Registered with Pietermaritzburg Tourism & Midlands B&B Association
Co-owner of Gecko Hill B&B, Gary has extensive experience
in providing cultural, environmental and adventure excursions
to children and adults alike. These include guided tours and
trails to the Drakensberg; Lake St Lucia; Cape Vidal;
Durban’s fragile mangrove communities; umGungundlovu
(Dingane’s royal kraal); the battlefields of Isandlwana and
Rorke’s Drift; Weenen and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game
Reserves; the multi-cultural city of Durban; mountain bike
adventures up Sani Pass; overland safari’s to Botswana and
Zimbabwe; backpacking in various wilderness areas.
Gary has a passion for history, environmental education
and adventure and has the ability to share this passion with
knowledge and enthusiasm thereby creating memorable
experiences. Group sizes are currently limited to 4 adults plus 2 children using Gecko Hill’s own vehicle. Larger
groups can be accommodated using own transport where possible. Specialised, tailor-made itineraries are
welcomed and we will do our best to assist and facilitate where possible.
The following experiences highlight examples of some of the more popular tours offered.
FULL DAY TOUR
Sani Pass
Depart early for Sani Pass travelling through the beautiful foothills of the
Drakensberg Mountains. Enjoy a picnic breakfast en route. Experience the
spectacular 4X4 drive up this legendary pass followed by a scenic lunch above
the clouds in Lesotho at the Sani Top Chalet, the highest pub in South Africa.
After lunch briefly explore Lesotho on a short drive before engaging low range
for the awesome descent. Return home in the evening.
2 DAY TOUR
Sani Pass & Lesotho
Depart early for Sani Pass enjoying a picnic breakfast en route. After ascending
the pass, explore Lesotho stopping further inland for a scenic picnic lunch. Return to the Sani Top Chalet where we
check into our accommodation (DBB) and relax with a drink around the crackling fire. After a hearty breakfast the
following morning, marvel at the spectacular view above the clouds during a morning walk along the edge of the
escarpment. Descend the pass and stop in Himeville or Underberg for lunch. Return home in the evening.
VALID PASSPORTS ARE ESSENTIAL!
FULL DAY TOUR
Karkloof Canopy Tour, Midlands Meander
Experience a once in a lifetime zip line tour through the
canopy of the indigenous Karkloof forest. After lunch, depart
for an afternoon tour of the Midlands art and crafts Meander.
A compulsory stop at a Midlands coffee shop with perhaps a
helping of cheesecake completes a memorable day’s
outing. Return home in the early evening.
...OR
Not up to the canopy tour? As an alternative, let us tailor-
make a wonderful, varied day experiencing the best of the
famous Midlands Meander.
FULL DAY TOUR
Gwahumbe & Tala Game Reserves
These two Midlands game reserves offer outstanding wildlife experiences. Enjoy
game drives and up close encounters with wild Africa. Break for lunch at one of the
restaurants followed by an afternoon game drive and sundowners at a water hole.
Return home early evening.
2 DAY TOUR
Lake St Lucia, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve
Depart early for the drive up the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal to Lake St Lucia /
iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Experience a launch trip up the estuary with sightings of
hippo and crocodile. Drive to Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve where we check into
our accommodation at Hilltop Camp. Enjoy the unique thrill of a night drive with the
added bonus of a lion kill if we’re lucky! The next morning we depart after a hearty
breakfast for a final game drive en route home. Return in the evening.
FULL DAY TOUR
Isandlwana & Rorke’s Drift
Depart early for the eerie battlefield of Isandlwana, relatively unspoilt
since 1879. We drive along a scenic, winding route through Greytown,
Tugela Ferry and Elandskraal, a route filled with history, culture and
polarisation. From Isandlwana we trace the route of the fleeing survivors
to the lonely outpost of Rorke’s Drift where the remarkable human drama
and valour of that famous, desperate battle for survival are vividly
described. A picnic lunch is enjoyed at Rorke’s Drift. Depart
for home arriving in the evening.
2 DAY TOUR
Ultimatum Tree, Eshowe, Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift
Depart early for the historic Ultimatum Tree on the banks of the Thukela
River where we set the scene for the battlefields tour. Continue to Fort
Nonqgai at Eshowe for lunch, taking time out to experience this unique fort.
Drive to Babanango Valley Lodge, a magical and special place, which is our overnight accommodation. Depart after
breakfast the next morning for the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift and relive the drama of the clash of
Empire and Kingdom. Lunch at Isandlwana Lodge with its panoramic view over the lonely battlefield. Depart for
home via Tugela Ferry and Greytown arriving in the evening.
FULL DAY TOUR
Shakaland
Depart early for the drive up the North Coast via Eshowe, arriving at
Shakaland, a traditional Zulu village originally built as a film set for the
epic film sagas of “Shaka Zulu” and “The John Ross Story”. Enjoy a
rich and varied programme of traditional Zulu culture and history. After
lunch depart for home arriving in the evening.
HALF DAY TOUR
Ecabazini or PheZulu cultural villages
These nearby cultural villages offer authentic experiences of the rich
traditions and culture of the proud warrior Zulu nation. Return home
late afternoon.
ON REQUEST....specialised and tailor-made tours,
where possible meeting and exceeding your
expectations.
Examples of potential excursions:
Cathedral Peak
Explore the magnificent Rainbow Gorge - a kloofing /
canyoning experience that is not extreme. Prepare to get wet!
Father & Son’s Experience
Varied and personalised bonding trips
Mountain Bike Trails
Enjoy outstanding and diverse trails of varying difficulty in prime mtb terrain, some of the finest trails in South Africa!
Longer rides will include lunch and refreshment stops at popular local coffee shops.
Flat Water Kayak Excursions
Of particular interest to birders, wildlife enthusiasts and those with a spirit of adventure. Visits to fresh and salt
water destinations including inland and estuarine wetlands and offshore Durban experiences. Excursions are
limited strictly to flat water and cater for novices. Lunch and refreshments will be included.
Call the Gecko Hill office for expression of interest. A detailed brochure is available in digital format
providing further details, rates and requirements.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
800 METRES AWAY
Cascades Shopping Centre with restaurants
Mountain Bike trails and World Cup downhill and cross country course in the forested hills
Cascades Office Park
1 - 3 KM AWAY
Grey’s Hospital
Liberty Midlands Mall: Shops, restaurants, movies
Pubs
Royal Agricultural Show Grounds
Victoria Country Club golf course and office park
Nature Reserves: Queen Elizabeth Park & Ferncliff
Cordwalles Preparatory School for Boys
Comrades Marathon start
Amashova Cycle Race start
Redlands Office Park & Hotel
4 - 10 KM AWAY
Wykeham Collegiate School for Girls
Maritzburg College
Girls High School
St Charles College
The village of Hilton: Cowan House Preparatory School; St Anne’s College; Hilton College is a little further
Duzi Canoe Marathon start
Hill2Hill mountain bike race start
Oribi Airport
11 - 30 KM AWAY
Midmar Dam: Midmar Mile open water swim race
Albert Falls dam
The village of Howick: Howick Falls; Midlands Meander arts & crafts route; Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve;
Karkloof Canopy Tours
31 - 100 KM AWAY
Durban: beautiful beaches and numerous tourist attractions; International airport
Tours