RUBY SKIES LODGE
Self Catering Chalet/ Townhouse Accommodation
in Kloof, Durban Metro & Durban,
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Standing on the edge of the Kloof Gorge is Ruby Skies Lodge with its
breathtaking views down the cliffs into the gorge. This intense landscape is
accentuated by a waterfall, which, in the rainy months can be heard thundering
into the depths. To the east is a panoramic view over the dense indigenous bush
of the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve and the gorge to the sea sparkling in the
distance.
For bird lovers, this is a top destination. Martial Eagles nest opposite the
lodge, and these magnificent raptors are frequently seen soaring on thermals and
interacting with each other. Every couple of years, there is the added treat of
seeing their young take to the skies. Other avian residents of this spectacular
gorge are Purple-crested turaco, Trumpeter and Crowned hornbill, Paradise
flycatcher, Red-chested cuckoo, Violet woodhoopoe, Yellowbilled kite,
Black-headed oriole, various sunbirds - the list goes on. Bushbuck are seen
moving in the veldgrass, and one even took up residence in the boma at the
swimming pool.
The pool, built to resemble a natural rock pool, adjoins a boma with an open
fire-pit. Alongside is a twig-roofed cave-like pub built into the hillside,
providing a cool rock retreat in which to enjoy the meal just cooked over the
fire.
With the Parks Board's permission, a style has been built over the fence
enabling guests to enter the Reserve and sit on the cliff edge, or walk,
enjoying different facets of this Reserve�s stunning beauty. The Parks Board
does guided walks along the different trails of the gorge. Rock climbers are
well catered for, with pins in the cliff faces, allowing them to abseil and
climb.
The lodge is centrally situated. The village of Kloof with its Country Club's 18
hole golf course and the beautiful gardens of Makaranga is 5 minutes away;
bustling Hillcrest, 7 minutes; Waterfall with a cinema, 3 minutes; all with
restaurants, banks, gyms, supermarkets, shops, etc. The commercial centres of
Pinetown, Westmead, New Germany, Hammarsdale are 15 minutes away. The Pavilion
Shopping Mall and the corporate office blocks of Westville, 18 minutes. Seven
minutes to the N3 which will have you in Durban, its beaches and the ICC in 25
minutes, Umhlanga�s beaches and Gateway Theatre of Shopping in 30 minutes, and
the Airport in 35 minutes. From the lodge it is 10 minutes to the Valley of 1000
Hills and its African Village and Zulu dancing, and 30 minutes to Tala Game
Reserve. The Northern KZN Game Reserves are two and a half hours away, where one
of the World Heritage Sites is, at the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. The other
World Heritage Site is at uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park in the Drakensberg
Mountains, two and a half hours away. One hour will have you on the Midlands
Meander.
The lodge is thatched with slate floors and bathroom walls, and there is a rock
fireplace in the lounge and a TV with DStv. A Knysna-log staircase and overhead
walkway in the double-volume dominates the lounge, dining area, pub and
open-plan kitchen. The walkway links two separate mezzanine areas. One leads out
onto a deck with stunning views, the other into one of the three en suite
bedrooms which has its own small deck. The other two en suite bedrooms are
downstairs, one of which opens out onto a verandah. The large verandah off the
lounge with its seductive views and braai facilities, lends itself to long
lunches; and there's an additional boma with open fire-pit alongside for fun
evenings of stargazing.
With its situation on the edge of the gorge, it is well off the road and out of
sight, making this unique character lodge a place to slip off to for a bush
experience in suburbia. Whether a leisure getaway or a retreat for people on
business, this is where you�ll find privacy, beauty and tranquillity.
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