Tzaneen, Valley of the Olifants, Limpopo

Set in the N Drakensberg with stunning views of mountains and lowveld, Kings Walden is an ideal stopover between Johannesburg & the Kruger Park. The gardens here have been described by House & Leisure: "The dreaming heights of Kings Walden, its bold vistas, intimate rooms, secret paths and poetic detail, but most of all its extraordinary spirit, make it our most romantic garden."

The fully-serviced guest house comprises five suites, two with kitchenettes and all with fireplaces, satellite TV and spacious sitting areas. A Cordon Bleu kitchen serves traditional English breakfasts and cuisine dinners are optional. Many guests prefer to venture no further than their private lounge with its own fine fireplace where crackling logs enliven mysterious misty mornings.

Spacious suites in comfortable cottage-style decor with sitting area, open fireplace, satellite TV, ceiling fan, tea & coffee, room service, hairdryer, safe and internet connection (in office), braai area, access to gardens (picnics can be ordered), extravagantly large swimming pool, hiking and birding on premises .

Local attractions include scenic mountain drives, hiking trails, waterfalls, boating and fishing on several dams, the annual cherry blossom festival at Haenertsburg and a rich agricultural environment of avocados, bananas, citrus, macadamias, tea and timber.

Kings Walden offers its guests the opportunity to meet the local people and to explore their history, traditions, rituals and beliefs. Half-day and full-day tours can be arranged under the leadership of James Ndhlovu, born and educated near Tzaneen and raised in the Head Kraal of Chief Mohlaba 11, thereby gaining an intimate knowledge of local customs and traditions. 

Sporting facilities in the area include golf, tennis, squash, bowls and horse riding. The Phalaborwa entrance to the Kruger National Park is an hour's drive away.

And you can visit the Agatha Spa at the nearby Coach House Hotel for Vichy showers and mud-wraps, full body massages, manicures, pedicures and facials.