Oribi Gorge Hotel Conference and Adventure Resort

Oribi Gorge Hotel accommodation in Port Shepstone Kwazulu Natal

Description

Country living, but with a touch of luxury… 18 Luxurious Twin Rooms (can be converted to double & family rooms) All with stylish en suite bathrooms/shower Handmade furniture Unique Décor Relaxed atmosphere TV Telephone Tea/Coffee facility Ceiling fans Very comfortable beds! Other Amenities: Laundry and Dry-cleaning service available Safe parking (after hours security) Internet and e-mail Wheelchair friendly facilities Personalised menus for diabetics and other food allergy sufferers on request Medical Care facilities nearby Babysitting

The resort stands guardian to one of the most remarkable natural paradises 
in this country.  Embraced by a sense of timelessness brought about by its rich history, you can lavish the outdoors without sacrificing your need to be pampered.

Accommodation

18 Luxurious Twin Rooms (can be converted to double & family rooms)

  All with stylish en suite bathrooms/shower
  Handmade furniture
  Unique Décor
  Relaxed atmosphere
  TV
  Telephone
  Tea/Coffee facility
  Ceiling fans
  Very comfortable beds!

Continental flair…

Professional service & Country-style cuisine

Attractions

Wild 5 offers a range of activities, operating from the beautiful unspoiled environment of the Oribi Gorge. Activities available cater for both young and old, for those seeking the thrill of adventure, or for others quite happy to relax and be drawn in to the peace and tranquility of their surrounds. For the energetic or those just wishing to burn off breakfast, a number of hikes are available ranging from an hour to a day hike. A light and advanced mountain bike trail have also been laid out for those guests who would like to bring their bikes. Abseiling and river rafting are also available on a block booking basis. For those who wish to see the gorge from a different angle, flights through the gorge and/or over a game farm can be arranged.

Entertainment 

Fire dancing 
Drumming
Live performers (Solo artists/bands)
Karaoke
Disco (lighting, smoke machine and DJ)
Comedians
Zulu dancers (variety)
Phantsula dancers
Kwaito artists
Gumboot dancing
Variety shows

Adrenalin
Which is served up in generous portions in the Oribi Gorge area. If adventure is in your blood, you can look forward to activities ranging from a relaxed exploration of this phenomenal natural paradise to the adrenalin inducing (and nerve wracking) experience of hurling yourself off the top of Lehr’s Waterfall (a 33-storey fall).

THE WILD 5

Art
This area is home to a number of passionate and talented artists, who draw their inspiration from the pristine natural beauty surroundings.

ARTIST: DUNCAN SHOESMITH

Duncan Lionel Shoesmith was born in Durban on the 12th July 1949, but grew up in Port Shepstone. A born artist, he studied art at the Durban Technikon. His home overlooks the scenic Oribi Gorge, and he never tires of painting its many moods. His preferred medium is oil and acrylic, but he also uses pastels, pencil and watercolour. Apart from landscapes he creates life paintings, murals and graphic art.

Contact Duncan if you wish to visit his home studio, for a chat and to view his originals, which are for sale. Miniature signed prints, presented in a double cut mount can be purchased at the Thembela Curio Shop at the Ezinqoleni Tourism Information Office for R145.

ARTIST: FANI SHABANE

Born and raised in the area, young Fani is a natural with a brush. Although he has partaken of no formal training as yet, his dream is to become a professional artist. His chosen medium is acrylic, and he too draws his inspiration from nature, painting landscapes and animals.

You can meet Fani on the Thembela Tour, during which you will be able to view samples of his work. Smaller pieces are for sale. These include unique painted calabashes and ostrich eggs. Contact Mandla on 082 2655 718.

   Breathtakingly beautiful views
Ranging from exhilarating vistas from the top of Oribi Gorge, to those of the inspirational and mighty Umzimkhulu river valley, fringed with lush green forests filled with an abundance of birdlife… in the region of 300 recorded species.

The Oribi Gorge – a place of echoes – was created over millions of years as the Umzimkulwana river carved its way over flat rock, finding faults in the stone and eroding enormously deep and narrow gorges. At the base of the cliffs there are rocks that are 100 million years old.

  There is beauty wherever your eyes rest, but you can look forward to highlights such as

1. The Overhanging Rock
2. The Chimney
3. Camel Rock
4. The Needle
5. Baboon’s Castle
6. Lehr’s Waterfall
7. The Heads
8. Lovers’ Leap

All these view sites are situated at Oribi Gorge Hotel. Other view sites not to be missed are Leopard Rock Coffee Shop and Eagle’s Nest at the Lake Eland Game Reserve.

For more information, please call the Ezinqoleni Tourism Association on 039-6877 561.

Coffee 
Which is grown in this area so prepare your senses for a journey into the local flavours and aromas of freshly roasted Arabica. 

COFFEE TOURS ARE OFFERED BY:

ECHO VALLEY COFFEE

The tours are presented in English and French, and include an educational on the growing and roasting of Arabica coffee, a visit to the coffee nursery, an informative tour of the roastery and are concluded with a delightful finale of enjoying a cup of freshly roasted coffee and a teatime treat overlooking the Gorge Valley. Before departure you are invited to visit the curio shop, and in season you even get to pick your own Macadamia nuts.
Cost: R20 per person
Children under 12 no charge
Average duration: 1 hour 
Times: Daily tours start at 10h00 and 14h00

THORNTON COFFEE

This guided tour takes you through the various stages of the production of their fine Arabica coffees, from the growing through to the roasting and packaging of their blends. Enjoy a cup of freshly roasted coffee and a snack in the delightful indigenous garden setting.
Cost: R20 per person
Average duration: 1 hour

Delicious Cuisine
Ranging from light coffee shop treats to country-style three course meals. There is something to satisfy every taste. 

LEOPARD ROCK COFFEE SHOP

The relaxed coffee shop ambience, combined with the exhilarating view guarantee to titillate your senses. Enjoy a farm style breakfast, light meal or even a generous slice on homemade cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The premises are full licensed.

Home to the famous Leopard Rock, which juts out over the vast expanse of the valley, this Coffee Shop should be on your list of places to visit during your stay. 
Trading hours: 08h30 – 17h00 (Tuesday to Sunday)

Light meals are also served at Lake Eland Game Reserve and Echo Valley Coffee Shop.

Game
What is more relaxing than a leisurely game drive through the picturesque 5000 acres of indigenous bush of Lake Eland Game Reserve?

LAKE ELAND GAME RESERVE

Well-maintained roads allow you to explore in your own vehicle, although guided drives can be arranged. Experience the diversity of 4 distinct ecosystems – Bushveld, Grasslands, Wetlands and Coastal Forest, filled with a host of fauna such as giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, and a range of antelope including eland, mountain reedbuck, and bushbuck. Serious Ornithologists and casual birdwatchers will be thrilled to see Narina Torgan, Starred Robin, Knysna Woodpeckers and Crowned and Martial Eagles, to mention but a few of the 200-odd species spotted here to date. Apart from the safari experience, Lake Eland Game Reserve offers the following activities and facilities:

Facilities: Activities:
- Restaurant - Horse trails
- Curio shop - Hiking trails
- Picnic site - Mountain biking 
- Braai area - Fresh water fishing
- Childrens’ playground - Day and night drives
- Oribi Gorge view sites - 80m suspension bridge
- Camping site with ablution - lookout post

Cost:
Entrance fee: R20 per Adult
Children under 5 no charge

Handcrafts

There is a host of talent, ranging from beadwork and baskets to pottery and handmade clothing. 
A delightful range of these crafts can be viewed at the curio shops listed below. Ask for details of local crafts at each facility. 

CURIO SHOPS

There is no shortage of CURIO SHOPS in the area, and the variety of items offered for sale range from beautiful to bizarre.

CURIO SHOPS

CURIO SHOPS CAN BE FOUND AT THE FOLLOWING VENUES:

Echo Valley Coffee Shop
Kunata Craft Shop
Lake Eland Game Reserve
Leopard Rock Coffee Shop
Oribi Gorge Guest Farm
Oribi Gorge Hotel
Thembela Arts & Crafts

INSPIRATION

What better way to be inspired than by the simple pleasures that seem so rare in our rushed society?

THEMBELA TOURS

This 4-hour tour is an educational adventure that will bring you to the doorstep of true Zulu culture… no rehearsals, no role-play. Step inside and experience the magic of the Sangoma, the remarkable talent of the local crafters and artists, and the simple, yet heart-warming hospitality of the local ladies, as they introduce you to their style of cooking. This is an experience that does not pretend to be any more than it is. If you enjoy the outdoors, love people, seek out new experiences, then call Mandla on 082 2655 718 or Galia on 082 404 1508.

Cost:
R180.00 per person (in your own vehicle)
R250.00 per person (minibus taxi – Min 6 persons)

AMENITIES

ACTIVITIES
(Bold type: activities run by Wild 5 operating from Oribi Gorge)

Accolades

:Tourism Council of SA Star Grading

TGCSA Star Grading

Facilities

THE EAGLE’S EYRIE
Fully Licensed A La Carte Restaurant

An epicurean adventure - country cuisine with a continental flair – you will find that this fine menu caters for every taste. Inspired by the old world ambience, the décor and style of this splendidly restored old building, dating back to the 1890s, will enchant you. Settle down to a delightful meal in the indoor or outdoor restaurant, and succumb to the languid living of Oribi Gorge.

THE WILD FIG
Tea Garden/Lunch Terrace

Lounge beneath the ancient wild fig tree in a milieu of birdsong and flowering shrubs. Whether you fancy a crunchy salad, a crisp salmon baguette or a superbly grilled rump… the menu is filled with delightful treats. Lavish the fresh air and heady flavours of flowers and fine food.

THE SILVER OAK
Bar and Cigar Lounge

Get in the mood with the enormous selection of music, animated faces of the staff and your favourite beverage, served ice cold, guaranteed! The bar is made up of three separate rooms housing a bar, bar dining area and cozy cigar lounge.

THE EAGLE’S EYRIE Fully Licensed A La Carte Restaurant An epicurean adventure - country cuisine with a continental flair – you will find that this fine menu caters for every taste. Inspired by the old world ambience, the décor and style of this splendidly restored old building, dating back to the 1890s, will enchant you. Settle down to a delightful meal in the indoor or outdoor restaurant, and succumb to the languid living of Oribi Gorge. THE WILD FIG Tea Garden/Lunch Terrace Lounge beneath the ancient wild fig tree in a milieu of birdsong and flowering shrubs. Whether you fancy a crunchy salad, a crisp salmon baguette or a superbly grilled rump… the menu is filled with delightful treats. Lavish the fresh air and heady flavours of flowers and fine food. THE SILVER OAK Bar and Cigar Lounge Get in the mood with the enormous selection of music, animated faces of the staff and your favourite beverage, served ice cold, guaranteed! The bar is made up of three separate rooms housing a bar, bar dining area and cozy cigar lounge.

WE CATER FOR…

Special functions such as banquets, weddings and theme dinners will be quoted on upon request.

Live entertainment can be provided.

Other Amenities:

  Laundry and Dry-cleaning service available
  Safe parking (after hours security)
  Internet and e-mail
  Wheelchair friendly facilities
  Personalised menus for diabetics and other food allergy sufferers on  request
  Medical Care facilities nearby
  Babysitting

Cost: 
Costs depend on the no. of delegates – please contact us with your specifications, should you require a quotation

We will include:
Décor
Theme meal 
Background music (DJ extra)

Conference

Includes:
Tea/Coffee and biscuits on arrival
1 tea break (with scones/muffins)
3 Course Buffet Lunch
Venue Hire
Standard Conference Equipment Hire
Free breakaway (on request)
Cordials, Ice Water and Peppermints

Catering:
Buffets are laid out for groups of 10 delegates
or more. Groups of less than 10 delegates 
will be required to choose a set menu from 
our conference menu selection.

Catering:

Please request conference menu for choices

Standard DAY PACKAGE

Includes:
Tea/Coffee and biscuits on arrival
2 tea break (1 with scones/muffins)
3 Course Buffet Lunch
Venue Hire
Standard Conference Equipment Hire
Free breakaway (on request)
Cordials, Ice Water and Peppermints

Catering:
Buffets are laid out for groups of 10 delegates
Or more. Groups of less than 10 delegates 
Will be required to choose a set menu from 
our conference menu selection.

special DAY PACKAGE

Includes:
Tea/Coffee and biscuits on arrival
2 tea break (1 with biscuits, 1 with savoury sandwiches)
Light lunch Lunch (choice of 2 dishes and 1 dessert)
Venue Hire
Standard Conference Equipment Hire
Cordials, Ice Water and Peppermints

Catering:

Please request conference menu for choices

Note: A separate Halaal kitchen allows us to 
cater for Halaal and Vegetarian delegates.

DVD Player
Flip Charts with board and markers
Hi Fi with stereo sound
Television Big Screen
Television Standard Screen
PA System
Video Machine
White Board & markers
White Screen
E-mail and internet facilities 
Telephone Line in the venue 
Roving Microphone

Also included in your package:
Cordials and Ice Water
Individually wrapped Peppermints
Notepads & Pens

(to book in advance – please request quotation )
Data Projector
Slide Projector
Lapel Microphone
Laser Pointer
Video Recorder(with or without operator)
Executive Folders (selection available)

SECRETARIAL SERVICES
E-mail 
Faxing
Photocopying
Scribe (To be arranged in advance)
Typing (to be arranged in advance)

Directions