Idwala Game Lodge, Eastern Cape

Idwala Game Lodge is situated on a private concession adjacent to Lalibela Game Reserve, along South Africa’s famous Garden Route in the Eastern Cape. Set on a rocky outcrop covered in thick pristine vegetation, the lodge boasts wonderful vistas of the surrounding hills

The Lodge
This intimate and cosy lodge consists of 4 chalets and sleeps a maximum of 8 guests. All rooms are en-suite and are built from stone and thatch. They also all have their own private veranda where guests can observe the animals wandering through the surrounding bush and drinking at the waterhole below. Rooms are connected to the main lodge by stone pathways which wind through indigenous bush.

The main lodge has great views of waterholes and a quiet, comfortable lounge where you can relax with a book around the roaring fire. Guests can also enjoy cocktails at the bar or relax around the swimming pool and soak up some African sun. In good weather, meals are enjoyed under the stars on an open deck overlooking magnificent scenery. On cooler evenings guests gather in the fire lit dining room for a sumptuous dinner. The whole lodge can be hired out for groups or functions - and even for honeymooners - thus ensuring you an exclusive escape!

Accommodation Idwala can accommodate up to eight people in four free-standing chalets. Each individually decorated, secluded room has an en-suite bathroom and private veranda offering sweeping views the rooms have been named after the Big 5, and the decor combines slate, natural wood and local natural materials, to give an authentic African setting for the perfect, tranquil holiday.

Its an ideal and intimate venue for groups, friends and honeymooners. From the moment you first arrive in your room youll realise that everything possible has been done to make your stay as special and spectacular as possible.

Room Facilities
Tea and coffee amenities
Safe
Hairdryer
Air conditioning
Mineral water
King size beds (twin beds available)
Lounge, bar and dining room, each with its own fireplace
Outdoor swimming pool with stunning views
Airport transfers, email, fax facilities and laundry service can be arranged. The house phone is also available for guest use.

History
Built on the original farm Rockcliff, Idwala Game Lodge is set against a dramatic rock cliff which gave rise to its name Idwala means rock in the Zulu language.

Rockcliff was first farmed by the brothers, William and John Austin from England. The original farmhouse, which was built in 1839, was next occupied by the Thomas family and in 1886 became the site of the Rockcliff Grammar School for Boys until its closing in 1922.

The farm was acquired by the Du Toit family from Port Elizabeth in 1973. They stopped farming in 1990 and re-introduced game that occurs naturally in the Eastern Cape. Now living in the original farmhouse, the Du Toit family own and manage Idwala Lodge. They designed the lodge and using local craftsmen, began building in April 2005. The lodge, which embraces nature with luxurious, contemporary African decor, welcomed its first guests on 6 November 2005.

Many close friends and a local Xhosa family that has assisted the Du Toit family for more than twenty years form part of the team that welcomes guests and makes their stay at Idwala extraordinarily special.