WHETHER summer or winter, there’s never anything quite as tranquil as a mountain breakaway in the mighty Drakensberg.
Towering over the towns of Underberg and Himeville, KZN’s southern Drakensberg is something to behold.
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Not only is it one of the most picturesque regions in South Africa, but it is also a hiker’s paradise, with numerous trails, either to Bushman painting sites or merely to take in the sweeping vistas.
Selling itself as an adventure mecca, Underberg offers many activities, from horse riding in the mountains, biking trails, to 4×4 trips up nearby Sani Pass and into Lesotho for a meal at the Highest Pub in Africa.
But if you, like me, prefer a mountain getaway in the winter months, when the mercury sticks to the bottom of the thermometer and a white blanket of frost greets you in the morning, then a visit to Moorcroft Manor cannot be passed up.
Situated on the Sani Pass road near Himeville, this farm-turned-boutique country hotel at the foot of the Drakensberg boasts breathtaking mountain views from its ample grounds, a river coursing its way through the exquisite gardens and an experience to last a lifetime.
But it’s after the sun has dipped behind the mountains that the real magic of Moorcroft Manor can be felt.
Whether staying at Moorcroft Manor for the duration of your mountain escape, or just visiting for dinner, you will be left in awe.
Welcoming you in from the cold, a roaring fire greets you in the lounge bar area from where you can order a pre-dinner drink from the maitre d’.
It is from the lounge area that you peruse the menu and order your meal, and only when your dinner is ready are you led through to the dining room.
This rotational way of conducting the dinner time traffic ensures neither the dining room nor the lounge are full, but that there are always some guests enjoying dinner in the dining room while others sip their drinks at the fireplace in the lounge.
When you move into the dining room for your meal, the wood stove fireplace provides a welcoming ambience and a taste of time gone by.
Formerly a farm, Moorcroft Manor began operating as an accommodation establishment and function venue in 2002.
It offers a fine dining experience for that special occasion, and is sure to leave a lasting memory of time spent there.
Check them out on Instagram @moorcroftmanor.
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