The building of Mount Sheba overlooks a magnificent indigenous tree covered Nature Reserve which is home to the endangered Samango Monkey and was started in 1968. Nearly a hundred years before the early prospectors, miners and timber cutters knew the area well and the first roads across this tract of country were built by the transport riders supplying Pilgrims Rest in the 1880’s. In fact, the main entrance road to the Lodge follows part of an old wagon trail which was an alternative route from Lydenburg to Pilgrims Rest. Legend has it that the famous “Jock of the Bushveld” slept on the site of the Lodge with his master, Sir Percy Fitzpatrick.
In 1983 it was decided to deal with the 846 hectare Mount Sheba project as two separate elements. Firstly the Lodge was sold as a private enterprise. The cottages, on the other hand, formed part of the Mount Sheba Share Block Company. The lodge property was purchased by Forever Resorts in 2003. and in 2015 Forever Resorts embarked on a refurbishment project to return the “Grand Old Lady” of the mountains to her former glory.
Situated within a lush indigenous rainforest, Mount Sheba beckons guests to relax and enjoy luxury at the three-star lodge with its majestic setting. A blanket of mist usually enfolds the property in the morning and it is not unusual to experience all four seasons in one day. Well-appointed rooms, gourmet meals and log fires give a magical feel to Mount Sheba.
14 king suites offer king size beds draped in down feathered duvets. The ten family rooms have a downstairs lounge and a loft bedroom with a queen size bed. An executive suite has an open-plan bar and lounge area and a separate en-suite bedroom that leads out through double glass doors onto your own patio. Each room features its own fireplace that is lit each evening while the guests enjoy their supper in the Chandelier dining room.
Activities available on the property are trout fishing, crazy croquet, horseshoe toss, gold panning, mini boulet, giant chess or a round of tennis. There is also a new exciting kiddies playroom that offers Playstation consoles, movies and games to keep the young busy while Mom and Dad enjoys massage treatments at the spa.
Mount Sheba is a renowned “get away from it all” location. It offers two conference venues and when it comes to weddings, Mount Sheba provides the ultimate setting. Ceremonies take place in the natural rainforest at a romantic spot about 200 meters away from the Lodge.
Take in the breath taking scenery, laze away in front of a log fire on a chilly night or explore the fauna and flora of this magical landscape. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, blissful forest wedding or conference, the search is over: Mount Sheba is a rare find.
“Mount Sheba, A Forever Lodge is graded three-star but our guests can experience upper-class five –star treatment as we spoil them in the true old-fashioned hospitable way” said Fanie Fick, hotel manager at the Property.
