Durban - It was raining, the sky and Umtamvuna River complimentary greys divided by lush greens – and then by a speeding boat and splashes of colour and water as Kevin Dry, the owner of Umtamvuna River Lodge, pulled another wakeboarding stunt.
It didn’t matter that it was wet. It’s all about the water here anyway. It was warm (I doubt it ever gets cold on the border of KZN and the Eastern Cape), it was fun, I was enjoying a cold one while watching the action from the vantage point of the Hide Bar.
The setting is beautiful, with the lodge nestled at the foot of sheer cliffs. A sandy beach, rustling reeds, large and lovely sub-tropical gardens, the soothing sounds of water falling from the edge of the cliffs and the cries of the Fish Eagle echoing off them.
This is the South Coast vibe that people love – unhurried tranquillity, though there are rushes to be had. Just not the city grind kind.
Umtamvuna River Lodge is a premier wakeboarding venue. The two point cable system (no boat involved), with instruction by Kevin and other top wakeboarders, is an ideal way to get into the sport.
Wakeboarding pros, and K1 and K2 paddlers from South Africa and around the world, use the lodge as a training base as the river is ideal. It’s wide, flat and clean, running as it does through the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve.
On land there’s a large skateboard half-pipe shaded by tall palms and Bedouin style tarp. There’s plenty more stretched over the wedding venue. This lodge is popular for low-key, fun weddings, plus easygoing family holidays.
Accommodation is in eight rooms overlooking the pool terrace, plus a further honeymoon suite above the lodge’s restaurant and bar. All are airconditioned and en-suite with king-size beds with cotton percale linen, LCD TVs, selected DStv, wi-fi and bar fridges, and they open on to wooden balconies with views of the river and hills across the way.
The gardens and private river beach make a perfect playground and place to explore for children as well as for Bubba, the black pot-bellied pig who loves a game of “footie” with the kids.
It’s strictly bed and breakfast during the week – and breakfast was very good – so you can either venture out or use your fridge and the braai facilities. The lodge provides the necessary crockery and cutlery on request.
Clearwater Trail Centre is atop the cliffs – and a key attraction for mountain bike enthusiasts or simply for a great view and a light lunch. It certainly gives you the lay of the land and has tracks to suit all levels of rider and leisure.
The fantastic views entice you to venture into KwaZulu-Natal’s southernmost nature reserve – a 3 247ha botanical paradise consisting of an interesting stretch of riverine forest and rocky cliffs.
Here too, the various trails will suit all – some less than a kilometre, some lasting six hours. If you book in advance, a guide will accompany you and help spot and explain more about the 250 plus bird species, including Gurney’s Sugar Birds, Crowned Eagles, Peregrine Falcons and breeding colonies of Cape Vultures and Fish Eagles, along with more than 100 species of identified plants, some rare and protected. You might spot the only breeding pair of Cape Clawless Otters in KZN.
You can also get your kicks from caffeine with a visit to Beaver Creek Coffee Estate, the southernmost coffee estate in the world.
Really nice cuppas to be had in the coffee shop, as well as tours.
Golf courses abound – the nearest being Southbroom, San Lameer and the Wild Coast Sun, just across the bridge.
From the bridge – and from the lodge – you can spot people enjoying themselves at the Wild Coast Sun’s newest attraction, The Boarder Post, which Kevin was instrumental in developing.
Drive or take the lodge’s water taxi, which shuttles folk to and from the lodge and surrounding riverside spots.
The Boarder Post has KZN’s only Jetovator, which can get you hovering and scooting about above and through the water like a superhero. Tube rides are also a gas, while stand-up paddling (SUP) is more sedate fun. So is fishing from the rocks at the lodge or a turn on one of the paddle boats.
If you’re keen to charge or chill, call 039 311 3583 or visit www.theriverlodge.co.za
Adrian Rorvik, Sunday Tribune