Durban - The Gooderson Leisure Hospitality Group has taken a swing and upgraded its newly bought Drakensberg resort.
Monks Cowl, taking its name from the peak sandwiched between the towering Champagne Castle and Cathkin mountains, is just two and a half hours from Durban and the perfect destination for city slickers to get to know the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage site and the Mlambonja and Mdedelo wilderness area.
Monks Cowl Golf Resort’s nine-hole, 18-tee golf course has also been upgraded. The golf course has a couple of dams and a river with a small waterfall plus a swing bridge for those a little more adventurous. For golfers still at “caddy” status, a pleasant walk around the course may be in order – otherwise they can hire golf carts.
At the edge of the golf course are six spacious, free-standing double-storey units. There is a honeymoon suite with a wooden deck, four-poster bed, log fire and spa bath. The other units sleep two to six people (four beds upstairs) and all have a full bathroom downstairs.
An extra 18 airconditioned rooms have been added, each with a furnished stoep.
A short walk from them through the gardens takes guests to the restaurant and pub where breakfasts are served between 8am and 11am.
After a round of golf or an excursion, guests can enjoy the quirky, extensive lunch and dinner menus with substantial portions of comfort food. Sunday lunch is a buffet-style feast and in winter a log fire adds to the cosiness.
This venue has its own bar and ablutions, sound system and big-screen projector and is ideal for weddings, parties and conferences.
There is a swimming pool and tennis courts, while some of the best walks and hiking trails in the foothills of the Drakensberg are only a 10-minute drive.
Alternatively, there’s kloofing or canyoning. This seven-hour trip includes an hour-long hike and then a breathtaking descent of the kloof by abseiling down a cascade of waterfalls.
For the even more adventurous, there’s white water kayaking for beginners and the more experienced.
Those looking for a different outdoor experience can enjoy a horse trail riding hardy mountain horses through the northern Drakensberg; or climb mountains, forge rivers and enjoy unspoilt scenery.
Less strenuous is a visit to the Falcon Ridge Bird of Prey Centre in Champagne Valley, which offers a thrilling look at raptors.
Cultural experiences can include a visit to the Winterton Museum for insight into Zulu history, San Rock art and the Spioenkop battle as well as a number of Anglo-Boer war monuments and memorials.
Or enjoy a feast of music by visiting the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir. Wednesday concerts highlight the choir’s choral music, while music festivals feature this internationally famous choir and well-known artists.
A family-friendly holiday destination, Monks Cowl has something for everyone. - Sunday Tribune
Contact Gooderson Leisure on 031 368 5353 or log on to www.goodersonleisure.co.za