Property description

Having been one of the originators of the Country House movements in the 1980s Richard and Mouse then travelled overseas working and absorbing the “foodie” world with a view to opening Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse - their intimate gourmet getaway. Having started Granny Mouse’s Country House they were fully qualified to start another one.

• It is the only 5 star gourmet getaway in the whole of the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg

• It is the only source of employment – other than farming – in this section of the Drakensberg

• It is ideally placed for expansion in this spectacular part of the Drakensberg

In the past it has proved to be a popular destination for local and especially overseas tourists whereby they have access, by road, to the top of the Little Berg (one of only 2 such roads) taking guests into an area of outstanding natural beauty for them to attain amazing views of the Drakensberg as well as a starting point for hiking and overnight camping in various caves.

It has access to one of the best bushman art caves in the whole of South Africa where local guides explain the life and times of the bushmen. These caves with their spectacular art is purported to be the inspiration for South Africa’s Coat of Arms.

Considering the awesome setting with splendid views of the mountains and crystal clear mountain streams and waterfalls Cleopatra is the ultimate in peace, tranquillity and solitude making it ideal for its intended purpose namely a restful refuge with professional yet understated service but most of all a gourmet experience to remember.

All the ingredients are in place for a complete treat 

- warm snug beds with mohair blankets and sweet-smelling cotton sheets

- a spectacular view of the mist-covered mountains emerging from the early morning sun

- the aromas of a country kitchen tempting that hunger which is heightened by the brisk mountain air

- loving meals of hearty soups, glistening vegetables, freshly caught trout, local cheeses and homemade breads

- bundles of fresh herbs and vegetables just picked from the kitchen garden 

- a friendly dining room filled with the quiet buzz of contented conversations

- a roaring fire in the lounge cantilevered over a trout-stocked dam

- choosing just the right wine from the wine cellar deep underground 

- the senses acute to the tastes that follow Richard’s legendary talks regaling the pleasures and practices of his food preparation

Within 2 decades, Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse has earned global renown as a romantic gourmet getaway. Nestled in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg, they are a luxury, gourmet lodge dedicated to sumptuous food and rustic luxury. With just 12 rooms they are a haven for those looking to break away from their fast-paced life to enjoy mountain walks, roaring log fires, 7-course dinners and time for relaxation and pampering.

Dinner is a sumptuous affair with no effort or expense spared to give the guests a memorable dining experience. A host talks you through every mouthful from pan to plate before you sit down to enjoy the culinary team's creations - and they don't mind telling you that Cleopatra’s food is all about the tastes, fun and passion that go into good country cooking! The menu changes every evening according to the seasons in the gardens and the availability of the local produce.

A very new and exciting development at Cleopatra is the Copper Pot Coffee Shop which caters for outsiders and is open during the day. Cleopatra is so very beautiful so it seems a pity that only a few guests can enjoy it so this Coffee Shop allows for day-trippers to enjoy what Cleopatra has to offer in this unique and secluded spot.

They have a bountifully stocked underground cellar and they focus on local South African wines which they love to drink and know go well with food. (Although a few French champagnes have been known to sneak themselves in from time to time!)

The unusual and exciting farmhouse breakfasts are the icing on the cake of a flavourful time at Cleopatra. 

Fresh ingredients are essential, and being able to pick from the gardens minutes before serving is a real pleasure. For the most exotic tastes, Richard spends hours hunting down local and imported ingredients of the highest quality – flying in fresh salmon from Norway and procuring genuine Parma hams and cheeses from Italy.

The description of Cleopatra as a restaurant with rooms belies the attention that Mouse has dedicated to the comfort and uniqueness of the 12 rooms. There’s no hiding the fact that she is an incurable collector who has devised an ingenious ploy: storing her stuff in the rooms and giving them romantic names like The Grand Tour, the Darjeeling Room and the Calligraphy Room. Not only did she design all of Cleopatra; she also painted much of it and made most of the décor material herself, from the sheets and curtains to the napery in the dining room. While the most striking impression is one of happy collections, this takes nothing away from the understated luxury of the accommodation.

Cleopatra is situated in the KwaZulu-Natal section of the Drakensberg, a range of mountains that run down the east side of South Africa. They are about 2 hrs drive from Durban and 5 hrs drive from Johannesburg.

Summer temperatures may range from 20°C during the day, often with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms. Winter daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C and the night temperatures can drop to below 0°C.

Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse is fast becoming renowned for its fabulous weddings. The views – surrounded by the Drakensberg mountains – are spectacular, and the gourmet food is arguably amongst the best in KwaZulu-Natal. Catering for up to 60 guests, they create a relaxed and happy celebration, never to be forgotten. Select your wedding menu from a wonderful choice on offer, whether a morning celebration, a lunchtime affair or taking your wedding vows with an evening wedding ceremony.

Very popular at Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse is the Copper Pot Spa. They have a professional in-house therapist who is qualified to pamper you with all the necessary treatments to relax or rejuvenate. They are proud to stock the Kalahari range of products – just perfect for that special natural treatment.

Cleopatra is tucked away in the beautiful Kamberg Valley adjoining the Giant’s Castle Nature Reserve, and all the normal mountain pursuits such as swimming, mountain hiking and scenic walks are available. 

Below is an outline of what can be done on and around the hotel.

MOUNTAIN HIKES AND WALKS

Highmoor Nature Reserve makes up 90% of the border and has been declared a World Heritage Site because of its inherent beauty. It is a 10 minute drive from Cleopatra in a normal motor vehicle (cars can be parked at the top).

There are three big trout dams up there stocked with Rainbow Trout. Wildlife includes Eland, Reedbuck, Oribi, Jackal, Serval, Rooikat, extensive birdlife and a huge diversity of flora. Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse is situated on 148Ha of rolling hills and walking trails are available on the property as well.

HORSE RIDING

Horse riding in the Drakensberg is extremely popular and is a 10 minute drive down the road. The rides are approximately 2½ hours in duration and they cater for novice and experienced riders. The horse ride will take you over rolling hills with the spectacular mountain scenery and the horses are well suited to all types of terrain.

TROUT FISHING

Fishing is available all year round in the area. The rivers on Cleopatra are stocked with Brown Trout whilst the dams are stocked with Rainbow Trout.

THE BERG BY HELICOPTER

There is a helicopter on standby which will pick you up in the garden and fly you over the Little Berg to Giants Castle. You will hover next to the Big Berg and fly over wildlife, rolling hills, rivers and land on top of the Little Berg for a glass of sparkling wine with Giants Castle in the background. The flight is about half an hour in duration and is a fantastic way of seeing the uKhahlamba World Heritage site in full.

MIDLANDS MEANDER

There are 184 craft stops on the Midlands Meander, from wood-turners to potters, to cheesemakers, weavers and much, much more. 

BUSHMAN ROCK ART

Some of the rock art in the Drakensberg dates back over 3000 years. The best sighting in the area is at Kamberg - a 20-minute drive from Cleopatra. They are some of the best bushman art caves in the whole of South Africa where local guides explain the life and times of the bushmen. These caves with their spectacular art are purported to be the inspiration for South Africa’s Coat of Arms. Alternatively, there is Rock Art at Giants Castle (Big Berg), a 45-minute drive, and a 45-minute walk to the caves.

SANI PASS

There are trips to the top of the Pass with many tour operators. Bookings must be made and there is a charge per person. You must take your Passport. It will take about 2.5 hours to get to Himeville and they are happy to make you an early breakfast with prior notice.

CYCLING IN THE VALLEY

Country Life magazine found the Kamberg to be one of SA’s top 10 mountain biking destinations! Glengarry - the neighbour - now has a 15km - purpose built - single track cycling route which is available to the guests. Enjoy the interesting route over the farmlands with views of the surrounding scenery. Tracks are mapped and marked.

VULTURE HIDE

Book ahead to see – from a purpose-built hide - the vultures and other animals come down to eat right outside your viewing window. Run by Ezemvelo it is a memorable experience in the heart of the majestic Drakensberg’s Giants Castle range.

Henwood and Katz Real Estate (Pty) Ltd t/a RE/MAX Midlands. A franchise of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.