Winding our way up the driveway through a dense garden and in the pouring rain, we arrived at the impressive and imposing façade of the Ammazulu African Palace.
Palace being the operative word!
Indiana Jones came to mind as we gazed at this amazing treasure. And this was only the beginning of our visit.
We were led into the triple volume entrance and dining area flanked by twenty towering mosaic columns. I don’t have enough adjectives to describe the magnificence of the display of African and Indonesian art.
Ammazulu African Palace is a treasure trove of colour, texture, style and elegance.
We were delighted to discover quirky touches in the mosaics of ordinary tea strainers, upside down Chinese bowls and electric insulators.
Beautiful beadwork, enormous wooden sculptures, magnificent doors and windows from Indonesia around which the palace was designed and built, are everywhere. At every turn, this museum is a tribute to art as we have never seen before.
Ammazulu African Palace offers ten bedrooms, all elegantly appointed, and we had the privilege of being accommodated in the Presidential suite where the décor continued in an African chic style.
The suite is spacious with an open plan bedroom and lounge area and a huge bathroom with shower and bath and his and her hand basins. I especially enjoyed the warm and fluffy white towels, the array of body lotion and soaps and the Oriental rug on the floor.
The suite is located in the corner of the building and has wrap-around glass doors leading onto a wrap-around balcony, which seemed to be hanging over the Kranzkloof Gorge. Unfortunately, the heavy rain and mist prevented us from enjoying the spacious balcony with its comfortable couches.
However, the next morning the mist had cleared and we had an awe inspiring view of the gorge before the mist, in a spectacle to behold, again rolled through with amazing speed.
After a good night’s sleep in one of the most comfortable beds I have ever experienced, we descended to the dining hall. Breakfast was served at a long table in the company of the other guests. The food was delicious and the view of Kranzkloof Gorge was wonderful.
A truly awe inspiring stay and highly recommended.
Day visits to Ammazulu African Palace are by appointment for a minimum of 10 people are available at R85.00pp with money going Ammazulu African Palace’s charity.
Conference facilities are also available and can accommodate 16 people in a private room.
For more information or to make a reservation, contact Alta on 031 764 8000 or info@ammazulupalace.comor visit www.ammazulupalace.com today.
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