Serenity is aptly named. Situated in a valley of the Drakensberg mountains in Mpumalanga, it is a place for quiet contemplation.

Serenity Eco Lodge

Serenity’s nine stand-alone luxury thatched suites are all completely private, linked by elevated wooden walkways above the forest floor. Open sided with 360 degree views from the 4-poster bed, each is decorated in an eclectic colonial style. Deep couches, zebra skins on strip flooring and antique furnishings evoke another age.

It is one of the most romantic places on earth. It’s not just the unique setting, but everything about it from sunset champagne drives through otherworldly scenery to forest dining by candlelight at night.

A River Runs Through

But the real magic comes when lounging on the shaded deck to take in the scene. Imagine yourself in a theatre box taking in one of the greatest natural shows on earth. Before you is a horseshoe of mauve mountains striped and patterned with black in the folds.

From this backdrop comes an orchestra of crystal water that seeps into the source of the Buffalo River, which runs through the lodge. It plays over the rocks reaching a crescendo as it plunges over chandelier falls on its way to joining the Crocodile River at Malelane in the nearby Kruger National Park .

Verdant Forest

But that is another world. Here is a verdant forest with matumi trees dating back over 1 000 years. They provide the canopy for a lush eco-system so unique it has its own ISBN number.

A combination of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga vegetation, it comprises mainly harpephyllum caffrum – combretum kraussii given colour by tree orchids. It is the stage for the actors – vervet monkeys, red duiker, rare butterflies and a chorus of birds led by the illusive narina trogan.

Window to the World

Larger wildlife – including nyala, zebra, eland, wildebeest, kudu and mountain reedbuck – can be viewed on the various walks from the lodge or on a morning or evening game drive. These short, steep excursions take you to the summit of the estate where you can sip champagne as the sun sets or rises over vistas that take in the Kruger and neighbouring Swaziland and Mozambique.

Also on offer are wellness treatments on the privacy of your deck; intimate wedding arrangements; swimming in the pool or skinny-dipping in a secluded river pool; golfing at some of the top courses in the country such as Leopard Creek; fishing and elephant back safaris; ballooning and microlighting; and a visit to a Swazi cultural village.

Rejuvenate Your Soul

At the end of the day are cocktails at the wooden bar and the most romantic dinner imaginable. Candlelit stone tables dotted about the grounds are set for a feast.

The homemade bread is sublime (as are the cakes at tea), which accompanies a set menu. For starters there is a choice of the day’s soup, salad or tart; followed by mains offering meat, fish and vegetarian fare; and ended with something decadently sweet. To complement this is a comprehensive wine list.

Founded and run by the serene Leila Campbell, Serenity will awaken your senses and rejuvenate your soul.