Durban - Ghost Mountain Inn is a stylish four-star Zululand hotel which caters for everybody, be it business travellers, conference delegates wedding guests, weekenders, birders or wildlife enthusiasts. The only downside to this hotel is that once there, you do not want to return home.
In the early 1960s more and more travellers were venturing into Zululand. The road, later the N2, was a long and dusty one and accommodation facilities along the way were sparse.
The closest hotels to Mkuze were the Siselana hotel in Hluhluwe, 50km south and the Golela hotel on the border of Swaziland.
Maureen and Roy Rutherford had an increasing number of guests staying at their family home. As they enjoyed hearing stories about city life and meeting new people, they decided to open a hotel in Mkuze and in October 1962 the Ghost Mountain Inn opened its doors.
While the Ghost Mountain Inn has evolved over the years from its original eight rooms with communal bathrooms, the one constant has been their efficient and friendly service.
The four-star establishment lies at the foot of the legendary Ghost Mountain in Mkuze, northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Still run by the Rutherford family, this is accommodation at its finest.
Meals include seasonal menus combined with traditional favourites and sourced from local ingredients served either in the dining room, outdoors on the terrace or under the stars in the traditional boma.
This intimate and beautiful hotel is the ideal location from which to explore the array of wildlife and coastal reserves in Maputaland and the Elephant Coast.
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of wildlife and the scenic splendours of this rich and diverse region during game drives, guided walks, cultural excursions and boat cruises in the company of knowledgeable rangers.
As the Zululand bush dries up for winter, enjoy clear sunny days, perhaps a sundowner from the top of the Lebombo cliffs watching the sunset across the valley and mountains in the distance, and cool evenings around the crackling fire under the stars.
With sparser vegetation, game viewing is best in Mkuze and Hluhluwe game reserves.
Alternatively, tiger fishing is arranged on Lake Jozini while birders can enjoy one of Southern Africa’s top birding destinations with over 450 species.
Back at the hotel, the spa offers a range of skin and body treatments and healthy lunches in a tranquil environment. Those who prefer the relaxing sound of birdsong and the warmth of the African sun will enjoy lounging around the poolside in the glorious gardens which lie in the shadow of Ghost Mountain.
Guests can also visit a local Zulu homestead, learn to stick fight with local Zulu boys, or attend a class at the local primary school.
A hike to the top of Ghost Mountain offers spectacular views and the chance to learn about the 1884 Battle of Tshaneni.
Situated 300km north of Durban Ghost Mountain Inn also offers easy access to Swaziland and Mozambique. Rates are from R630 per person sharing. For more information and reservations call 035 573 1025 or visit www.ghostmountaininn.co.za - Sunday Tribune
Top 10 Things to do at Ghost Mountain Inn
1 Discover amazing wildlife in any one of the many game parks.
2 View elephant swimming while on a boat cruise on Lake Jozini.
3 Visit a local Zulu homestead.
4 Pamper yourself with an Africology body ritual in the spa.
5 Hike to the top of Ghost Mountain and learn about the Battle of Tshaneni and view the spectacular scenery.
6 Enjoy a sundowner from the top of the Lebombo cliffs watching the sunset across the valley and mountains in the distance.
7 Learn stick fighting with local Zulu boys.
8 Explore Mkuze Game Reserve on foot.
9 Go back to school. Attend a class at Mtwazi Combined School.
10 Seek out some of over 450 species of birds.