Ruby Skies Lodge, Durban

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Description

Perched on the edge of the Kloof Gorge is Ruby Skies Lodge, with its breathtaking views down the cliffs into the gorge. This intense landscape is accentuated by a waterfall, which in the rainy months can be heard thundering into the depths. To the east is a panoramic view over the dense indigenous bush of the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve and the gorge to the sea sparkling in the distance.

The lodge is thatched, with slate floors and bathroom walls. A rock fireplace warms chilly evenings, while a Knysna-log staircase and overhead walkway dominates the lounge, dining area, pub, and open-plan kitchen. The walkway links two separate mezzanine areas. One leads out onto a deck with stunning views; the other into one of the three en-suite bedrooms, which has its own small deck. The other two en-suite bedrooms are downstairs, one of which opens out onto a verandah.

The large verandah off the lounge, with its seductive views and barbecue facilities, lends itself to long lunches and there’s an additional boma with an open-fire pit alongside for fun evenings of stargazing. The pool, built to resemble a natural rock pool, adjoins a boma with an open fire-pit. Alongside is a twig-roofed, cave-like pub built into the hillside, providing a cool rock retreat in which to enjoy a meal.

For bird-lovers, this is a top destination. Martial eagles nest opposite the lodge and these magnificent raptors are frequently seen soaring on thermals and interacting with each other. Other avian residents of this spectacular gorge are purple-crested turaco, trumpeter and crowned hornbill, paradise flycatcher, red-chested cuckoo, violet woodhoopoe, yellowbilled kite, black-headed oriole, and various sunbirds. Bushbuck are seen moving in the veld grass, and one even took up residence in the boma at the swimming pool.

With the Parks Board’s permission, a style has been built over the fence enabling guests to enter the reserve and sit on the cliff edge or walk, enjoying different facets of the reserve’s stunning beauty. The Parks Board offers guided walks along the different trails of the gorge and rock climbers are well catered for, with pins in the cliff faces, allowing them to abseil and climb.

The lodge is centrally situated, with the village of Kloof and its Country Club’s 18-hole golf course, as well as the beautiful gardens of Makaranga, just five minutes away. Hillcrest, seven minutes away, has all you need including restaurants, banks, gyms, supermarkets, and shops. Durban and it's lovely beaches are also within close proximity. From the lodge it is 10 minutes to the Valley of 1000 Hills, African Villages, and Zulu dancing, while Tala Game Reserve is just 30 minutes away.

With its situation on the edge of the gorge, it is well off the road and out of sight, making this unique character lodge a place to slip off to for a bush experience in suburbia. Whether a leisure getaway, or a retreat for people on business, this is where you’ll find privacy, beauty, and tranquillity.Request A Quote

Room Types

Bedroom (3)

En-suite bedroom with queen-size bed and superb views.

Includes: Self-catering

Facilities

Parking Available, Garden, Braai / Barbecue, Swimming Pool, Off Street Parking, No Pets Permitted, Fireplace on the Premises, Communal Television, Boma Fire, No Credit Card Facility, Fully Equipped Kitchen

Activities Near

Bird Watching, Golf, Climbing - Sport, Climbing - Traditional, Health & Fitness, Walking, Trekking, Hiking / Backpacking

Accomm Type

Guest House, Self-catering

Main Theme

Great Outdoors

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Ruby Skies Lodge on map of Durban