Makaranga Garden Lodge is situated in 30 acre of lush Private Botanical Garden in The Valley of a Thousand Hills, KwaZulu Natal, 30 minutes from Durban, South Africa.

Makaranga is a 5-star luxury accommodation and conference venue where guests can enjoy friendly service and superb cuisine. The Wild Poplar Restaurant offers an a la carte dinner menu and the Tuscan Terrace offers a breakfast buffet and a variety of lunch menus. Day visitors are welcome to enjoy a walk in the garden followed by refreshments on the terrace.

The philosophy of Makaranga revolves around providing an opportunity for enjoyment as well as rejuvenation for all our visitors. The beautiful gardens provide the ideal backdrop to achieve the desired levels of relaxation for all who visit us.

Our unique brand of personal service, delicious food and good, old fashioned hospitality make this an ideal setting for a weekend leisure escape, romantic honeymoon or prestigious executive event. Makaranga provides an unsurpassed sanctuary for the visitor to rest, rejuvenate and rediscover total harmony.

Accommodation at Makaranga Garden Lodge is exclusive, spacious and luxurious. Each suite is individually decorated, tastefully furnished and opening onto a private verandah where the true beauty of Makaranga can be appreciated.

In-room facilities include:

• Selected Satellite TV, MNET and local channels
• Fully fitted kitchens with laundry facilities
• DVD Player
• Individually controlled air-conditioning
• Gowns
• Extra length beds
• Work desks
• Electronic room safe
• Mini bar
• Complimentary Sherry
• Direct international dialing
• WI-FI Internet connection
• Built-in international adaptors, hairdryers, electric shaving sockets (220V) (west wing & Apartment).

The following rooms are available:

East Wing:

• 6 x deluxe double rooms, with Sleeper Couch for children age 6 – 12yrs
• 4 x deluxe twin rooms

West Wing:

• 8 x executive twin / double rooms
• 2 x executive suites

The Apartment: The apartment is designed for long term stays. The spacious two bedroom apartment gives guests the freedom of a self-catering unit but with all the facilities offered at a 5-star establishment.

• 1 x Double room and
• 1 x Twin room
• Spacious bathroom with separate showers
• Lounge.

Guests staying at Makaranga will enjoy:

• Wireless broadband Internet access
• Airport transfers on request
• 30 Acre Botanical garden including a Japanese Garden
• Swimming pool with access for wheelchairs
• Large selection of artwork and statues
• On-site Health Spa
• On-site gym
• 24-hour room service
• 24-hour reception and security services
• Secretarial services on request
• Travel assistance
• Same day laundry and valet services (except public holidays).

Accommodation at the Garden Lodge is on either a self-catering or bed & breakfast basis.

Guests of Makaranga can enjoy three meals a day served in the elegant dining room, or on the Tuscan Terrace. Morning and afternoon tea may also be provided for their pleasure. Our unique brand of personal service, delicious food and good old fashioned hospitality make this an ideal setting for a weekend leisure escape, romantic honeymoon or prestigious executive event.

Dining Facilities include:

• The Wild Poplar offers a formal A la Carte dinner menu.
• The Tuscan Terrace offers breakfast & lunch.
• Tea times treat menu is available throughout the day.
• Buffy's Bar offers cocktail sundowners & cigars.

The village of Kloof, where Makaranga Garden Lodge is located, lies approximately 30 kilometres from KwaZulu Natal's largest city, Durban, and about 50 kilometres from the provincial capital, Pietermaritzburg. From Durban's beaches, one of South Africa's premier holiday destinations, the road rises to 550 meters above sea level, leaving behind the sometimes oppressive heat and humidity of the coast.

Kloof borders the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, run by the Natal Parks Board since the 1950's and features a variety of wildlife and birds which live in the indigenous forest habitat. The reserve is centred on the Kloof Gorge (Kloof is the Afrikaans word for "gorge" or "ravine"), through which runs the Molweni River. The river features a series of spectacular waterfalls, within walking distance from a popular picnic area. Kloof boasts several shopping centres, and all of the facilities you would expect to find in a small town, as well as several top public and private schools.

Kloof does not experience extremes of either heat or cold and is therefore one of the most desirable residential areas in the country, with one of healthiest climates in the world. Summer temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C, with the temperatures in winter averaging between 11°C and 20°C. The rainy season falls over summer (November to March), with a little over 1000 millimetres of rain being recorded on average each year.

At the Lodge:

The main attractions at Makaranga are the gardens ... guests are able to make their way down the wheelchair-friendly winding path to an oasis of peace and serenity. There are 18 ponds including Venus Pond and Long Pond, the latter being the largest waterway in Makaranga - a wonderfully quiet place to rest for a moment. There are also many beautiful statues in both bronze and marble, which have been imported from Italy for your enjoyment. These include a wonderful hand carved reproduction of Michelangelo's "David", as well as the "Four Maidens", who each carry the foliage of their respective seasons. These graceful statues keep a watchful eye over the "Blue Pond", so named because of the bias towards different shades of blue and purple plant life.

A luxurious haven for anyone in need of pampering and rejuvenation, Makaranga Spa is set amidst the tranquil beauty of Makaranga Garden Lodge and offers a comprehensive treatment menu from facials to body wraps.Boasting four air-conditioned treatment rooms and one wet room specifically adapted for hydrotherapy treatments, the spa also houses the latest in state-of-the-art equipment

The Valley of a Thousand Hills region of KwaZulu Natal offers the following attractions and activities:

• Cultural Village with Zulu dancing and a Safari park at Phe Zulu Safari Park.
• Golf course nearby.
• Horse riding and polo at Shongweni Polo Club (9km distance).
• Hiking and walking in the spectacular Kloof Gorge, Kranzkloof Nature Reserve & Shongweni dam.
• Arts & Crafts (beadwork, ceramics, woodwork, wire art etc.).
• Adventure tourism (paragliding, quad biking, watersports and more can be arranged).
• Umgeni Steam Railway offers steam train trips a few times a month.
• Shopping and dinner theatre at The Heritage Theatre.

Makaranga offers four conference rooms, with seating arrangements catering from 6 to 100 GUESTS:

1. Imbizo (East Wing)
2. Sibeko 1
3. Sibeko 2 (these rooms can be combined)
4. and a small boardroom (West Wing)

Standard conference equipment includes:

• Flip chart, screen, video, notepads and pens, water & juice and mints or sweets.

Available on request:

• Lectern, flip charts, overhead projector, whiteboard and portable screen.

Additional charge:

• Data Projector, additional flip charts, PA system, lapel and standard microphones and secretarial services.

The above rates are just a guideline. Please enquire regarding current rates and frequent special offers. Room Only and Bed & Breakfast accommodation is both available.

Please note: Children 6 years and older welcome.

For bed & breakfast accommodation, add ZAR 280 to each room rate above.