The Antbear Guest House is situated in the foothills of South Africas
KwaZulu Natal Drakensberg. The guesthouse overlooks the Bushman's River
Valley with one of the most spectacular views of the high Drakensberg
from Giants Castle to the Amphitheatre.
The Guesthouse is a thatched, whitewashed cottage built
high on a natural platform overlooking the Bushman’s River and
Giants Castle. Its a bit off the beaten track and is more of an insider
tip than just another bed and breakfast. It caters for small intimate
groups and never has more than 12 guests at a time. It’s a laid
back, lovingly cared for kind of place where you feel a sense of happiness
and peace.
The name “Antbear” comes from its previous resident who lived
under the floorboards before its restoration just a few years ago. Built
in the 1940’s the quaint and charming cottage puts its arms
around you and reminds you that there are things more important than
everyday life.
Everything at the Antbear has had the skilled hands
of your craftsman-host laid upon it. The lodge is filled with gorgeous
hand crafted furniture, wonderful wooden sculptures and a seemingly
never-ending collection of artistic aspects to discover. This is
the hallmark of the Antbear, firmly stamped on the newest room with
its quirky bathroom mosaic and carved reading/smoking chair.
A breathtaking view of 160 km. This guesthouse is
an ideal place to base yourself while you explore the Drakensberg
and Natal Midlands. There is plenty to do and see and the accommodation
is of the highest standard.
Just across from the lodge’s leafy, colonnaded
front patio an old tractor shed has been converted into four other
bedrooms. Billowing white curtains frame the view and the rooms have
intriguing fireplaces and plenty of humorous sculpture.
The Antbear Guest House has six double en-suite
bedrooms. Each room is differently decorated with uniquely eccentric
and artistic wooden furniture. The luxury room has its own private
lounge and a fireplace and its bathroom includes a Jacuzzi spa bath.
Another en-suite double consists of a loft overlooking a private
lounge with a cozy fireplace, and there is a main lounge and dining
room for your exclusive use.
The kitchen has a fireplace, which makes for an
exciting cooking alternative. That rustic country feeling has been
kept without losing any comfort. Candles are used extensively for
atmosphere, as are the fireplaces
Plan for slow and decadent dinners by candlelight
prepared by your hosts Andrew and Conny. Sometimes it’s a
Moroccan spread including a genuine Moroccan tagine prepared on
wood coals or maybe it’s a surprise of just how delightful
Chinese food can be.
Breakfast is served with freshly baked bread and scones and often
it becomes a 2-hour affair.
There is plenty to do in the area too. We encourage
guests to go for walks right here, and picnic baskets can be arranged
for a light lunch on the hill. Of course there is plenty to do in
the area but if you wanted to lie back and chill that’s a great
option too.
Visit the bushman paintings, horse trails though
a private game reserve, canoe trips, canopy tours and the Midlands
Meander to mention but a few. Wagondrift dam and Moor Park are
two small conservation service nature reserves where bushbuck,
mountain reedbuck, black wildebeest, zebra and impala abound. Moor
Park is renowned for its bird life including a pair of nesting
black eagles. A major feature of the park is the old Boer furrow
trail, which visitors can follow.
For anglers interested in not only catching
trout, but also learning about their lifecycle, Kamberg is a special
treat. White water rafting is available on the Tugela River. Half
day and full day tours and even horse ride rafting combinations
are on offer.
The Spioenkop game reserve, through its small
size, allows for excellent game viewing throughout the year. A
feature is gave viewing on horseback. This is also one of the most
interesting battle sights of the Anglo Boer War.
The Midlands craft meander starts just 15 km from
the Antbear. The old world charm and tranquil countryside has attracted
a new breed of people who have taken residence among the farmers.
These are creative crafters, sculptures, potters, weavers and leather
workers who ply their trade in quaint old cottages and farmhouses
and welcome the curious. The Midlands is dotted with cozy country
inns just perfect for unhurried lunches or just tea and homemade
jam scones. The Howick falls (80 km from the Antbear) makes a worthwhile
day trip. The waterfall falls some 90 m and the little trail down
into the gorge is wonderful.
The Southern Drakensberg is as easily reached
from the Antbear as the Northern part. Why not go on a day trip
to the Sani Pass, if you have a 4x4 then it makes for wonderful
driving.
So if you’re looking for a place where art,
beauty and time away are important then Antbear Guesthouse is worth
a second look. Whichever way you decide to explore our area your
journey will pass through some of the most inspiring landscape
and wildlife areas in South Africa.
You are invited to spend time here and share some
of Andrew and Conny’s dream. The Antbear Guest House is a
place for feeding your soul and rekindling your spirit.
Price :
R 440 per person per night sharing, which includes breakfast and dinner.
Luxury suite R 640 per person per night sharing, which includes breakfast and
dinner
Kids aged 10 and under are half price
Babies under 2 are free
Special Offer : Book via roamingafrica.com
and receive a 10% discount
