Hotels & Accommodation near The Shoe Caves Gallery and Museum

The Blue Cottages are a great stay for those who want an authentic, simple, not luxurious African experience in a rondavel or one bedroom cottage. The restaurant serves good quality food till 4pm in an idyllic garden setting. The staff is very friendly. Great for those travelling through the area or considering a short stay, away from the touristic pre-organised tours.

I should preface this review by saying that I am a professional wildlife photographer. I have stayed at dozens of safari lodges both expensive high-end and ‘budget’, all over Southern and East Africa. The Blyde River Canyon Lodge is great. While not exactly a safari lodge as such (it’s not in a true wildlife park) the architectural style is very ‘safari chic’ using a lot of local natural materials and thatched roofing. It is very close to the ‘Panorama Route Drive’ and the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, Bourkes Luck Potholes, and a few large waterfalls. The location of the lodge at the base of towering Drakensberg peaks in a botanical reserve is scenically stunning, as are the grounds and large garden with mature sub-tropical plants and trees. A variety of wildlife - zebra, antelope, birds and monkeys call the property home and roam the expanse of lawn. The building is well appointed with comfortable sumptuous furniture, restful verandas and a refreshing swimming pool. The main building and bedrooms are exceptionally clean and nicely furnished. The staff are very friendly and helpful and the meals are very good and they will happily cater for those with dietary restrictions. I really recommend the Blyde River Canyon Lodge.

I should preface this review by saying that I am a professional wildlife photographer. I have stayed at dozens of safari lodges both, expensive high-end and ‘budget’ all over Southern and East Africa. The Cape Vulture Lodge, is exceptional! I simply cannot praise it enough. If you require accommodation in this part of South Africa, this is the place to stay! It is very close to the ‘Panorama Route Drive’ and the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, Bourkes Luck Potholes, and a few large waterfalls. The location of the lodge is stunning, at the base of towering Drakensberg cliffs, complete with nesting ledges of the rare, endangered Cape Vulture. The individual ‘tents’ (more like canvas cabins on raised wooden platforms) are spotlessly clean and well appointed with large beds surrounded with mosquito nets, comfortable furniture, elegant bathrooms with both indoor and outdoor showers. Antelope and giraffes often stroll by. The main building with the deck, lounge, bar and dining area, is contemporary safari style covered by a thatched roof. The staff, from the manager to the cleaners are all very friendly, polite and exceptionally helpful. Oh, the food! The lady chef is exceptional, frankly the very best in Africa! The meals are inventive, well presented and gourmet delicious, with all dietary restrictions catered for! Sustainability is part of their ethos, power is all solar. They grow their own vegetables. They offer a multitude of wildlife based activities.