Ukuthula Lodge

A mere 15 minute meander from Pietermaritzburg, Ukuthula Lodge stands true to its title. From isiZulu, Ukuthula translates to ?peace and calm' and this 300-hectare game farm is definitely rest at its best. In the Karkloof foothills overlooking Albert Falls Dam, the view from each thatched villa is magnificent; from open grassland and African bushveld to steep valleys and gorges.

Accommodation is offered in six thatched chalets, all elegantly decorated and furnished in neutral African colours making them a restful and relaxing space. The airy rooms open downstairs onto wooden viewing decks where you will find the wildlife almost close enough to touch. Each unit sleeps four guests. While the chalets are self-catering, meals can also be selected from the lodge's wholesome farm menu and enjoyed in the privacy of your chalet, at the one of the viewing decks or in the farmhouse dining room. Delicious picnic baskets and barbeques can also be provided on request.

A favourite spot is the Waterhole Boma perched on the hillside overlooking one of our dams, where you will see our shy marsh terrapins sunning themselves on the banks while red bishops flit among the reeds and the larger mammals from the tallest giraffe to the smallest baby warthogs gather to drink. Another idyllic spot is the Otter's Den River Boma, where the otter's spend lazy afternoons playing in the river with the call of the African fish eagle resounding overhead. A perfect place to relax with a book, do some fishing and enjoy sundowners.

Ukuthula Lodge's thriving wildlife includes nyala, impala, zebra, kudu, waterbuck, reedbuck, giraffe, duiker, wildebeest, red hartebeest, eland, otters, black-backed jackal, serval, caracal, and genet, to name but a few.