Forever Resorts - Blue Mountain Lodge

Blue Mountain Lodge is an experience of Luxury, Nature and Fantasy carefully blended into one.

Set on 200 hectares of indigenous bush, forestry and farmland, the ochre-washed Lodge with its deep-set pillared verandas and whirring white fans, is an "Out of Africa" story come true.

Great care has been taken to create unique inspiring accommodation, embracing a standard comparable with some of the top hotels world-wide. Every effort is made to match the beauty of the surrounding with friendly and efficient service.

The Manor House Portfolio
For ultimate privacy surrounded by verdant forests the Manor Houses are the recent additions to the lodge.

Reflecting the same splendor and luxury that the Blue Mountain Lodge is famous for, each has two suites, a marbled bathroom, a mahogany study, kitchen, lounge and dinning room, including your own personal chef and maitr'd.

This elegance continues to the timber deck where one can view a magnificent sunset or admire the beauty of a thousand stars alongside swimming pools that cascade into a stunning forest-lined lake.


The Victorian Suites Portfolio
Delicately set at the foot of the main building, as a sparkling fountain ushers its guests to havens of relaxation.

There are 8 Victorian Suites all housing king-sized, extra length beds except for Suite number 8, which has two three-quater beds. All suites and rooms have been individually decorated. The furniture, except antiques, has been designed by Valma Botha and custom-made for the Blue Mountain Lodge, making our decor unique in South Africa.


The Ballantine Suite Portfolio
The Ballantine suite or "The Presidential Suite" embraces a classical regency style.

This suite uncovers an elegantly furnished spacious lounge and majestic bedroom. A private plunge pool silently glistens over luscious forestry.


The Quadrants Portfolio
Four suites romantically set in a cobbled courtyard, with gallery bedrooms reminiscent of castles and Camelot.

These duplex rooms have a lounge, bathroom with seperate bath, shower and toilet downstairs and a gallery bedroom upstairs. The style is "Provencal", overlooking forestry.


The Chapel
Blue Mountain Lodge is the perfect place for a honeymoon couple, and what better environment could they find to exchange vows?

A quiet shaded pathway, lined by plumbago and the sweet scent of lavender, leads one to the romantic setting which invites courtships to seek their blessing in the quaint ivy-clad chapel.

Passing through the aged wooden doors of the chapel, the walls are awash with the sun's dappled light and the warm glow of candles, embracing the soft strains of music whilst the image of the Madonna gazes down from the altar, a witness to holy proceedings.

As dusk falls, glowing flames usher guests over expanses of green lawn to a wedding feast table clad with white linen, blossoms and silver cutlery. Butlers and wine stewards ensure that every wish is fulfilled and laughter and celebration echo through the lodge's farmstead.




Cuisine

Our dynamic team of chefs is responsible for the exquisite cuisine which is essentially "moderne" with an emphasis on fresh ingredients.

We take full advantage of the fresh produce in season, combined with our home-grown herbs, vegetables and the farm's 4000 avocado, 600 litchi and 300 coffee trees.

Only fresh fish is served. Ostrich, guinea-fowl and venison are but a few of the items on the menu. Our pastas and breads are all freshly made on a daily basis.

Additionally, guests can enjoy hot, freshly baked muffins on their early morning tea trays. As with all aspects of the Lodge, the intention is to entertain our guests with our cuisine.

Perfection is achieved for the palate and the eye by combining opposing textures and tastes arranged in a pleasing composition. A five-course "table d'ote" menu is served, varying daily. Special care is taken to ensure that all menus cater for the needs of our guests.




Recreation
The Lodge is set on two hundred hectares (500 acres) of indigenous bush, forestry and farmland. Guests can enjoy walking and hiking trails, bird watching (the contrasting vegetation attracts a myriad of bird life), botanical interests and fishing.

The large fjord-like dam with a surface area of 5 hectares is stocked with bass. The 20 metre long swimming pool is located near the main complex and invites days of lounging in the glorious sun.

The main complex comprises a reception, elegant restaurant and bar with a competition size billiard table. With prior notice, the Blue Mountain Lodge can arrange treatments on the premises. These include facials, body massages, manicures etc.

Mpumalanga is one of the most scenic areas of South Africa. Blue Mountain Lodge is in close proximity to the Kruger National Park, private game lodges, Blyde River Canyon, Pilgrims's Rest, Bourkes Luck Potholes, etc. - affording our guests the opportunity to explore the surrounding area without having to travel great distances.

Walking Trail

Beautiful walking routes are available on the two hundred hectares of indigenous bush, forestry and farmland but further walking trails are found within short driving distances along the Panorama Route.

God's Window Rain Forest Walk - Graskop:
Starting point at God's Window Parking Area. Duration - 1.5km (30 minutes)

Jantjiesbos Nature Walk - Sabie:

Starting point at Lone Creek Falls. Duration - 8kms (2-3 hours)

Secretary Bird Nature Walk - Sabie / Graskop:
Starting point at Mac Mac Pools. Duration - 3kms (1-2 hours)

Waterfalls Nature Walk - Sabie:
Starting point at Lone Creek Falls. Duration - 17kms (5 hours)

Game Drives / Safaris
Self-drive or chauffeur, in air-conditioned combi vehicles, on panoramic sightseeing trips or excursions into the Kruger National Park or private game lodges.

Enjoy day or night game-viewing safaris in an open vehicle with a highly trained game ranger.

Kruger National Park Safari: The Kruger National Park, proclaimed in 1926, is not Africa's largest wildlife sanctuary, but it is probably the best known. This reserve is a model of successful management and exists by the rules of sustainable conservation.

There are numerous ecozones which allow for a tremendous bio-diversity of mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian and fish species.

This wildlife area, almost 350 kilometres from North to South and averaging 60 kilometres form East to West, comprises of over 20 000 square kilometres of unfenced natural bush.

Morning Safari: Duration - 6 / 7 hours Includes - Transport, breakfast, entrance fees and chilled refreshments en route.

Afternoon Safari: Duration - 6 / 7 hours Includes - Transport, entrance fees and chilled refreshments en route)

Full Day Safari: Duration - 10 / 11 hours Includes - Transport, breakfast, chilled refreshments en route

Escarpment Panorama Tour: The Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa's largest mountain range, were formed by a massive volcanic eruption.

In the Mpumalanga Province these mountains divide the cool Highveld in the West and the low coastal plains to the East, creating an array of scenic beauty, with its landscapes of mountains, waterfalls, forests and scenic lookout points.

This tour visits the historic mining town of Pilgrim's Rest, the panoramic splendor of God's Window, Wonder View, Blyde River Canyon and the stone formations of the impressive Three Rondavels.

At the confluence of the Blyde and Treur Rivers is Bourke's Luck Potholes, where water over the centuries has carved huge potholes into the native rocks. This tour also visits numerous natural waterfalls.

Duration - 8 / 9 hours (Includes transport, lunch, entrance fees and chilled refreshments en route.)

Additional Safari Options: Receiving much acclaim for the exclusive and luxurious lodges that grace its land, the Sabi Sands Nature reserve lies adjacent to the Kruger National Park.

Through friendly relations, Blue Mountain Lodge has been granted the privilege to offer her guests the wonderful opportunity of embarking on a safari at selected game lodges within the boundaries of the Sabi Sands Reserve.

Optimising Africa's magic; the ever changing landscapes and rhythms; the clear light of dawn, the subtle pastel colours in the late afternoon, the eerie laugh of the hyena in the dead of night, the Sabi Sands Reserve also boasts the ever flowing Sabie River, ruled by the crusty hippopotamus, her quiet reaches patrolled by crocodiles.

Out in the bush in an open landrover one can still observe at close quarters the natural relationship between predator and prey. Big game abounds and roams freely throughout this pristine part of our ancient African continent. The sight of a lion, elephant, rhino or leopard roaming free in the bush is so stirring , the tension one feels when following spoor on foot so electrifying. It is an experience that will awaken something deep in one's soul.

However, as these lodges offer exclusivity to their own guests, safaris can only be confirmed with 24 hours standby notice.

Early Morning and afternoon / evening Safari: Duration 6 / 7 hours

Helicopter Excursions
There are a number of exciting possibilities; Champagne breakfast perched atop a mountain, touchdown at a private game lodge for a game drive and then back to the luxury of Blue Mountain Lodge.

Blue Mountain Lodge does have a heli-pad, co-ordinates are S25° 05' 06" E30° 57' 30".

Mountain Magic: A fantastic flight that allows you to fly with the birds and offers an eagle's eye view of the nature's gift to Mpumalanga: deep and secretive gorges, luscious valleys with indigenous greenery, rushing rivers and cascading waterfalls.

Take a look through God's Window, the spectacular gateway to the fascinating rock formations of the Blyde River Canyon and hovering passed such phenomenal natural sights as the Three Rondavels and Bourke's Luck Potholes. Gaze in awe at the beautiful landscape as you land on a remote mountain and enjoy a delicious picnic and from your private viewpoint.

Duration: 2 hours

Blydepoort Boat Cruise: A unique flight that combines dramatic viewing from not only the spectacular heights of the wide open skies, but also from the mirrored waters of the Blyde River.

Embark on an adventure that offers sights over rolling green hills and low valleys, flying through the impressive Blyde River Canyon and landing at a clearing near the Blyde River for a boat cruise. Set sail on the waters of the river as you breathe the fresh, sweet air of Mpumalanga and sip refreshing drinks.

After this fantastic experience you will fly back to the gardens of the Lodge.

Duration: 3 hours

Heaven's Gate: A wonderful flight over the endless carpets of pine gum forestry covering the slopes of the Drakensberg. Venture towards Graskop, through God's Window to the Lisbon and Berlin Falls. Descending at the Pinnacle to marvel over the beautiful escarpment and magnificent views, before flying back to the Lodge.

Duration: 40 minutes

Under African Skies: Nature's invitation to visit the very heart of the Bushveld. Fly through wide open skies to the vast grounds of a private game reserve and embark on a safari in an open-air landrover as a expert game rangers introduces you to his world.

Excitement rises as you are offered the experience of trekking game in their natural vegetation and viewing sights only offered in these protected areas. The return flight to the Lodge allows more than an idea of the prides and joys of Africa!

Duration: 4 hours

Golf
For the golfing enthusiast, there are 5 golf courses - designed amongst others by Gary Player - within 20 minutes drive from Blue Mountain Lodge, where we are able to make all arrangements for our guests.

Sabie River Sun Golf Club: Details - 18 holes championship course - 6325m in length - Par 71
White River Country Club: Details - 18 holes championship course - 6013m in length - Par 71

Tennis
The Lodge can arrange access to tennis courts.

Mountain Biking
These trails are within short driving distance from the lodge. We request 48 hours notice to arrange this activity as transport from the Lodge is required to the starting points of both trails.

Mountain bikes can be hired for you during the following hours: Weekdays 08h30 - 16h30 Saturdays 08h30 - 14h30 Sundays 10h00 - 14h30.

Long Tom Mountain Bike Trail: Consists of two difficult sections of 36km and 20km starting and ending at Misty Mountain. The trail works its way through steep and rough sections of the Long Tom part of Ceylon Plantation with a fork at the 12km point. It's here you must select the long or short route but both offer forests, clear streams and picturesque view sites.

Ceylon Mountain Bike Trail: This reasonably easy 21km trail starts and ends at Castle Rock Caravan Park with the first 5kms fairly level. This is followed by 2kms of steep gradient leading to the top of Bridal Veil falls and then onto 4kms of reasonably level sections with some steep up and down parts as it makes its way along the higher escarpment. The final 5km section is downhill.