Verlorenkloof Estate is a well-established and highly regarded shareblock development and holiday destination in the heart of the trout triangle in Mpumalanga, offering a variety of nature-centered activities for the discerning holidaymaker. Situated in a beautifully secluded valley along the eastern escarpment of the province, the Crocodile River forms a natural border to the Estate. The land then sweeps up through wetland and open grassland to the forested kloofs of the Steenkampsberg and the Dullstroom highlands, creating a biodiverse landscape that is a joy to visit in any season. Verlorenkloof is surrounded by a settled and strongly custodial farming community offering peace, quiet and a tangible level of safety and security. Less than three hours’ drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, the Estate is easily accessible by road and is completely malaria-free.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available in 23 self-catering crofts – picturesque stone houses carefully and privately sited to make the best of the breathtaking surrounding views. There are three, four or five-bedroom configurations, mostly en-suite. The crofts represent the ultimate in thoughtful design, fitment and furnishing in warm sleeper wood, designer fabrics, original art works and focused around a wood-burning stove.

Braai areas are a special feature, either in lapas of indigenous flora or on a spacious deep veranda. A few crofts boast private plunge pools. The crofts are impeccably maintained and serviced twice daily by a dedicated housekeeping team.

Catering is on a bring-your-own basis, but the Verlorenkloof Lodge houses FOODSPACE - a pre-order meal facility, deli, all-day coffee shop offering a sumptuous Sunday brunch.

The Estate offers many layers of outdoor activities and experience, all in a landscape of extraordinary beauty and rich biodiversity in which you can engage at your own pace. Six trout dams and 6 km of the Crocodile River are stocked on a regular basis and maintained for sustainable trout angling. You can cycle on dedicated cycle trails or on the surrounding network of gravel roads while hikers and more casual ramblers, birders or botanists can enjoy more than 42 km of well laid out trails, traversing 1600 ha of pristine nature area and spanning seven ecological zones: riverine, wetlands, grassland, evergreen bush, indigenous forest kloofs, escarpment cliffs and sub-alpine highlands. Verlorenkloof has a complex of fascinating late iron-age archaeological sites and the mild, midlevel climate makes visiting a joy throughout the year. Horse riding and holiday programs complete our already colourful activity programme!

Conferences

Do you have a workshop, team build or small conference? Why not bring your group/team to us? Keep it exciting and different by having your session outdoors, in your own croft or set up at the lodge.  We will look after all the arrangements and logistics and are flexible and accommodating to suit your organizations’ needs. Leisure activities at Verlorenkloof can become a part of your event or our affiliation with local facilitator Gear On will ensure a great outcome for your team and your company. 

• Up to 20 delegates.
• Croft accommodation in single or shared rooms.
• Venue and/or outdoor set up and all meals.
• Additional equipment can be supplied on request.
• Administrative staff is available for support for the duration of your conference.

Equipment:

• Projector.
• Large TV screen that connects with laptops.
• White board and markers.
• Flip chart.
• Pen and pad.
• Access to wireless internet.

R1250 per person sharing or R1650 per single delegate (Minimum stay – 2 nights)

The story of our yoghurt

At Verlorenkloof Farm we have gone back to a time when dairy farmers produced yoghurt from full fat milk, adding just a pinch of cultures and straining it by hand to produce an all-natural plain double cream yoghurt. That is why we call it: Yoghurt As It Should Be. Our secret lies in exceptionally high quality milk produced by a herd of Friesland purebreds grazing on pastures maintained through careful natural farming practices. The fresh milk is inoculated and fermented in stainless steel vats. The final product is what real yoghurt should taste like without a hint of preservatives or additives.

Trout Fishing

The estate offers trout fishing on a 6 km stretch of the upper Crocodile River, arguably the best river trout fishing in Mpumalanga. This is due to the fact that the upstream catchment area produces a perennial flow of neutral to alkaline, clear and well oxygenated water. This builds up the food chain for trout, which breed naturally in the river. There is very little riparian agronomy upstream of Verlorenkloof, limited urban use and no industry whatsoever, making Verlorenkloof a trout fishing gem.

 There are also 6 still water dams and ponds on the Estate, offering trout fishing in varying grades of difficulty. Dams are monitored and stocked with care during the hot summer months and more regularly from March to October, catches are duly recorded and the fishing is actively managed for sustainability and enjoyment. Catch and release principles may be instituted in hot and dry periods.

Horse Riding

The estate breeds Nooitgedacht ponies, an indigenous breed which combines the sure footedness and wonderful temperament of the Basotho pony with the fine breeding of the Boerperd. Take to the foothills on horseback and look out over the valley with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. Trails are guided and have been developed in such a way to ensure that even beginners can enjoy a relaxing ride.

Please book at reception before or on arrival to avoid disappointment.

Hiking

With Verlorenkloof’s unspoilt landscape and surroundings, rambling and hiking is a favourite activity. The 1600 ha property boasts a 42km network of professionally laid out trails that passes through 5 eco-zones. The well-marked trails offer everything from short scenic rambles to strenuous walks and overnight hikes. Please inquire at reception.

Cycling and Mountain Biking

Explore Verlorenkloof and Welgedacht Farm on our newly completed mountain bike trail. Please enquire at reception about possible mountain routes and guided trails on offer. The roads of Verlorenkloof and Welgedacht Farm are free for use at own risk. They are also long and vast – be sure to carry your cellphone and a map on you at all time.

Birding

Verlorenkloof Estate is an exciting and highly regarded birding destination in Mpumalanga. Due to its wonderful array of habitats – montane, forest, wetland, riverine and bush – birds are both diverse and numerous. Over 300 species can be found on the estate, six of which are endemic to the area, while an additional 11 species are endemic to Southern Africa. Three species are listed in the South African Red Data Book – Peregrine Falcon. Southern Bald Ibis and the Brodtailed Warbler, all of which are seen regularly.

Archaeology

Verlorenkloof Estate is home to a rich stone-walled heritage legacy and lies at the epicentre of an extensive complex of late Iron Age (1500-1830 AD) archaeology stretching along the escarpment from Carolina to Ohrigstad. Many stonewalled homesteads with cattle tracks and terraces mark its sloping hills. The estate has in excess of 120 recorded sites and has been actively involved over the past 10 years in developing this resource in association with leading South African and international archaeologists and historians.

Oother Scenic Sites

Cool off in fountain-fed rock pools, enjoy the picnic sites at the river, cycle on a wide ranging network of quiet and safe gravel roads, visit the well-known escarpment and Lowveld attractions, drive to Dullstroom for lunch, or as many visitors end up doing, just sit on the verandah and contemplate the mountains.

The Holiday Program

We run a much loved holiday program during the school holidays to give you a chance to relax and put your feet up while we entertain your kids. Come and join us for coffee and cake in the Lodge while the youngsters play klei-lat, decorate cupcakes, walk to the waterfall and ride the ponies.

Holiday program runs from Monday to Thursday during the school holidays and is an opportunity for children to learn more about the ecology (food chain, biomes, ecosystems, energy and nutrients), the farm as well as the history of the area, and all of this while having stacks of fun and meeting all the other kids visiting the property!