Address: | Off the R26 between Fouriesburg & Ficksburg Free State |
Contact : | Reservations |
Local Tel : | 051-9332828 |
INT Tel : | +27-51-9332828 |
Local Fax : | 051-9332828 |
INT Fax : | +27-51-9332828 |
Cell : | 087-8082709 (satellite number) |
Creating Social Impact - What your stay with us means
As you move around the EarthRise Mountain Lodge and Rustlers Valley Farm you will get a sense of what has been achieved since the reconstruction and development work commenced just over a year ago. From the outset our emphasis on social change meant inviting and engaging with local community members and family based enterprises as far as possible in the renovation project. In every aspect of the work thus far - from the buildings, the furnishings, the fittings, the landscaping, the water supply, and much more there are wonderful human stories, achievements and lessons behind them.
Beyond the reconstruction phase, the Trust, in consultation with the Naledi Village Development Committee, Afrigrow and the Seriti Institute, created a strategic partnership pursuing a holistic approach towards food security and nutrition, sustainable livelihoods, land rights and community wellbeing. We will happily share with you the why and the how of our vision to create a vibrant, inclusive, locally-driven economy sustained by a community working together building a positive future for our children. The primary school and crèche established by the community is earmarked for special attention in order to create a safe sacred space for teaching and learning. Work on an upgrade in the partnership with all stakeholders has commenced. This is a labour of love and work in progress for all stakeholders committed to creating a brighter future for our children.
The lodge will be modelled and structured along the lines of a local social enterprise embedded in the community that lives on farmland surrounding the lodge. A portion of the lodge's income will go towards supporting the social and community development objectives of the Earthrise Trust on the adjacent Rustlers Valley Farm. Therefore, as an esteemed guest of the EarthRise Mountain Lodge you will be directly contributing towards local development.
Your support and constructive ideas are most welcomed.
Should you wish to be part of a new journey, demonstrating what is possible when we learn, share, work, build and solve problems together, then please feel free to initiate contact with Jappie Lephatsi, the Lodge Manager, Analeigh Ross, the Assistant Manager or Anton Chaka, the Chair of the Naledi Village Development Committee.
Simple Directions by Road to EarthRise Mountain Lodge (ex Franshoek
Mountain Lodge and Rustlers Valley Farm)
Please Note: To enjoy your drive to this beautiful part of the country we
suggest good planning before you leave home. Note that the ideal arrival time at
the lodge is around 12h00. Check out Google maps if needed for more detailed
route details and distances. If you're using a GPS navigator, that's fine. These
directions are for those without one. Either way we suggest you print this out
as a back-up. Much needed road works is currently underway on the R26 (by far
one of the most scenic roads in SA especially when you hit sandstone mountain
terrain) so please be alert. Note that cell reception is not great because of
the mountains. If you need to call the lodge use the 087 satellite phone number.
FROM BLOEMFONTEIN (about 2 and a half hours)
Take the N8 towards Botshabelo and stay on this road until you connect with the
R26 that passes through Ladybrand, Clocolan and approximately 196 kms later you
will pass Ficksburg on your right. Stay on the R26 in the direction of
Fouriesburg. A few kilometres after Ficksburg be on the lookout for the Rustlers
Valley/Nebo/Franshoek sign. Turn left into S384 gravel road and stay on this
road for approximately 10kms until you come to a crossroads. Proceed straight
and 3km later after you pass Naledi Village on your right and Franshoek to your
left you will arrive at the lodge.
FROM JOHANNESBURG (about 4 hours)
Take the N3 (Durban Highway) and take the 2nd turn off to Villiers (this is the
one just after the Engen Garage and just before the toll gate). Turn right to
Frankfort and bypass it (you are now on the R26; stay on it until the Rustlers
turnoff). Just after you cross the bridge keep left following the sign to Reitz,
Tweeling & Bethlehem.
About an hour later you arrive in Bethlehem and as you pass Wimpy/Engen/Nandos
on your left you will come to a 4-way stop street. Turn right into Eufees St (R26)
and head down towards the town centre. Turn left into Commissioner Street (you
will see the KFC and Tren Tyre signs). Drive for 30 minutes to Fouriesburg and
bypass it. About 23km after Fouriesburg you will pass the Malutizicht Farm. Look
out for the S385 and turn right onto the gravel road. Travel over a railway line
and 8.5km later you come to a crossroad. Turn right again and travel 3km to the
main gate.
From Durban (about 5 and half hours)
If you're travelling from Durban please plan your route carefully. You may want
to phone the AA before you depart. The normal recommended route is to take the
N3 to Johannesburg and turn off at Harrismith and proceed on the N5 towards
Bethlehem. When you arrive in Bethlehem follow the directions from Eufees into
Commissioner and follow the directions as above. However on the N5 between
Kestell and Bethlehem there are major road works with stop/go breaks. You may
want to consider taking a scenic route via R712 Phuthadijhaba - Clarens -
Fouriesburg. After you pass Fouriesburg you turn left on the R26 to Ficksburg
and then as you pass Malutizicht Farm look out for the S385 and follow the
directions as above.
GPS: 28.42.23.91 S / 28.01.23.33 E
Exclusive / preferred service providers on call | |
Restroom accessible | |
Kitchen accessible | |
Audio – visual equipment (request details) | |
Food / beverage facilities for catering purposes | |
Crockery and cutlery available for hire | |
Catering done in-house | |
Designated parking area | |
Sufficient parking space | |
Fully staffed (cleaning, servers etc.) | |
Internet connection | |
Wireless internet connection | |
Air conditioning | |
Good lighting that can be operated independently | |
Liquor license | |
Bar on-site | |
A purpose-built and dedicated back entrance available for equipment loading and offloading | |
Wheelchair friendly | |
A specified area for coaches and buses to stop to allow delegates and guests to embark and disembark safely | |
Dedicated storage space that can safely store event materials and equipment overnight | |
Individual lockable storage available for storage of more valuable items |
Fishing equipment for hire | |
Can bring own fishing equipment | |
Boat available for use | |
Boat available for hire | |
Can bring own boat (no petrol motors) | |
Catch and release | |
Catch and keep | |
Limited number of fish per day allowed | |
Fly fishing |
Small dogs | |
Big dogs | |
Dogs have to be on lead whilst outside | |
Kennels provided | |
Kennels must be used | |
Other animals on the property | |
Horse stables – bedding provided | |
Horse stables – bedding not provided | |
Horse paddocks | |
Grooms available | |
Arena | |
Parking area for horse box / float |
Bring your own bicycle | |
Bicycles to hire | |
Bicycle set trails | |
Bicycle - free to explore | |
Bring your own quad bike | |
Quad bikes to hire | |
Quad bike set trails | |
Quad bikes – free to explore | |
Bring your own off-road motorcycle | |
Off-road motorcycles to hire | |
Off-road motorcycle set trails | |
Off-road motorcycle – free to explore | |
4x4 vehicle set trails | |
4x4 vehicle – free to explore |
Yes |
Reception area | |
Chapel | |
Area for wedding ceremony | |
Undercover area for signing the register | |
Fully catered | |
Couple must provide own catering | |
In house events coordinator (compulsory) | |
In house events coordinator (not compulsory) | |
Liquor license | |
Fully stocked bar | |
Cutlery and crockery rental | |
Cleaning / serving staff | |
Bridal suite | |
Honeymoon suite |