Richard and Mouse Poynton were one of the originators of the "Country House" movements in KwaZulu Natal with the creation of Granny Mouse's Country House in 1986. After selling it in 1993, they travelled the European "foodie" world working with different chefs and absorbing the food culture.
With the arrival back to sunny South Africa in 1997 Richard and Mouse embarked on their new project - Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse.
If you're looking for a Drakensberg type Resort with lots to do, big buffet tables filled with food and organised activities, this is not the place for you. Cleopatra's is all about food and enjoying the farmhouse and its scenic surroundings whilst lapping up the fresh country air and sounds.
The seven course dinners may sound over the top but the portions are all carefully measured so that you are able to get through all courses and enjoy each one. For activities, they can be as strenuous as reading a book from one of the lounges overlooking the lake to taking a mountain bike through one of the Kamberg trails (Voted one of SA’s top 10 mountain biking destinations!)
Cleopatra has 11 very uniquely designed rooms, two are private cottages, decorated with items collected by the family over the years. There is also a Self Catering cottage with 3 rooms sleeping a max of 4 adults and 4 children. It is separate to the main farmhouse although meals can be booked there at an extra cost and is subject to availability.
Standard Rooms Double/twin bedroom with open-plan living area
Luxury Suites Double bedroom with a fireplace.
Executive Suite Room includes a king-size bed with large lounge area and a fireplace
Executive Cottages Private unit with veranda overlooking wetlands and mountains, including spacious lounge and fireplace.
Self Catering Cottage 2 bedrooms – en suite with an attic en suite room, suitable for 4 children. Lounge / dining room, Fully stocked kitchen, Desk area, Covered veranda.
All rooms have TV, separate bath (except room 8), separate shower and separate loos with cotton sheets, mohair blankets and heated under blankets and heated towel rails. Tea and coffee with homemade biscuits are also available in the rooms. Attention to detail is evident everywhere.
Rain gear is advisable during the summer months. Warm jackets are recommended for evening wear during the winter as visitors often sit round the outside fire.
As Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse is situated in the Drakensberg, summer temperatures may range from 20° C to 30° 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.
Country Life magazine found the Kamberg to be one of SA’s top 10 mountain biking destinations! Glengarry - Just Next door now has a 15km - purpose built - single track cycling route which is available to Cleopatra guests.
Enjoy the interesting route over the farmlands with views of the surrounding scenery. Tracks are mapped and marked.
Cost per guest: R ---
A 10 minute drive from Cleopatra, Highmoor Nature Reserve makes up 90% of the border and is a world heritage site because of its inherent beauty.
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 500 acres of rolling hills and walking trails are available on the property as well.
Beautiful Appaloosa horses are available for trail rides of approximately 2½ hours in duration. Your ride will take you over rolling hills with spectacular mountain scenery.
Novice and experienced riders are welcome.
For those whose taste runs more to thoroughbreds, Sue Armstrong does tours of the local race horse studs. Full and half day tours available. She does offer transport to and from Cleopatra.
Fishing is available all year round, the best places to fish will be advised on arrival. The rivers in the area are stocked with Brown Trout whilst the dams are stocked with Rainbow Trout.
Fishing is available at Highmoor and Kamberg as well as the Little Mooi River on the property. Rods are available for hire from the Lodge.
You will be picked up in the gardens and flown 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 a fantastic way of seeing Ukhahlamba (The Barrier of Spears – the Zulu name for the Drakensberg mountains).
Should you wish to arrange something special, please speak to us and we will help to arrange it.
There are trips to the top of the Pass leaving at 9:15 a.m. from the Underberg Inn & returning at 4.00 p.m.
We advise pre-booking the trip as availability can be a problem. Price will be advised on booking.
You must take your Passport & lunch is available at a fee.
It takes about 2.5 hours to get to Himeville, an early breakfast can be made for you with prior notice.
Other tours of interest include: Bushman Rock Art; The Midlands Meander; Crane Rehabilitation Centre; Various Hikes
The attitude to clothing is very relaxed and ranges from the informal to smart casual for dinner. Please remember to bring good walking shoes, hat and sun screen.
The standard rooms are cosily set up with their own fireplaces and views across the water. They are conveniently close to the main hotel buildings and each one is laid out with its own unique décor.
FEATURES: DSTV, Electric blankets, Cotton sheets and towels, Fragrant toiletries, Coffee, tea and biscuits, Fridge with fresh milk and drinks, Cosy fireplace, Outside sun loungers
Rooms include: The Italian Room( Soft lace elements with an extra lounge and change area. Close to the main hotel buildings, it looks out onto the trout filled dam and tree lined garden), The Herb Garden Room (Private room with lounge area and additional seating with views over the herb garden. It is set slightly away from the other rooms and has its own fireplace with a glass of welcome sherry), The Postcard Room (View of the mountain in the background. It has it’s own verandah and fireplace which is perfect for afternoon reading and relaxing.)
FEATURES: DSTV, Electric blankets, Cotton sheets and towels, Fragrant toiletries, Coffee, tea and biscuits, Fridge with fresh milk and drinks, Cosy fireplace, Outside sun loungers
Rooms include: Classical Room(The original hotel lounge, dining room and kitchen this large spacious room has one of the best views of the garden and the mountain. It has a private lounge, and separate veranda – both with cosy fireplaces), The Blue and White Plate Room (The original homestead’s main bedroom, this beautiful blue room has a his and hers bathroom, a change room and a spacious lounge with private sit out area looking over the moonlit garden and up onto the face of the mountain.)
FEATURES: DSTV, Electric blankets, Cotton sheets and towels, Fragrant toiletries, Coffee, tea and biscuits, Fridge with fresh milk and drinks, Cosy fireplace, Outside sun loungers
If you don't see a package type that suits you, let us know and we will do our best to put together or source the holiday you want.
Rates quoted above are for the self-catering units and are per night. Minimum 2-night stay applies throughout the year; 5-nights over the festive season. Rates include VAT at 15%.
An exciting addition to the accommodation options, The Homestead! was originally the home of Richard and Mouse Poynton, the owners of Cleopatra's. This exceptional property is now a villa available to guests to book exclusively, accommodating a maximum of 12 guests.
The villa is situated right on the Little Mooi River, with indoor areas flowing to the outdoors.
This is a fully equipped self-catering unit, although dining at the Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse is also an option.
Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse is tucked away in the most beautiful Kamberg valley in the Southern Drakensberg Mountains near Giants Castle (just below Highmoor dam) in KwaZulu Natal approx. 4.5 hours from Johannesburg and 2 hours from Durban on good roads.
Southern Drakensberg | children over 12 welcome | 12 Rooms | 177 Km's from Durban | 420 Km's from Joburg
Wine Tasting • Kamberg Rock Art Centre • Trout fishing • Mountain Biking • Midlands Meander • Romantic Dinners • Horse Riding • Excellent cuisine - 7 course dinners
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We would be more than happy to help you choose a hotel package or offer you advice on your destination.
Call us on the number below or click through to the CONTACT FORM and send us a message.
If you have already made a booking with us and are looking for after hours help, please consult your travel voucher for the after hours numbers to call.
+ 27(0)31 572 4042
