About

Makaranga Garden Lodge is situated in 30 acre of lush Private Botanical Garden in The Valley of a Thousand Hills, KwaZulu Natal, 30 minutes from Durban.

Makaranga is a 5 star luxury accommodation and conference venue where guests can enjoy friendly service and superb cuisine. The Wild Poplar Restaurant offers an a la carte dinner menu and the Tuscan Terrace offers a breakfast buffet and a variety of lunch menus.  Day visitors are welcome to enjoy a walk in the garden followed by refreshments on the terrace.

The philosophy of Makaranga revolves around providing an opportunity for enjoyment as well as rejuvenation for all our visitors. The beautiful gardens provide the ideal backdrop to achieve the desired levels of relaxation for all who visit us.  The five star guest lodge has been designed to blend in with, rather than impose upon, the natural surroundings. The spacious lodge with hand painted murals, plush carpets, original art, and a classically furnished lounge, which is complete with a grand piano, create an atmosphere of intimacy and elegance.

Accommodation is en-suite, individually furnished and extremely spacious. Full facilities are available for those who are mobility impaired.

Our lodge and gardens boast an impressive art collection and guests can wander the wheelchair friendly pathways through the garden to admire the Shona and Italian sculptures set amongst an impressive collection of Camellias, Magnolias and Rhododendrons to mention a few. The Japanese garden features original stone carvings from Japan, and the 18 ponds and waterways are an ideal setting for little bronze statues of Venus, Pan and others.

Our unique brand of personal service, delicious food and good, old fashioned hospitality make this an ideal setting for a weekend leisure escape, romantic honeymoon or prestigious executive event. Makaranga provides an unsurpassed sanctuary for the visitor to rest, rejuvenate and rediscover total harmony.

Location

The village of Kloof lies approximately 30 kilometres from KwaZulu Natal's largest city, Durban, and about 50 kilometres from the provincial capital, Pietermaritzburg. From Durban's beaches, one of South Africa's premier holiday destinations, the road rises to 550 meters above sea level, leaving behind the sometimes oppressive heat and humidity of the coast.

Kloof borders the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, run by the Natal Parks Board since the 1950's and features a variety of wildlife and birds which live in the indigenous forest habitat. The reserve is centred on the Kloof Gorge (Kloof is the Afrikaans word for "gorge" or "ravine"), through which runs the Molweni River. The river features a series of spectacular waterfalls, within walking distance from a popular picnic area. Kloof boasts several shopping centres, and all of the facilities you would expect to find in a small town, as well as several top public and private schools.

Kloof does not experience extremes of either heat or cold and is therefore one of the most desirable residential areas in the country, with one of healthiest climates in the world. Summer temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C, with the temperatures in winter averaging between 11°C and 20°C. The rainy season falls over summer (November to March), with a little over 1000 millimetres of rain being recorded on average each year.

Directions from From Durban International Airport:
• Take the N2 North and continue to N3 intersection. 
• Take the N3 Pietermaritzburg glide-off and continue for 6.5 km to the M13 Pinetown glide-off. 
• Follow M13 for 11 km to exit 26 (Everton Road / Gillitts) glide-off. 
• Turn right at traffic light and right again into Igwababa Road. 
• Proceed 1.2 km to our gate on your left.

From Durban city:
• Take N3 Pietermaritzburg to M13 Pinetown glide-off.
• Follow M13 for 11 km to exit 26 (Everton Road / Gillitts) glide-off. 
• Turn right at traffic light and right again into Igwababa Road. 
• Proceed 1.2 km to our gate on your left.

From Pietermaritzburg:
• Take N3 towards Durban and then take the M13 Hillcrest glide-off (approx. 30 kms from Durban)
• Proceed 8 km to Everton Road / Gillits glide-off (exit 26)
• At the stop street turn left into Everton Road
• Drive 400 m and turn right into Igwababa Road.  Proceed 1.2 km to gate on left

From Umhlanga:
• From north of Durban take N2
• South, turn left into N3 glide off (Pietermaritzburg) and continue
• For 6, 5 km to the M13 Pinetown glide off take M13 and drive
• For 11kms to Everton Rd/ Gillitts glide off (Exit 26).
• Turn right at traffic light, over the bridge and first right into Igwababa Rd.
• Proceed 1.2km to gate on left.

Rooms

Accommodation at Makaranga Garden Lodge is exclusive, spacious and luxurious. Each suite is individually decorated, tastefully furnished and opening onto a private verandah where the true beauty of Makaranga can be appreciated.

In-room facilities include:

1. Selected Satellite TV, MNET and local channels
2. DVD Player
3. Individually controlled air-conditioning
4. Gowns
5. Extra length beds
6. Work desks
7. Electronic room safe
8. Mini bar
9. Complimentary Sherry
10. Direct international dialing
11. WI-FI internet connection
12. Built-in international adaptors, hairdryers, electric shaving sockets (220V) (west wing & Apartment) 

The following rooms are available:

East Wing:
• 4 x deluxe twin rooms
• 6 x deluxe double rooms, with Sleeper Couch for children age 8 – 12yrs

West Wing:
• 8 x executive twin / double rooms
• 2 x executive suites

The Apartment:
The apartment is designed for long term stays. The spacious two bedroom apartment gives guests the freedom of a self catering unit but with all the facilities offered at a 5 star establishment.

• Facilities include:
  • 1 x Double room and
  • 1 x Twin room
  • Spacious bathroom with separate showers
  • Lounge

Facilities

Facilities and services include:

1. Wireless broadband internet access
2. Airport transfers on request
3. 30 Acre Botanical garden including a Japanese Garden
4. Swimming pool with access for wheelchairs
5. Large selection of artwork and statues
6. On-site Health Spa
7. On-site gym
8. 24-hour room service
9. 24-hour reception and security services
10. Secretarial services on request
11. Travel assistance
12. Same day laundry and valet services (except public holidays)

Health

A luxurious haven for anyone in need of pampering and rejuvenation, Makaranga Spa is set amidst the tranquil beauty of Makaranga Garden Lodge and offers a comprehensive treatment menu from facials to body wraps.

Boasting four air-conditioned treatment rooms and one wet room specifically adapted for hydrotherapy treatments, the spa also houses the latest in state-of-the-art equipment.

The new Spa Therapy Capsule is a one-of-a-kind in Durban and allows for wonderful versatility incorporating sauna, steam, aroma steam, a Vichy shower, a jet bath and colour therapy. Its benefits include: flushing out toxins, easing of muscular and joint pain, increased metabolism, encouraged weight and cellulite reduction and the alleviation of sinus congestion.

Other signature treatments include Chocolate Body wraps, Hot stone and Dual massages and spray tanning. We offer a variety of packages or individual treatments which can be tailor made to suit your requirements.

If you are interested in indulging in a few treatments during your stay, then we recommend you book your treatments prior to arrival.

Activities

The main attractions at Makaranga are the gardens ... GUESTS are able to make their way down the wheelchair-friendly winding path to an oasis of peace and serenity. There are 18 ponds including Venus Pond and Long Pond, the latter being the largest waterway in Makaranga - a wonderfully quiet place to rest for a moment. There are also many beautiful statues in both bronze and marble, which have been imported from Italy for your enjoyment. These include a wonderful hand carved reproduction of Michelangelo's "David", as well as the "Four Maidens", who each carry the foliage of their respective seasons. These graceful statues keep a watchful eye over the "Blue Pond", so named because of the bias towards different shades of blue and purple plant life.

The authentic Japanese gardens boast original bridges, walkways, stone lanterns and hand carved figures, all imported from Japan and set out according to ancient traditions. Koi swim casually in the ponds creating a sense of stillness and calm, while the exquisite water lilies proudly display their pinks and purples. The Japanese Gardens promise a sense of awe, wonder and peace.

Throughout the gardens you will discover an impressive variety of both indigenous and exotic trees, including some rare and unique species. One of the most magical parts of the forest is along the moss-clad road, lined by magnificent Macaranga trees and lush vegetation. This quarter is home to many rare and exotic species of Orchid, Camellia, Magnolia and Rhododendron.

Whether your interest is botanical, pleasurable or if you are simply in need of some soul restoration, the gardens are sure to satisfy you. Should you be a day visitor, you will be able to enjoy a professional guided tour of the gardens, taking in all the scenic spots. Your visit will culminate in the Tuscan Tea Garden, which is situated adjacent to the lodge, overlooking Venus Pond and the forest of Macaranga trees.

Art

The Lodge has been decorated with original art work - each piece either chosen or commissioned by the owners, Danna and Chick Flack. They enjoy displaying work of artists whom they have met. Most of the pieces of sculpture and the paintings are by South African artists but there is also art from as far a field as Nepal, Burma, Vietnam, India and the United States collected by the Flacks during their travels.

There is also a formal Italian garden which displays statues from Italy including a carved two-metre high carrara marble copy of Michelangelo’s “David”. There are several other pieces from Italy on show in the garden. One of the most interesting features on view in the gardens is the large collection of Shona stone carvings. The owners are passionate about the art form which they find highly emotive and they are privileged to own the largest private collection in the country. Most of the artists are world famous and a significant portion of the Shona collection is from first generation artists.

Conference

Makaranga offers four conference rooms, with seating arrangements catering from 6 to 100 GUESTS:

1. Imbizo (East Wing)
2. Sibeko 1
3. Sibeko 2 (these rooms can be combined)
4. and a small boardroom (West Wing)

Standard conference equipment includes:
Data projector, screen, video, notepads and pens, water & juice and mints or sweets.

Available on request:
Lectern, flip charts, overhead projector, whiteboard and portable screen.

Additional charge:
PA system, lapel and standard microphones and secretarial services.

Please contact our conference coordinator on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 031 764 9400 for more information.

Weddings

The Lodge has been decorated with original art work - each piece either chosen or commissioned by the owners, Danna and Chick Flack. They enjoy displaying work of artists whom they have met. Most of the pieces of sculpture and the paintings are by South African artists but there is also art from as far a field as Nepal, Burma, Vietnam, India and the United States collected by the Flacks during their travels.

There is also a formal Italian garden which displays statues from Italy including a carved two-metre high carrara marble copy of Michelangelo’s “David”. There are several other pieces from Italy on show in the garden. One of the most interesting features on view in the gardens is the large collection of Shona stone carvings. The owners are passionate about the art form which they find highly emotive and they are privileged to own the largest private collection in the country. Most of the artists are world famous and a significant portion of the Shona collection is from first generation artists.

Botanical Garden

The main attractions at Makaranga are the gardens ... GUESTS are able to make their way down the wheelchair-friendly winding path to an oasis of peace and serenity. There are 18 ponds including Venus Pond and Long Pond, the latter being the largest waterway in Makaranga - a wonderfully quiet place to rest for a moment. There are also many beautiful statues in both bronze and marble, which have been imported from Italy for your enjoyment. These include a wonderful hand carved reproduction of Michelangelo's "David", as well as the "Four Maidens", who each carry the foliage of their respective seasons. These graceful statues keep a watchful eye over the "Blue Pond", so named because of the bias towards different shades of blue and purple plant life.

The authentic Japanese gardens boast original bridges, walkways, stone lanterns and hand carved figures, all imported from Japan and set out according to ancient traditions. Koi swim casually in the ponds creating a sense of stillness and calm, while the exquisite water lilies proudly display their pinks and purples. The Japanese Gardens promise a sense of awe, wonder and peace.

Throughout the gardens you will discover an impressive variety of both indigenous and exotic trees, including some rare and unique species. One of the most magical parts of the forest is along the moss-clad road, lined by magnificent Macaranga trees and lush vegetation. This quarter is home to many rare and exotic species of Orchid, Camellia, Magnolia and Rhododendron.

Whether your interest is botanical, pleasurable or if you are simply in need of some soul restoration, the gardens are sure to satisfy you. Should you be a day visitor, you will be able to enjoy a professional guided tour of the gardens, taking in all the scenic spots. Your visit will culminate in the Tuscan Tea Garden, which is situated adjacent to the lodge, overlooking Venus Pond and the forest of Macaranga trees.

Fine Dining

Guests of Makaranga can enjoy three meals a day served in the elegant dining room, or on the Tuscan Terrace. Morning and afternoon tea may also be provided for their pleasure. Our unique brand of personal service, delicious food and good old fashioned hospitality make this an ideal setting for a weekend leisure escape, romantic honeymoon or prestigious executive event.

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