Winding across the rolling hills of the Mpumalanga Drakensberg on the way to Crystal Springs Resort 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, giving our guest’s that “mini” African safari experience.
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.
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 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.
Consider Crystal Springs Resort on your next African adventure for an unforgettable experience in the scenic mountainous Mpumalanga region within South Africa.