Log In

Share This Page

Geolocating...

A Luxe Retreat into Mbizane’s Historic Wilderness

A Luxe Retreat into Mbizane’s Historic Wilderness

A Luxe Retreat into Mbizane’s Historic Wilderness

A Luxe Retreat into Mbizane’s Historic Wilderness

Since moving to the Lowveld and going on trips to Gauteng, I’ve always found myself longing to explore the valleys and mountains of Schoemanskloof. Driving home from Johannesburg hits different as soon as you enter the Schoemanskloof pass; its scenery possesses an irresistible allure. Despite having lived here for 11 years, I’ve never had the opportunity to explore this part of the Lowveld… until now.

Being a part of Sociably has granted me access to unique destinations around the Lowveld, and among them, the experience at Mbizane Escarpment Retreat is definitely at the top of my list.

Ascending the Schoemanskloof escarpment with a light drizzle tapping on my windowshield, we reached this exceptionally breathtaking location. “Wow” was the only word that escaped my lips repeatedly as we wound through the verdant natural forests, overlooking the surrounding cliffs and valleys.

Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the incredible couple, Zuanette and Arman. Their reception not only epitomized unmatched hospitality but also crafted an atmosphere where Mbizane ceased to be a mere lodge I was visiting. Instead, they enveloped it with history, anecdotes, and their genuine passion for the place radiated from every word. We were graciously offered a chilled and revitalizing glass of natural spring water—a delightful gesture that Arman promised to show us the source of the next day. What an unexpected treat!

Guided to our luxurious tent nestled among the Schoemanskloof giants, the sheer magnificence of the place stole my breath. A private pool, expansive open spaces, breathtaking views, and an interior exuding opulence – my heart was soaring.

“There are five private elevated deck tents, each situated at a unique position along the stream and having a unique view of the awe-inspiring cliffs. The identically-furnished tents are designed to provide stylish self-catered living with modern amenities and comforts, inside nature. The deck tents each sleep two adult persons, with a spacious lounge, dining and kitchen area, a bedroom and open plan bathroom with bath, basin, shower and closed toilet.”

A chilled bottle of wine awaited us on the kitchen counter, ice in the freezer, milk and water in the fridge—I couldn’t help but feel utterly pampered. Stepping into the tent, I was overwhelmed; I knew I needed several days here to fully embrace its splendour. Should I laze in the living area with a book, savour a cup of coffee fireside, luxuriate in the freestanding bath, or plunge into the pool, drizzle be damned? We opted instead to walk to the nearby waterfall, raising a glass of wine in a toast to this awe-inspiring place.

Our stroll to the waterfall felt nothing short of magical, resonating with an orchestra of birdcalls echoing through the treetops, the earthy fragrance of the moss-covered ground and the sunlight filtering through the leaves—a truly tranquil experience. Glimpses of the past emerged through the remnants of the Anglo-Boer War scattered around. Evidence suggests that both the British and the Boers utilized this property for their lookout points and forts, evident from the remaining ammunition. Additionally, the presence of mushrooms used in Chinese traditional medicine, found abundantly along the riverbanks, hints at the possible residence of Chinese families in the past – perhaps trading at the nearby port.

We got back to our home for the night, feeling revived by the beauty of nature once again and got cozy around the fire as we prepared our dinner. Even though the onsite restaurant, The Hive, offers delectable options for breakfast, lunch and dinner – we opted to stay in to get as much time in the tent as possible – that’s how enchanting it was!

After a luxurious bath with a view overlooking the river and mountain cliffs, I settled into the incredibly comfortable extra-length king-sized bed and drifted into a deep slumber. Apparently, I slept so soundly that I was even caught laughing in my sleep!

Awakening to birdsong, the soothing sounds of flowing waters, and the gentle caress of the wind around our tent felt like waking up in paradise. Excitement pulsed through me for the day ahead, eager to delve deeper into exploring the area.

Breakfast is complimentary during your stay at Mbizane, so we headed to The Hive, commencing our day with not only the most delectable, mouthwatering breakfast and cappuccinos but also with the most gracious hospitality. Once more, our hosts treated us like royalty, offering an array of delightful breakfast choices, spoiling us for selection.

Following breakfast, Arman took us on a Scarp Face Drive on a specialized Polaris, ascending a ravine to the plateau on the escarpment above. The vistas were simply breathtaking. Passing by ancient Anglo-Boer War forts, we paused at the old Schoeman’s house, indulging in warm beverages that Arman had thoughtfully brought along. Despite being enveloped by nature, the Schoeman house retained its historical charm, echoing tales through the valley.

For enthusiasts of history and avid storytellers, the narratives woven within this property are utterly captivating. Amidst the backdrop of Boer War stories and architectural remnants lies the intriguing tale of Cornelia—the former landlady who married an old Nazi General. After his passing and a lack of income, Cornelia became the local Sangoma and now rests on the property with her family. The property also houses a cave where Bushman artefacts were discovered and taken for research. These stories interweave, adding layers to the property’s rich heritage. Strolling along the paths, one couldn’t help but ponder: who trod these paths a century ago, and what tales did they carry?

In that moment, I realized my own narrative—an overwhelming sense of gratitude for having experienced this magical place, destined to recount the story of Mbizane Escarpment Retreat for years to come.

Book your stay with them here, you won’t regret it: https://www.mbizane.com/

We love the gems of the Lowveld ♥

Ps. If you know of any unique getaway spots in the Lowveld, please let us know! We love to explore the Lowveld and write all about it!