Beacon Vlei

Categories: accommodation; trails; booking required;

Beacon Vlei 's beautiful 23 hectare dam and the surrounding wetland area are home to many beautiful bird species. The dam, wetland and reedbed area are home to species such as the Grey Crowned Crane, Purple Heron, Western Marsh-Harrier, Sedge Warbler, African Jacana, African Marsh-Harrier and Half-collared Kingfisher. Occasionally a Goliath Heron is sighted. Situated behind the farm buildings is an 11 hectare mist-belt grassland area is full of beautiful wildflower varieties.

Two charming Birder Friendly dwellings exist on the farm.

The Boat House is a charming thatched home, consisting of 1 en-suite bedroom, a very large living room with a bunk alcove and sleeper couch which sleeps an additional 3 people. There is a second bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen.

The Manor House is a large elegant and comfortable home which has 3 en-suite double bedrooms and bathrooms which are used as B&B rooms.

Specials found at the site include Purple Heron, Goliath Heron, Grey Crowned Crane, Olive Woodpecker, Black Crake, African Fish-eagle, African Marsh-harrier, Western Marsh-harrier, Forest Buzzard, Half-collared Kingfisher, African Jacana and Sedge Warbler.

Directions

Directions from DBN

From Durban , take the N3 ( Toll Road ) to Johannesburg . After Pietermaritzburg and after Hilton there are 2/3 turn-offs to Howick. Take the "HOWICK(NORTH)/TWEEDIE" off-ramp. At the top of the off-ramp turn LEFT. You go under a railway bridge, up a hill and come to a T junction. At the T junction go RIGHT. You will now be on the R103. You will shortly see a sign BALGOWAN 19km. (Balgowan is where you wish to get to.)

After 19 km you will see a sign "Currys Post 12km". Turn RIGHT here up a dirt road and Beacon Vlei is 300m up the dirt road on your Left. There is a Beacon Vlei board.

Directions from JHB

From Johannesburg , take the N3 ( Toll Road ) to Durban . Shortly after the Mooi River Toll-Gate there is an off-ramp to " Nottingham Road ". Take this off-ramp. At the top of this off-ramp go RIGHT to Nottingham Road . Follow the road for 8km into Nottingham Road . At Nottingham Road the road stay on the R103 as it bends left (do not turn right under the bridge). Stay on the road you are on (R103) and follow the sign to "Balgowan" (Balgowan is where you wish to get to.)

10 Km after Nottingham Road you will pass Michaelhouse School on your Right. Immediately after the school is a sign "Currys Post 12 Km".

Turn Left here onto the D144 and Beacon Vlei is 300m up the dirt road on your Left. There is a Beacon Vlei sign board.

NB: There is more than 1 road sign to Currys Post. Be sure only to take the turn at the sign "Currys Post 12 km" sign.

You have arrived. The Manor House and the Boat House are at the bottom of the drive which is about 800m long.

GPS Coordinates
Lat: S 29°25.151'
Lon: E 29°52.820'

Additional Info

Beacon Vlei is accessible by appointment and a nominal entrance fee is charged. Jetties on dam, picnic sites and marked trails. B&B and self-catering guests need not leave the farm to enjoy fly fishing, boating or a picnic after a leisurely walk around beautiful Beacon Vlei . There is safe parking for up to ten cars. Restaurants can be found nearby.

Habitats: 23 hectare dam, wetland and reedbed, mudflats around the dam, mist-belt grassland, river and wetland behind the dam wall

Contact

Beacon Vlei Farm
C.R.Cliffe Trust
Tel: +27 (0)33 234 4486
Fax: +27 (0)33 234 4367
E-mail: stay@beaconvlei.co.za
Website: www.beaconvlei.co.za