Head in the Clouds: Amafu Forest Lodge in Blyde River

When you lie on your back and gaze at the sky, something amazing happens. It’s even better when you’re floating in a pool, holding a cold beer like I was. I have to admit, it was hard to tear my eyes away from my Twitter feed and the latest hashtags. But then I saw a cape vulture soaring above me, against the backdrop of the breathtaking Bylde River Canyon mountains. In that moment, I felt like I was in heaven. I know it sounds like an exaggeration, but trust me, it’s not. Amafu Forest Lodge has everything you need to escape and reconnect with nature, all while enjoying the comforts of modern life (and of course, ice-cold beer).

My Mountain Escape

Let me tell you, I found a hidden gem nestled in the picturesque Lowveld, and it easily boasts some of the most breathtaking vistas you’ll ever lay eyes on. This little slice of paradise sits at the foot of the magnificent Mariepskop mountain, surrounded by a symphony of nature. From every angle, I was treated to a mesmerizing 180-degree mountain landscape, stretching out into a lush valley beneath me. And the cherry on top? Amafu Forest Lodge is tucked away right next to the Mpumalanga Parks Board property, giving me unfettered access to explore the pristine mountains during my stay.

One adventure you absolutely can’t miss is conquering the mighty Mariepskop mountain. Standing tall as the highest peak in the northern Drakensberg Escarpment, this majestic giant promises unrivaled panoramas of the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon and Dam. On clear days, you can even spot the glistening Indian Ocean and Maputo in the distance. Regrettably, my desires for a refreshing dip in the pool, accompanied by a chilled beer, proved too strong, so I’ll have to save scaling the peak for my next visit. But mark my words, it’s at the top of my list, and I won’t let it slip away again.

Experience the Abundance of Wildlife at Mariepskop

Mariepskop is a true haven for wildlife, boasting an astonishing variety of over 2000 different plant species. To put that into perspective, this impressive number surpasses the total plant diversity of both the renowned Kruger National Park and the majestic Table Mountain. These plants create a flourishing ecosystem that supports a myriad of birds and mammals, offering a truly unforgettable experience at Amafu.

When I discovered this fascinating fact, I couldn’t contain my excitement. Picture this: I found myself in paradise, with a cold beer in hand and refreshing water swirling around my toes. The breathtaking landscape surrounded me, and the best part was that I didn’t need to budge an inch to catch sight of incredible wildlife. As I strolled from my cozy chalet to the inviting pool, a mere 50 meters away, I was greeted by a captivating array of birds and mammals.

Just to name a few, I delighted in encounters with the playful samango monkey, the majestic purple-crested turaco, the melodious olive bush-shrike, the curious suricate, the regal crowned eagle, the lively cape white-eye, the elegant southern tchagra, and the graceful bushbuck and klipspringer. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring cape and white-backed vultures soaring above.

When the day came to a close, it was the enchanting calls of the fiery-necked nightjar and the adorable lesser bush babies that carried me off to sleep, filling my dreams with the wonders of Mariepskop.

Welcome to Bush Lodgings

Hey there! I’m super excited to tell you all about the amazing experience you’ll have at Amafu Forest Lodge. Trust me, Steve Trollip, the awesome owner, knows how to make you feel right at home. He’s the definition of hospitality, and there’s nothing he won’t do to make your stay perfect.

First things first, let’s talk about the cottages. Each one has a unique name, inspired by the beautiful cycad plants. And just like those plants, the cottages are full of stunning details and impressive features. I was lucky enough to stay in the fabulous Laevi cottage, and it was pure luxury. My sister and I spent hours relaxing on the cozy couches and enjoying delicious meals at the wooden tables on the veranda. It was heaven!

Amafu Forest Lodge has a total of five cottages, and trust me, each one has its own special charm. Whether you’re a lovebird looking for a romantic getaway or simply craving some alone time, you’ll find all the privacy and seclusion you need here. And the best part? You don’t have to worry about cleaning up or doing any chores. The staff takes care of all that for you. Talk about a dream come true!

So what are you waiting for? Get ready for an authentic bush experience at Amafu Forest Lodge. You won’t regret it!

Collector’s cycads

Hey, I get it. Not everyone gets excited about plants and trees, but let me tell you, the cycad and indigenous garden surrounding the chalets and sitting areas is worth raising a glass to. Seriously, there’s always something to celebrate here. The folks who put this garden together really poured their hearts into it, and boy, does it show. It’s the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll or have a good old braai. And you know what? When you create a space that’s home to indigenous plants, you’ll also attract some cool indigenous creatures. I’m talking sunbirds, mousebirds, geckoes, and even chameleons! But I’ve gotta say, my absolute favorite was the cape chestnut tree in full bloom near the wooden deck. It was like something out of a fairytale.

Cooling off options

I love the heat, but it’s always nice to cool down when I feel like it. At Amafu Forest Lodge, there are plenty of ways to unwind. You can jump right into the pool (that’s what I did first), or you can take a refreshing outdoor shower (each chalet has one). If you prefer, you can relax on the cool granite rocks or wooden decks in the shade of the trees. If you’re up for it, you can even visit a nearby waterfall while hiking. And of course, you can always grab another cold drink to stay cool. The choice is all yours!

Bosberaad deck (a.k.a. the bush meeting place)

Let me tell you about a really cool place where you can hang out and have a great time. Amafu Forest Lodge has an awesome lapa and wooden seating area with beautiful views of the valley. It’s the perfect spot for an intimate wedding, Christmas or New Year’s Eve party, or any kind of celebration. You can even have up to fifty people there!

The best part is that they have great catering facilities, so you can either cook your own food or arrange for a chef to do it for you. They really have everything covered.

Now, here’s what you need to know:

– All the cottages there are self-catering, which means you can take care of your own meals.

– But don’t worry, if you don’t feel like cooking, there are plenty of restaurants in the area. And if you have a big group, they can even arrange meals for you.

– And for those of you who can’t live without your favorite TV shows, three of the chalets have DStv, so you can still get your fix of visual entertainment.

– Oh, and one more thing – they have safe parking at the lodge, so you don’t have to worry about your car.

So, if you’re looking for a fantastic place to have a party or just relax and hang out, Amafu Forest Lodge is the place to be. I guarantee you’ll have a great time!

The distance from Johannesburg is about 420km, and from Nelspruit, it’s roughly 140km. Rates range from R375 to R595 per person per night when sharing. If you’re looking for other activities in the area, you’re in luck! Here are a few options:

– Take a boat cruise on the Blyde Dam and see the famous Kadishi Tufa waterfall, also known as ‘the weeping face of nature’.

– Visit the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre, which is just down the road. It’s a great educational experience and gives you the chance to get up close to wildlife.

– If you’re a fan of white water rafting, you’re in for a treat! The Blyde, Olifants, and Sabie Rivers offer plenty of rapids to conquer.

– Want to see the Blyde River Canyon from a different perspective? Try a hot air balloon or microlight experience for a bird’s eye view.

There’s no shortage of things to do in this area, so go out and explore!

If you’re interested in exploring the natural wonders of the area, there are some breathtaking waterfalls to visit. Klaserie waterfall, Berlin falls, Mac Mac falls, and Tufa falls are just a few of the popular options. Each of these falls offers a unique hiking experience, so you can enjoy the journey to and from the falls as well.

For those who prefer game viewing, there are plenty of game parks and reserves in the area. Whether you want to go on a guided safari by vehicle or prefer a more adventurous experience on foot, there are options for everyone. The Kruger National Park (Orpen gate), Klaserie, and Manyaleti Nature Reserves all offer fantastic opportunities for game viewing.

If you’re thinking about where to spend your Christmas holidays or planning a getaway for 2012, I highly recommend Amafu Forest Lodge. It’s the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and immerse yourself in nature. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with your choice.