Warthogs and Bush Pigs

BIRDING
Over 255 bird species are found in the Gorge area, with a detailed list available on our homepage. A few of our favourites include:
Ground Hornbill
Trumpeter Hornbill
African Fish Eagle
Martial Eagle
Crowned Eagle
The Cape Vulture
Jackal Buzzard
Yellow Billed Kite
Egyptian and Spur-winged Goose
Crowned Crane
Malachite Kingfisher

HIKING TRAILS & MOUNTAIN BIKING
There are several hiking trails in the Oribi Gorge under the canopy of our indigenous forests, along the Mzimkulwana River OR up to Hoe Poe Falls.
Mountain bikers will love the various trails along the escarpment with the wildlife keeping them company.

ZIP LINE
Slide across the Oribi Gorge on our 4.5km zip line – the longest, fastest and highest in Africa!

GOLF & BEACHES
For the golf enthusiast, there are several sought-after courses just a 50-minute drive from our lodge.
Although a bush lodge, The Gorge Private Lodge & Spa is 35 minutes away rom three sun-drenched beaches with a blue flag status. Swimming is safe, and the warm Indian Ocean makes swimming possible all year round.

VULTURE EXCURSION
Join us on a scenic excursion sitting on the edge of the sandstone cliffs, viewing a colony of some 150 Cape Vultures as they go about their daily routine in their natural habitat.