Crystal Springs - South Africa
Winding across the rolling hills of the Mpumalanga Drakensberg is the historic route to Pilgrim's Rest. This road once descended from Lydenburg all the way to the coast, emerging at Delgoa Bay (now Maputo). After the Pilgrim's Rest gold rush began during the late 1800's, it came to be nicknamed Robbers Pass due to regular hold-ups of stagecoaches and travelers by highwaymen and robbers - a name it bears to this day. Now the pass forms part of a very scenic drive down to the Lowveld featuring endless idyllic views en route to Pilgrim's Rest
Seventeen kilometres down the pass lies Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge, a picturesque resort situated on 5 000 hectares of pristine countryside. Beautiful gardens combine with exquisite natural scenery to create a haven incorporating spectacular cliffs and gorges, pine and indigenous forests, sweeping views, murmuring streams, plunging waterfalls and cool, blue pools. Birdlife is plentiful and wild animals such as zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, antelope, jackal and leopard populate the nature reserve.
Man-made facilities complement nature with facebrick and thatch, bordered by colourful flowerbeds and ornamental ponds. Facilities make the most of the sweeping views and many activities centre around the great outdoors.
Crystal Springs is conveniently situated to Mpumalanga's attractions - 9 km's from historic Pilgrim's Rest - where you can eat el fresco, wander around quaint shops, play gold or do a tour harking back to gold rush days, including an opportunity to pan for gold. Further afield lie the tranquil forestry towns of Sabie and Graskop, surrounded by tall pine trees and plunging waterfalls such as MacMac, Lone Creek or Bridal Veil Falls. Not far from Graskop is the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, affording magnificent views into the Lowveld, and the interesting rock formations of the Bourke's Luck Portholes. One hours' drive from Crystal Springs is the world-famous Kruger National Park - home to the Big Five and other Southern African game species, not to mention a host of birdlife.
There are two types of accommodation at Crystal Springs depending on your preference:
164 facebrick-and-thatch lodges offer comfortable self-catering accommodation. Private wooden decks and enormous picture windows, frame views across steep gorges and rolling hills. Lodges sleep 2,4,6 or 8 people each and are semi-detached. Each unit is attractively furnished, with facilities including a television (M-Net and limited DSTV), an outdoor electric braai (barbecue) and a fireplace in the lounge. Bathrooms are equipped with towels and some complimentary toiletries.
Kitchens are fully equipped with a fridge, cutlery, stove, microwave oven, crockery, glassware, pots and pans, kettle, toaster. The eight sleeper lodges also have a washing machine and tumble drier. lodges are serviced once daily.
In addition Crystal Springs has 28 Clubhouse Suites, situated at the Clubhouse. These hotel-style rooms sleep two people each in a choice of double or twin rooms. Each room is en-suite with bath or bath and shower, and is equipped with a television (M-Net and limited DSTV), fireplace, telephone and tea/coffee service.
A kitchenette is situated behind folding doors and comprises a compact two plate stove, sink, bar fridge, microwave and a selection of cutlery, crockery, glassware, pots and pans, kettle and toaster. Wide verandahs are equipped with outdoor furniture and a panoramic view of undulating hills. Communal braai facilities are available.
Ample parking is available in close proximity to all units.
Buses/coaches may be accommodated at The Clubhouse Suites.
Public telephones operating on phone cards are available throughout the resort.
Activities and facilities.
Crystal springs Mountain Lodge has a wide variety of amenities and facilities available, so that guests won't run out of things to do.
Four swimming pools (1 heated and 3 cold) are situated at different places on the resort and surrounded by beautiful gardens. Garden furniture is provided. Please bring your own swimming towels.
Flood light tennis courts mean that keen tennis players need not restrict their games to daylight hours. Tennis racquets and balls are available from the games room.
The squash court will keep keen squash players in top form.
An indoor games room equipped with table tennis, pool tables, board games and DSTV will keep you entertained should the weather make outdoor activities uncomfortable.
An attractive putt-putt course will provide hours of entertainment for the whole family.
Trampolines and a small playground will keep the children busy.
The small shop sells colddrinks, crisps, sweets, ice creams and a small selection of general groceries, vegetables, bread and milk.
(The nearest larger supermarkets can be found in Graskop and Lydenburg - 30 minutes drive away or Nelspruit - 1 hour away).
The Clubhouse (available to adults over 16 only) is equipped with a sauna, 2 Jacuzzi's, an indoor-heated pool, steam bath, sundeck, gym and change rooms.
Our resident beauty therapist offers a wide range of beauty treatments, massage and aromatherapy.
The two conference rooms can seat 5-96 delegates. A private dinning room is available for conference meals and functions.
Swim in the resorts four outdoor swimming pools (not simultaneously!).
Play tennis or squash by day or during the evening.
Pamper yourself at the adults Clubhouse, enjoying the sauna, Jacuzzi's, gym and steam bath, or a luxurious beauty treatment in the beauty salon.
Go trout fishing in the large trout dam on our nature reserve ( bring your own fishing tackle and obtain permits from reception) - the dam is 10 kilometres from reception.
Birdwatching (the feathered kind!) - there's a wide variety of feathered birds on the resort.
Walk one of the five self-guided walking trails laid out in the nature reserve. These vary from relaxed walks that will take an hour or two to longer hikes that will take you the better part of the day to do. walks meander through pine and indigenous forests, besides spectacular cliffs and gorges and along rivers and streams festooned with cool pools.
Self-drive through the nature reserve - but remember to check with reception first as to the condition of the dirt roads, particularly during the wet season when you may run the risk of getting bogged down.
