Riverside retreat at the foot of Giant’s Castle Set on the banks of the Bushman’s River below grand peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, Lolambazo is an affordable and self-catering country house and cottage in KwaZulu-Natal with every comfort. The exclusive-use thatched self-catering stay is perfect for friends or family seeking an affordable mountain escape. Children are most welcome - there’s plenty of space and sprawling lawns to run across. Guests enjoy a stock of wood for the lounge fireplace, free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, spacious dining area (inside and out) plus housekeeping on request. The rambling home sleeps six guests in three spacious bedrooms. The indoor dining area seats eight comfortably (keep an eye peeled for cheerful birds flocking to feed outside the window) and flows into the open-plan lounge, where a generous fireplace glows in winter. The outdoor area boasts comfy seating for lazy afternoons, plus roll-down blinds for windy evenings and braai facilities. This is a home made for merriment, meals taken together and snug fireside evenings. A fully-equipped kitchen comes with all the essentials and more - stove and oven, utensils, crockery, cutlery, a large fridge and freezer, even a washing machine. There is no cellular reception at the property, but Wi-Fi is freely available. Housekeeping is available on request for an additional fee. Two of the bedrooms are available in a twin or double bed arrangement and share a bathroom (with a bath/shower combination). The third master bedroom is furnished with a plush double bed and features en-suite bathroom facilities. The Lolambazo Country Cottage sits on the same grounds as the Lolambazo Country House and operates as a separate chalet - or both can be combined in order to sleep eight. The main lounge area incorporates an indoor dining area that seats four comfortably and an open-plan kitchen area. There’s a gas heater for use on cold winter evenings.

Things to do in Giant’s Castle & Lolambazo Birding The gardens in and around Lolambazo Country House are filled with feathered finds. This area is home to the Ground Woodpecker, Gurney's Sugarbird, Malachite Sunbird, Lazy Cisticola and Yellow Bishop. The cliffs above the rock art caves are good for finding Southern Bald Ibis, Lanner Falcon and Alpine Swift whilst the forest edges should produce Yellow-throated Woodland-Warbler, Forest Canary and the Greater Double-collared Sunbird. Activities at Giant’s Castle Resort The world-renowned Giant’s Castle Main Caves Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of the vanished San people who first inhabited these mountain landscapes. A guided walk is available to the well-preserved panels of rich rock art paintings. Tours start on the hour from 9am to 3pm. The return walk, plus the guided tour, takes roughly two hours and an entrance fee is payable at reception. Vulture Hide Bird-enthusiasts and avid photographers will love a visit to the vulture restaurant and sought-after bird hide. A space in the hide needs to be booked in advance and provides the front-seat opportunity to view and photograph raptors and vulture species, such as the endangered Lammergeier or Bearded vulture, Cape vulture, Jackal buzzards and the Verreaux’s eagle. Hiking Trails There are a number of beautiful day hikes available inside the reserve. Short trails include: • River Walk: short and straightforward, this hike is 3km and 1-hour long. • Bushman’s River Trail: This walk leads to the Main Caves where San rock art adorns the rock panels. This walk is 3,2km and 2-hours long. • Grysbok Bush Trail: This hike goes beyond the caves and ascends steadily heading for indigenous forest and pools. Anticipate a 4- hour return walk for the 8-kilometre trail.