Mount Anderson

Drakensberg, Mpumalanga & Limpopo,

Every trout fisherman owes it to himself to fish the crystal-clear streams and pools of the Drakensberg, one of Africa's most impressive mountain ranges, at least once. And what better place to cast your line than from Mount Anderson, a pristine 8000-hectare mountain reserve tucked away on the northern Escarpment. Giving rise to three major rivers, making it a serious catchment area for the nearby Kruger, Mount Anderson is not only a haven for piscine species, but mountain zebra, wildebeest, ostrich, baboons and various antelope species graze on its grass- and flower-carpeted slopes, while some 200 bird species wheel overhead. And unlike the busier reserves near the Kruger, Mount Anderson offers the kind of serenity that comes with real space, with every guest enjoying an effective 1000 hectares to themselves!

Furnished in the English country manor style, the ranch is a comfortable perch from which to observe the tiered trout ponds into which mountain streams empty, and the soothing sound of running water is ever present. It's a boon for bird lover, mountain biker, horse rider and hiker alike, but should the natural beauty overwhelm, Dullstroom's boutique restaurants and charming shops lie under two hours way.

Location: Drakensberg Escarpment, Mpumalanga.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms:
Sleeps: 8 in 3 double rooms and 1 twin bedded room

Bedroom configuration: The master bedroom with 2 en-suite bathrooms (one with a shower and separate tub, the other with a walk-in cupboard and tub) is situated in the main house. Like all the double rooms, furnishing comprises an extra length king size bed and a three quarter bed. Large sash windows provide views over the ponds and surrounding mountains. Two further en-suite bedrooms are located adjacent and separate to the main house; deep windows with lovely views. A smaller but comfortable en-suite (shower only) twin bedded room leads off the kitchen; this is ideal for au pairs, children or tour leaders.

Living Areas:
The main lounge area - an English-style drawing room arranged around a central hearth - is located in the heart of the house, and leads into the formal dining room where the large antique table seats 10 guests comfortably. The 2nd lounge is less formal and leads onto the verandah that overlooks the trout ponds. The TV room leads off the billiard room. Fireplaces ward off the chilly winter afternoons or evenings; the house is also temperature controlled

Outdoor:
The veranda is a wonderful spot for afternoon tea, and to watch the sun setting over the mountains. A BBQ area off the formal dining room is ideal for winter lunches or summer evenings. Lunches are eaten on the verandah whilst dinner is served in the dining rooms. Outdoor furniture for relaxing in the sun is available. There is no swimming pool but guests can dip in the ponds.

Other:
Services: Two full time staff members - a husband and wife team - are on hand to service the house and provide all meals and snacks, tea and coffee (delivered to your bedrooms in the mornings!), washing and ironing as well as drives and sundowners in the 8 000 ha reserve. Fishing, mountain biking, riding instruction and trips to the surrounding areas are also all included in the rate.

Surrounds: Part of the 1000km-long Drakensberg, South Africa's premier mountain wilderness, Mount Anderson is natural haven with plenty of wildlife though no predators, making it safe to explore. Aside from fishing and hiking, the reserve has magnificent mountain biking trails and the reserve manager, an enthusiastic mountain biker himself, will guide you around the mountains on bike (or horseback if you prefer a warm-blooded ride). Visit ruins from the gold mining days and view the artefacts collected over the years. The quaint historic town of Pilgrims Rest as well as Dullstroom, with its plethora of gift stores and dining options, lie within a 2 hour radius.