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Join Hannelize Robinson and the Oaklands team – Annie, Caroline, Kathy and Simon – at the picturesque Oaklands Country Manor in Central Drakensberg for a rejuvenating weekend of Yoga, Meditation, fresh air and mouthwatering food lovingly prepared by well-known chef Kathy Romer-Lee and her team.

We will be joined by Shervin Boloorian, well known Bali-based Sound Healer and Musician. Be guided through a relaxing multi-instrumental group sound healing journey connecting to nature’s elements . The workshop will begin with a short interactive voice exercise and an opening group mantra, then you will lay back and dive into a sensory rich world of pure sound vibration from a wide range of natural acoustic

Costs are R4600 single or R4100 sharing, includes all meals, accomodation & Yoga

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Do something different this June.

Join historical authors Gillis Van Schalkwyk & Leon Strachan on a self driving adventure through the beautiful Drakensberg passes. This will take place June 29th & 30th.

The history tour will include Normandine, Van Reenen’s pass & De Beers pass. 
There will be talks on the history of the passes & the area. Bring your 4 x 4’s for a day out in the winter sun.

The cost is R500 & includes a light picnic lunch.

Oaklands Country manor will be offering less 20% on accommodation.

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There is so much to explore at Oaklands and in the surrounding area. To give you a bit of inspiration while making your plans, here are some activities to consider.

Things to do at Oaklands

REGENERATIVE FARM TOURS  

At Oaklands, we are passionate about regenerative farming – an approach to food and farming systems that regenerates topsoil and increases biodiversity now and long into the future. Regenerative Agriculture improves water cycles, enhances ecosystem services, increases resilience to climate fluctuation and strengthens the health and vitality of farming communities.

On request, we can arrange an interactive tour for children and adults alike walking through the property and sharing this incredible project that includes vermiculture, permaculture and the production of Caroline’s medicine foods.

We hope it is an inspiration to you and your family to live more consciously!

HORSE RIDING 

Oaklands Country Manor offers excellent riding facilities and equipment. This unique and relaxing activity is a great way to take in the breath-taking views and fresh mountain air. Horse riding activities include outrides and arena rides on our beautifully schooled horses. Young children are well catered for by our experienced grooms in the safe confines of the arena.

Our experienced team is on hand to assist beginners, whilst seasoned riders are welcome to explore the countryside accompanied by a groom following an assessment ride.

PADDLING 

Padding is a fun and safe activity for children. We have two paddling dams which reception can steer you towards. Our basic canoes are available free of charge.

TENNIS

If you are feeling energetic you might well enjoy a game of tennis in a stunning country setting. Our court is located on the property and use of the facility is free for guests, with basic racquets available at a nominal charge and tennis balls for sale in the hotel shop.

FISHING

Three stocked dams for all year round bass fishing are situated on the Oaklands property. Guests are welcome to hire basic fishing rods and tackle at a nominal fee from reception.

CYCLING & MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING 

Cyclists and mountain bikers can take advantage of a number of marked trails both on the property and in the local area. The area surrounding Oaklands is great mountain biking terrain with trails suitable for all skill levels, from novice to serious riders looking for a challenge.

A popular route is the 30km cycle from Oaklands to The Hound and Hare, a local pub which makes for a great lunch stop. Reception can provide trails that vary from a 21km to an 80km trail. All mountain bikers will enjoy a ride in our beautiful country setting.

WALKING & HIKING

Explore the unspoiled terrain that surrounds Oaklands Country Manor at your own pace with a number of walking and hiking trails on the property and beyond. Most trails are within a 15 km driving distance of the hotel grounds. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the countryside on your own, or arrange to take an informative guided walk. Routes vary form leisurely walks, to slightly more challenging hikes and rock climbing trails.

Things to do near Oaklands

BATTLEFIELD TOURS

Ladysmith is situated almost halfway between Johannesburg and Durban, a 45-minute drive from Oaklands Country Manor. A key point in the struggle for Natal during the Anglo-Boer War, the small town and the old battlefields nearby are a popular attraction for history enthusiasts.

SPIOENKOP BATTLEFIELD TOUR

Spioenkop is the site where one of the most ferocious battles occurred during the Anglo-Boer War over a hundred years ago.

On the 23rd and 24th of January 1900, the Boers and Brits engaged in bloody combat to gain control of Spioenkop, the commanding hill that was thought crucial in relieving Ladysmith.

Today visitors can explore the battlefield site and trace the events which unfolded between the ridge and the summit. Knowledgeable guides are available for informative tours. The summit of Spioenkop also offers one of the most breath-taking panoramic views of KwaZulu-Natal. Guests can book battlefield tours with reception, please allow for a 24-hour booking period.

LADYSMITH SEIGE MUSEUM

Acclaimed as one of the best Anglo Boer War museums in South Africa, its displays on the famous Siege and Relief of Ladysmith have thrilled countless Boer War enthusiasts. Built in 1884 as a market house, it served as a ration post for civilians during the siege. The original flagstone floors and cast-iron pillars have been cleverly incorporated into the museum construction. This museum has a comprehensive display of memorabilia, maps, uniforms, relics and interpretive panels relating to the Siege of Ladysmith and the Anglo Boer War of 1899 to1902. Details of the Historical walkabout and drive about the town and surrounding areas are available here.

DAY TRIPS FROM OAKLANDS

NAMBITI GAME RESERVE

Nambiti is steadily becoming one of the best private game reserves in Africa; a vision driven by passionate, committed people with a deep love and respect for our heritage offering guests the finest game viewing in Africa and actively make meaningful contributions to conservation. Situated only 1 hour and 20 minutes away from Oaklands in the extraordinarily beautiful and diverse landscape of KwaZulu-Natal, Nambiti Private Game Reserve is now one of Africa’s most exciting conservation initiatives.

Enjoy lunch at Cheetah Lodge followed by an afternoon game drive from 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm.

Daily game viewing trips can be arranged with reception, allow for a 24 hour booking period.

1-hour 20–minute drive

LIONS ALIVE SANCTUARY

Run by our friend, Andi Rive, Love Lions Alive Sanctuary is located a short 25-minute drive from Oaklands. The sanctuary is one of only a few places in South Africa where captive bred lions are safe for the rest of their lives. They also provide our lions with the opportunity to live their life with dignity in as close to natural environment as possible.  They are not open to the public, but if you book at least a week in advance, you can have a tour with Andi or her one of her team. It is amazing to see these gorgeous animals.

25-minute drive

BASOTHO CULTURAL VILLAGE

Situated 10km from Phuthaditjhaba on the R712 to Golden Gate. This is a replication of a Basotho village and shows how the homes have changed over the past 2 centuries. You get to speak to the chief, sample the local beer and consult with the witchdoctor. You will also be entertained by traditional Basotho dancers and can shop at their curio shop. They have a selection of arts and crafts for sale. Open from 9 am to 4 pm daily.

1-hour drive

CLARENS

The village of Clarens is situated in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in close proximity to the Golden Gate National Park and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Clarens is an artist’s haven with many well-known artists either living in or frequenting the village on a regular basis with many art galleries scattered around the village square. The tranquil village ambiance combined with scenic views makes for the ideal day trip. Reception can provide you with a map.

1 ½-hour drive

THE DRAKENSBERG BOYS’ CHOIR SCHOOL

An internationally acclaimed choir trained in the Drakensberg. The boys range from grades 4 to 9 and have toured both nationally and internationally. They perform a wide range of music from classic choral work to modern arrangement and their African choral work and gumboot dancing is spell-binding. They have a loyal following at their weekly concerts on Wednesday at 3.30pm during term times.

1 hour 20 minute drive

FALCON RIDGE

The home of a wide variety of raptors, some of which have been rehabilitated after suffering from injuries. They have daily shows at 10.30 am (except Fridays) where you see these magnificent birds fly and feed off the wing. The show includes a presentation by the excellent handlers so you will learn about these magnificent birds in the beauty of the mountain surround

1-hour 20-minute drive

VALLEY BAKERY RESTAURANT

Stop over at the Valley Bakery for a delicious tea or lunch, their speciality being artisan handmade breads made with stone ground GMO-free flour.

1-hour 15-minute drive

ARDMORE CERAMICS

Guests are welcome to visit Ardmore Ceramics at Caversham in the KZN Midlands. Guided tours of this spectacular project can be arranged with reception, please allow for a 24-hour booking period.

1-hour 45-minute drive

For more information or to book , contact Annie or Simon on bookings@oaklands.co.za or call us on +27 79 529 2314.

We do hope to see you soon!

Love,

Annie, Caroline, Kathy & Simon

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Rob Caskie, story-teller extraordinaire, keynote speaker, cultural guide and author, will be joining us for what is destined to be a fascinating and fun weekend at Oaklands Country Manor. 

Rob has been a professional speaker and story-teller since 2001, after working with the late, great David Rattray from 2001 on the Anglo Zulu battlefields where he honed his unique talent for story-telling.  He believes that to understand our history is to also partially understand our future.

Here’s Rob speaking about his passion for history.

Not only the place of some of the most picturesque landscapes in the country, the sweeping hills and knotty rock formations that pepper the rolling plains and valleys of northern and central KwaZulu-Natal are also the site of a concentration of 70 years of historical battles that shaped the course of South African, British and world history. Best of all, a number of these battlefields are near Oaklands!

During the course of the weekend Rob will give two talks. The first, out on the veld over a delicious lunch, he will speak about the “African Odyssey”. This talk discusses the fascinating and complex history of South Africa beginning with our early inhabitants, the arrival of the Nguni people to the European stronghold that ensued. Our history creates a kaleidoscope of characters and intrigue worth sharing.

The second will be held before dinner on the Saturday evening. Rob will tell the fascinating story of Roke’s Drift where 4000 Zulu warriors against 139 British soldiers would wage a fierce battle for almost 10 hours. This remarkable battle saw the award of 11 Victoria Crosses and 5 Distinguished Conduct Medals, immortalised by the 1964 classic movie “Zulu”.

While Rob’s talks will be the highlight of the weekend, there are plenty of other activities including hiking, tennis, birdwatching, swimming, learning more about regenerative farming or just simply relaxing.

RATES:

Bruce Rooms – R2,700/night (B&B)

The Bruce Rooms accommodate two guests per room, with king-size or twin-bed options. All these rooms have lovely private veranda’s, fireplaces and bathrooms with a bath and shower or shower only. Each set of two rooms has interleading doors, which makes them ideal for families.

Family Suites – R4 400 / night (B&B)

Inter leading Bruce Rooms are ideal for families of 4, 2 adults and 2 children under 16 years old.

Garden Rooms – R2,500/night (B&B)

The new Garden Rooms at Oaklands accommodate two guests per room and feature luxurious bathrooms with full bath and shower and a private courtyard. Situated away from the main entertainment and children’s play areas, these rooms afford privacy and seclusion.

Clifton Rooms – R2,000/night (B&B)

The Clifton Rooms accommodate two guests per suite with king-size or twin-bed options. The rooms all have fireplaces and bathrooms with a bath-shower combination. They also have lovely veranda’s facing the garden and valley.

ITINERARY:

Friday 29 June 

• Check in from 2 pm 
• A-la-carte dinner (for own account)

Saturday, 30 June (Cost Per Person – R1,050 for all meals as well as the talks)  

• Breakfast 
• Lunch in the veld coupled with the “Medley of South African History” talk 
• Pre-dinner story of Rorke’s Drift 
• Dinner 

Sunday, 1 July 

• Breakfast 
• Check out

ABOUT OAKLANDS COUNTRY MANOR

Oaklands is situated in the Central Drakensberg, 30 km from Harrismith, near the border of KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State – approximately 3 hours drive from Johannesburg.

Passionate about sharing their energy, their environment and the produce of this beautiful farm, the Tully family, including sisters Annie, Caroline, Kathy and brother Simon are all committed to creating a collective consciousness that builds hope, security and well-being for all.

Permaculture, regenerative farming and vermiculture provide the foundation of a sustainable community that welcomes guests year-round.

The award-winning kitchen is run by Kathy. Hugely passionate about farm to table food, Kathy sources most ingredients from their own garden and from farms in the region. What she doesn’t have she sources locally, maintaining that a symbiotic relationship between land, people and community is the secret to a healthy and happy way of life. The result – simple, delicious, flavourful and healthy food.

Accommodation is stylish yet homely, reflecting the comfortable countryside lifestyle that the stunning location affords.

Each of the beautifully appointed rooms at Oaklands offers guests a perfect sanctuary from which to experience the splendour of the region. Exquisite views of the Oaklands gardens, polo fields and surrounding mountains can be enjoyed from the Bruce and Clifton Rooms, while the Garden Rooms offer a more private and secluded setting.

For more information or to book , contact Annie or Simon on bookings@oaklands.co.za or call us on +27 (0) 79 529 2314.

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