Hotel Review: Karkloof Safari Villas & Spa, KwaZulu-Natal

LOCATION

Just 30 minutes from Pietermaritzburg in a lush valley. Rivers course through the 3,000ha reserve and game is plentiful. We saw five rhinos on our game drive, including a baby, as well as giraffes, wildebeests, fat, glossy zebras and a shy hippo. The bird life is good, too: we spotted two types of heron and a fish eagle.

STYLE

The grounds are gorgeously landscaped with unusual indigenous plants and trees. At the main lodge a wraparound deck looks out over the reserve with comfy sofas to lounge in with your binoculars. Inside is warm and graceful: soft leather sofas and a grand piano, with stacks of coffee-table books.

ROOMS

The thatched villas are spread out, promising different views, from high on the hill with a panoramic outlook, to my generous-sized room looking onto dense undergrowth. I was awoken by a family of nyalas nibbling next to my stoep. Nice touches like one's own Nespresso machine.

FACILITIES

The spa on the premises is justifiably famous. A Thai masseur gave me one of the best aromatherapy massages I've ever had, and I wished I had brought a costume so I could have sunk into the bubbling pool. There are day packages featuring a safari and spa - perfect for those who live in KZN.

EATING

The menus are fresh and inviting, and not the usual bush dishes: spicy tiger-prawn cakes with coriander & ginger salad or a pan-fried roulade of salmon with a butternut risotto. Every menu features several "raw" options, such as broccoli and avocado gazpacho or a kiwi, orange and pecan nut salad.

THE 'DO' LIST

Hike to the breathtaking Karkloof Falls, view the game from mountain bikes or cast a fly on one of the many rivers for yellowtail. Go on a game drive with one of the wonderful guides and stop for a gin and tonic next to a dam full of hippos.

BEST TIME TO GO

All year round, as the villas are cosy in winter, too. The hotel is a good bet when entertaining overseas guests wanting to see a lot of game in a limited time span.