About Ghost Mountain Inn

At the foot of the legendary Ghost Mountain lies the privately-owned Ghost Mountain Inn, a perfect setting to experience the allure of Africa in stylish comfort. This intimate and beautiful hotel is in the heart of South Africa’s Zulu Kingdom and is the ideal location from which to explore the array of game and coastal reserves in Zululand and the Elephant Coast.

Discover amazing wildlife in any one of the many Game Reserves near-by. Rise early and enjoy the sunrise from the picturesque jetty in front of the hotel. View hippo and elephant swimming from the boat cruise on Lake Jozini. Visit a local Zulu homestead. Indulge in a pampering treatment at Ghost Mountain Spa, using organic African products. Take a walk amongst beauty, myth and history in a hike to the top of Ghost Mountain and enjoy the views. Relax by one of our swimming pools with a good book. Explore uMkhuze Game Reserve on foot. Enjoy a sundowner from the top of the Lebombo cliffs watching the sunset across the valley and mountains in the distance. Seek out some of the over 420 species of birds in this birding mecca.

THE LEGEND OF THE GHOST MOUNTAIN

“It is a great and strange Mountain. It is also haunted and named the Ghost Mountain, and on top of it is a grey peak rudely shaped like the head of an old woman. ” So wrote Rider Haggard in his book “Nada the Lily”

Looking east from Mkuze two very pronounced features rise out of the Ubombo range, on the left Gaza and on the right Tshaneni. At irregular intervals over the years, strange lights and flickering fires are seen among the fissures and cliffs of the summit. Weird noises and strange calls are also heard.

A section of the Ndwandwe tribe, headed by the Gaza family, had their home beneath this mountain until they were conquered by Shaka in 1819 and the head of the family, Soshongane, fled with his followers into Mozambique, where he founded the Shangaan tribe. From early times it had become customary to bury the bodies of Chiefs on Ghost Mountain. High on its slopes there is a taboo cave, used as a tomb by generations of the Gaza family. Soshongane and his descendant, although they lived many miles away in Mozambique, were carried back to the Ghost Mountain when they died. Their bodies, mummified and wrapped in the black bull skins, had to be transported by bearers who travelled by night and hid during the day to avoid detection by the Zulus.

After the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879, when the British tried to rule Zululand by dividing in into 13 separate states, each with its own ruler, there was a period of chaotic rivalry, feuding and fighting. The two principal rivals were Prince Dinuzulu, the son of the deposed Zulu King Cetshwayo, and his Usuthu warriors, and Zibhebhu, head of the powerful Mandlakazi section of the Zulu nation. In a series of bloody fights, Zibhebhu gained the upper hand. Dinuzulu, in desperation, enlisted 600 Boers and Germans, led by Louis Botha (later General Louis Botha, who was also to become the first Prime Minister of The Union of South Africa), who were promised rewards of farms for their help. In June 1884 Dinizulu’s army of Zulus and Europeans invaded Zibhebhu’s territory.

Zibhebhu was a resolute leader and his Mandlakazi section was considered to be made up of the finest warriors, but he had little chance against the opposition, although he also had a handful of white supporters, including the famous frontiersman, Johan Colenbrander. Zibhebhu made a fighting retreat to the Mkuze River Pass through the Lebombo, and on the 5th of June, in this rugged gorge beneath Ghost Mountain, there was a vicious struggle known as the Battle of Tshaneni. The Mandlakazi fought stubbornly but heavy rifle fire from Dinuzulu’s army mowed them down and they broke and fled into dense forest country of Tongaland. The battlefield was littered with thousands of bodies, and of this the late Col. Reitz makes mentioned in his book ‘’Trekking On’’, where he claims that in the early 1920’s when he journeyed through, skeletons were still strewn about on the slopes of the Ghost Mountain.

Denys Reitz was made Minister of Lands in 1922 and journeyed up through Zululand to establish the position of new harbour. His opinion was that Richards Bay would not be suitable, but Kosi Bay would be ideal. On this trip he went on a Hippo hunt with, as his book ‘Commando’ states, ‘’…the mad Rutherfoord brothers…’’ This trip is documented in a series of photographs hanging in the Inn. Peter, Susan and Craig Rutherfoord, the grandson and great grandson of Richard Hubert, who escorted Denys Reitz on the Hippo hunt, are the present owners of the Ghost Mountain Inn.

ROOM TYPES:
Gaza Suite: most spacious suite and is ideal for guests looking for spacious living, sleeping and bathing areas. Enjoy the privacy and views of the water and the Lebombo Mountain Range as well as the garden that leads off the terrace. The Living room offers a space to lounge, work as well as a small kitchenette to prepare light meals and a separate guest bathroom. The bedroom offers an oversized walk in closet that leads out into a private courtyard. At the end of the day, retreat and sleep peacefully in the extra length king sized bed. For families or groups of friends, a pull-out sofa is available and a second twin bedroom can be added with a common private lobby (additional charges apply).
Obonjeni Suite: features a large bedroom equipped with a king sized bed and comfortable down duvet, both the bedroom and separate dressing area have large retractable doors to maximise the alluring view of the Lebombo Mountains. Enjoy the spacious bathroom with inside and outside showers and a stand alone bathtub that has great views of the gardens. A separate living room offers additional space and has it’s own guest bathroom.
Located on the upper level, the Junior Suite offers views across the gardens towards the Lebombo Mountains and additional space. Enjoy an open plan lounge area, a small kitchenette as a work area with complimentary WiFi. For families, a third person or children can be accommodated on the fold out sofa or an inter-leading room can be reserved to form a 2-bedroomed suite.
Mountain View Rooms: these spacious room offers views across the garden and pool area towards the Lebombo Mountains in the distance from your private 10m2 patio. The Mountain rooms feature both extra length King and three-quarter beds with a day bed that can accommodate a third person if necessary. The spacious bathroom offers a deep soaking tub and separate shower.
Garden Rooms: with easy access to the garden and pool. Feel an ease of heart in one of our Garden Rooms, ideal for those in need of additional space and comfort. These are generously sized rooms with flat screen televisions, a lounge area and pull out sofa, as well as private patios offering views of the indigenous garden or the pool.
Superior Rooms: designed to maximise comfort with views overlooking the rolling lawns and picturesque stretch of water that runs in front of the hotel.
Standard Rooms: with private patios and views of the garden or courtyard

HOTEL FEATURES AND ACTIVITIES:

DINING: Seasonal menus offering the freshest local ingredients, combined with traditional favourites, are served in the dining room, outdoors on the terrace or under the warm African sky in our traditional boma.
ROY’S BAR: A comfortable and relaxed place to meet other travellers over a cocktail or gin and tonic, Roy’s bar invites you to unwind in comfortable African decor. Enjoy a glass of wine from our hand-picked wine list whilst taking in the splendours of our indigenous gardens and swimming pool.
POOL BAR: On sunny days relax around the pool and enjoy cocktails or lights meals.
GIFT SHOP: Open all day, the gift shop offers a variety of curios, from beaded artefacts and carvings to Nguni cow hides and clothing. The gift shop can be found in the reception area and also offers toiletries, newspapers and other sundries you may have left at home.

LEISURE FACILITIES:
• Gym with treadmill, static bike, rowing machine, free weights
• 2 x Swimming Pools
• Boules and other garden games
• Kids play area

MEETINGS & EVENTS: Fully equipped meeting and function spaces are available for a variety of events, from intimate gatherings and celebrations to romantic garden weddings under the giant fig trees. LOUNGE AREAS: Comfortable, airy lounge areas with fireplaces for the chilly winter months, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi, are available for all guests to take pleasure in.

Lodge Features

Additional Activities

Discover the wildlife, history, scenery and cultural wealth of Zululand and the Elephant Coast with Ghost Mountain Safaris.
Join our enthusiastic and knowledgeable rangers on variety of excursions. From game drives to boat cruises and tiger fishing on Lake Jozini to hikes and Zulu homestead visits. Our qualified guides are passionate about game, birds, botany, craft and Zulu culture. Should you have any specific interests they are able to tailor-make itineraries for you.

ZULU CULTURAL WALK 3 – 4 HOURS:
Emmerse yourself into the rural community of the Lebombo Mountains and enjoy a memorable walk with remarkable views, while learning about rural Zulu customs and living as it is today. This walk is a cultural treat and allows for interaction with the people of the area, as well as gives a greater insight into life in rural Zululand.

LEBOMBO SCENIC DRIVE 3 – 4 HOURS:
A leisurely drive up the Lebombo Mountains through enthralling scenery with magnificent views of Lake Jozini allows guests to unwind and inhale the wonder and grace of rural Africa. If the drive is arranged in the evening, sundowners in this gorgeous location should not be missed!

GHOST MOUNTAIN CULTURAL EXPERIENCE 3 – 4 HOURS:
A unique experience and one of authenticity, the Myeni Cultural Experience includes a visit to a local homestead as well as the chance to interact with members of the Myeni family. With prior arrangement, one can also experience an unforgettable visit to a Sangoma with a bone reading if desired, stick fighting, and/or a sampling of traditional food and drink. Finish the experience with a drive through the Lebombo Mountains taking in some of the area’s awe-inspiring views as well as the rural life that surrounds you. Optional extras can be added to a cultural homestead visit, booked subject to availability with prior arrangements. (This could increase the duration of the visit by one hour)
Optional extras can be added to a cultural homestead visit, booked subject to availability with prior arrangements. (This could increase the duration of the visit by one hour)
Food & beer tasting
Sangoma Viewing
Zulu Stick Fighting

AFRICA TODAY (BY PRIOR ARRANGEMENT):
Welcome to an interesting and complex area of South Africa. An area of hope and aspiration despite sometimes harsh and trying circumstances in which local people live. We invite you to explore the area a bit deeper with a specialised tour that can be customised to your interest and timing of your visit. Visit a local school or community project where you can meet and interact with the locals. Explore historic Zulu battle sites or cultural events such as the annual Zulu Reed Dance or discover the archaeologically significant Border Cave.

WILDLIFE & BIRD SAFARIS

LAKE JOZINI BOAT CRUISE & TIGER FISHING:
BOAT CRUISES: 3 – 4 HOURS TIGER FISHING: HALF OR FULLY DAY
Lake Jozini lies in a dramatic setting at the foot of the Lebombo Mountains and is one of South Africa’s largest dams. There are several exquisite gorges which abound with cycads and a wide variety of birds. On the western side of the dam one might see elephant, rhino, hippo and crocodile. The 13 varieties of fish found in the dam include tilapia, catfish, mud fish, carp and the sought after tiger fish. A catch and release policy for the tigers is promoted and anglers are encouraged to retain only one trophy fish each per day, releasing the live smaller ones.

UMHKUZE GAME RESERVE GAME DRIVES:
HALF DAY OR FULL DAY WITH LUNCH
uMkhuze harbours an astonishing diversity of habitats, ranging from the eastern slopes of the Lebombo Mountains to stretches of rolling acacia savannah, swamps, woodlands and riverine forest. A Big 5 reserve, uMkhuze is actually most famous for the multitude of plains game and exceptional birding – over 420 species recorded. uMkhuze also offers a Fig Forest Walk (5-6hrs) which is highly recommended.

HLUHLUWE GAME RESERVE GAME DRIVES:
HALF DAY OR FULL DAY WITH LUNCH
The oldest game park in Africa, this reserve was proclaimed to prevent the white rhino from becoming extinct. Eighty mammal species (including the Big 5) and in excess of 300 bird species are supported in this 96,000HA reserve, making it a truly special experience for all.

NIGHT DRIVES (SEASONAL) 3 – 4 HOURS:
Experience the African night with its magnificent skies and the possibility of nocturnal species such as antbear (aardvark), leopard, genets, night jars and a host of smaller creatures. The night also allows one the opportunity to use other senses and to relax to the sounds and aroma of Africa.

BIRDING TRIPS:
(BY PRIOR ARRANGEMENT)
With more than 420 bird species on record, Mkuze and the surrounding area is renowned as a mecca for bird lovers. Some of the specials one might go in search of are Mangrove Kingfisher, African Broadbill, Pink Throated Twin Spot, Blue Billed Fire Finch and Narina trogon.

KIDS ACTIVITIES :
GRUBBY NATURE WALK: Don’t miss out on a chance to explore the creepy crawlies, frogs and other hidden treasures in the gardens and around the dam with your very own guide!
NATURE TREASURE HUNT: A thrilling treasure hunt in nature promises both a fun and educational experience while searching for tree sausages, feathers, leaves and other interesting garden specimens.
ZULU CRAFTS: Have fun and test your creative skills at making some simple Zulu crafts, like beading and wire vehicles.
FACE & FINGER PAINTING: Making a mess has never been so fun! Have fun painting weird and wonderful colours and patterns on a friend’s face or take on the task to model clay into a shape.
FISHING: Make your own fishing rod, dig for your own worms and fish for tiddlers from the jetty!
PIZZA MAKING: Have a blast making your own pizza in the kitchen and then enjoy it around a boma campfire, with marshmallows and melted chocolate.

WALKING SAFARIS: All of our walks are accompanied by guides who are well versed in local history and culture, as well as the fauna and flora of the area. Please request a specialist bird guide if there are birders in the group.

MKUZE RIVER BIRD WALK 1 – 2 HOURS: This is a gentle walk that leaves the hotel and traverses the dam in front of the hotel into the Mkuze riverbed and along to the old weir. A large number of birds, both water and open savannah species, are to be seen, with specials including palm swifts, white-eared barbets, giant and malachite Kingfishers, black coucal and many others. The scenery offers up wonderful views of both Ghost Mountain and the Lebombo Mountain Range.

GHOST MOUNTAIN HIKE 3 – 4 HOURS: Take a walk amongst beauty, myth and history in a hike to the top of Ghost Mountain (Tshaneni) and take in the expansive view of the area, including the battlegrounds of the 1884 Battle of Tshaneni. Local legend has it that the mountain is haunted and there are claims that at times, lights be seen emanating from the summit and eerie sounds can be heard. This intriguing mountain is a protected site of cultural and historical significance and a hike up the eastern side to learn more about the history and folklore of the mountain and the surrounding area is an absolute must.

UMKHUZE FIG FOREST WALK 5 – 6 HOURS : (NO PERSONS UNDER 16 YEARS PERMITTED)
Spoil the senses to a remarkable fig forest walk as you explore the spellbinding beauty of natural Africa. Although the Fig Forest Walk is only about two hours long, the walk itself is situated deep in the uMkhuze Game Reserve so the activity includes a game drive to and from the walk. This walk is not strenuous but does require traversing two short swing bridges over the beautiful Mkuze River. The walk meanders under the magnificent canopy of giant sycamore figs, the oldest of which is estimated at 450 years. The silence of the forest is broken by a multitude of bird calls, typified by the wail of trumpeter hornbills, while special sightings have included the Pels Fishing Owl, the African Broadbill and the Blue Mantled Flycatcher.