Built in 1942, the sprawling grey stone manor of Woodlands Lodge in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, holds a charm that is matched by no other establishment on the reserve. Set alongside a century old fig tree, the 4-star game lodge has a homely and nostalgic feel that is reminiscent of the colonial days of Natal.

Throughout the game lodge you will find decor, portraits, and memorabilia depicting the old battlefields and colonial way of life. The Big Five also feature as a recurring influence in the tastefully decorated lodge, reminding us of a time when there was no “plight of the rhino”. That’s the funny thing about nostalgia – it makes you dream of being in a past life that seemed completely idyllic and care free. Although the lodge surrounds you with images of the battlefields, you somehow tend to forget the hardships that the colonists endured and you begin to believe that life was better back then. Although this sense of nostalgia is only a feeling, it is a powerful one and the sensation of experiencing a piece of life from the past can bring immense pleasure and peace.

Woodlands Lodge allows you to experience that utopia world that nostalgia can only hint at. The large rooms boast a spaciousness that we can’t seem to find in the city anymore. The abundant influence of wildlife and natural African bush in the decor provides a glimpse of a world that is fast becoming endangered – one that we are trying so hard to save. We will never stop the development of the modern world, but a lodge like Woodlands reminds us how we should cherish the natural world and strive for a better future.

Guests can enjoy an idyllic retreat in one of the large en-suite Double Rooms or the spacious Family Room with a lounge and private balcony. Reminiscent of yesteryear, dinners can be a formal affair to be enjoyed in the dining room, or a more casual meal set around a crackling boma fire under the untouched African sky. In the mornings, breakfast is served on the large, open veranda where guests can enjoy a timeless experience with no agenda other than feasting on a hearty meal and watching the countless birds glide in and out of the garden.

To complete your unspoilt bush experience, the lodge offers two game drives daily, complete with coffee breaks, snacks, and sundowners. The game lodge also features a Cheetah Project where you can enjoy an informative talk before having the chance to touch and brush the big cats. Active guests can use the tennis court before cooling off with a plunge in the sparkling pool. And just to keep you appreciating the smaller joys of modern life, you can enjoy sipping a freshly made cocktail as the wild bush slowly becomes a shadowy silhouette against the lowering sun.

Enjoy a nostalgic, care free stay at Woodlands Lodge…without compromising on modern luxuries!