General |
Accommodation | Activities |
Five things to
seek | Facilities | Reservations
Collingham Country House is a beautiful, fully equipped self-catering home on
a working stock farm in the foothills of the Kamberg, near Nottingham Road.
Collingham is characterised by the seclusion and tranquility of a majestic
mountain landscape, at the source of the Umgeni River. Fly fishing, hiking,
horse riding, bird watching, quad biking and cycling are some of the activities
that can be enjoyed. The wild flowers in this berg region are bountiful, as are
Eland, Reedbuck, Springbok and Duiker. An amazing variety of birds including the
largest colony of the endangered Wattled Crane in the world, have settled
here.
ACCOMMODATION
- Collingham has 3 en-suite bedrooms, and a fourth (not en suite),
accommodating 10 people. The rooms are large and spacious, decorated
tastefully with white percale cotton linen and generous white towels. There is
a king size bed, a bouble, a twin room and bunk beds.
- The house is fully carpeted, with oil heaters in every bedroom.
- A fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator/freezer, gas stove and oven,
microwave and braai. A wonderful big stone fireplace makes for cozy evenings,
and the large covered verandah is a treat in the afternoon sun.
- The house is serviced daily at no extra charge.
ACTIVITIES
- Bird watching.
- Trout fishing in the 4ha dam. (see tariffs)
- Mountain pass up to an incredible view of the Drakensberg, Dargle and the
Midlands area.
- Hiking.
- Horse riding. This is a particular treat with the stockmen every morning.
Work cattle, move sheep and enjoy the magnificent clean country air while
riding a trustworthy and reliable stock horse. (see tariffs)
- Clay pigeon shooting - by arrangement only. (see tariffs)
5 THINGS TO SEEK
- Wattled Crane – the farm hosts one of the world’s largest breeding
colonies of this endangered species. The vast wetland of the Umgeni Vlei is an
ideal environment for these magnificent birds, and you are guaranteed a good
sighting.
- Eland – look out for large herds trotting through the veld and gracefully
jumping over the stock fences.
- Jackal, serville and lynx – these nocturnal creatures are common place,
even during the day.
- Bushman paintings – 200m from Collingham House is a cave with genuine
bushmen paintings. The cave is an archealogical dig site, and some of the
paintings have been removed by the National Museum for preservation.
- Breathtaking views on horse back! An absolute must for experienced and
novice riders alike!
FACILITIES
NB. Some parts of the farm are only accessible with 4x4
vehicles.
The entrance road to the house can be traversed in a normal
sedan, provided it isn't snowing!! Most other roads will present difficult
terrain and 4X4 vehicles are advised.
Other Facilities:
- Shop: In Nottingham Road (30km).
- Restaurant: In Nottingham Road and surrounding areas (15 km - 30 km).
- Roads: All roads are dirt roads on the farm, but the 28km from Nottingham
Road to the farm turn off is tar.
- Electricity: Collingham is supplied with electricity.
- Fuel: Petrol and diesel available in Nottingham Road.
- Garage: In Nottingham Road.
- Medical services: Doctor in Nottingham Road, hospital in Howick (1 hour).
- Telephone: There is no telephone at the house. Cell phone reception is
available at certain points on the farm.
- Post Office: In Nottingham Road.
- Police: The nearest police station is located 32 km from Collingham, in
Nottingham Road.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Climate
A high rainfall area, with the top of the farm being 2,400 m
above sea level. Winters are cold and snow commonplace (in 2004 there has been
heavy snow 3 times!), but Collingham is well prepared for the cold with a large
fireplace, heaters and carpets! Spring and Autumn are fresh in the mornings and
evenings, with warm sunny days. Summers are perfect due to the high elevation -
the occassional day is very hot. Sun burn is a reality and must be remembered
even though the temperatures are warm and pleasant.
Handy Hints
Remember to bring a camera, binoculars, bird and wildlife reference books,
a hat and sunscreen lotion. Also remember to take along your usual medicine
bag or first aid kit.
Cool clothing for summer and very warm for winter - the region is subject
to sudden changes in weather, particularly in the mountains.
Remember charcoal for barbecue. Wood is provided for the fire.
Travel / How to get there
- The house is situated in the Natal Midlands approximately 30 km from
Nottingham Road along Loteni / Himeville / Sani Pass road.
