About Us
The Kingfisher Country Cottages and Camping is nestled in the serene Mpumalanga escarpment, offering a truly tranquil setting.
We are a few minutes’ drive from the R36 (Schoemanskloof Road) shortly after passing Machadodorp when travelling from the west. Roughly 250 k’s from most towns in Gauteng and 95 k’s from Mbombela (Nelspruit). An ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the cities and towns where you can chill, unwind and find the inner you again. If you don’t like to sit still there are a variety of activities on site and nearby there is enough to do to keep you entertained. Please see the activities pages to see whats available.
The lodge has a licenced bar and restaurant. Solar heated swimming pool, play area for kiddies.
The accommodation consists of 10 chalets, 15 camping sites and 6 converted stables.
The venue has a conference centre and buffet facilities, ideal for functions, company conferences and weddings.
In addition it is ideal for many clubs and social groups for holding competitions and group meetings.
These include Fishing, Archery, Birding, Hiking, Mountain biking, Hang Gliding, Paragliding, Photography and more.
The shop sells Ice, Firewood, Charcoal, Cold drinks, Ice creams and general essential items.
The management and staff at Kingfisher are committed to making your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Our History
Kingfisher Lodge is surrounded by history and events that played a major role in shaping South Africa into what it is today.
Some of these include the Boer War, Mining, Mozambique train disaster, Ancient stone circles.
The area surrounding Kingfisher was once known as “Helvetia”. Helvetia spread from the first steep rise on Schoemanskloof as you leave the N4 from the west, to the R36 towards Lydenburg (Mashishing). It was a regular stop over for travellers, including buses between Lydenburg and Pretoria, featured an hotel and trading post. Because of this popularity and the elevated vantage point, the British set up 5 forts, 4 on the koppies between the first rises from the west and Swartkoppies (the river that becomes the Kingfisher waterfall) to the East and defended it with a 4.7 inch naval gun named “Lady Roberts”. On the 29th December 1900 the Boers mounted a successful surprise attack on Helvetia, taking around 250 British soldiers prisoner as well as the Lady Roberts.
A graveyard with the bodies of those who fell during the battle acts as a memorial and is very close to Kingfisher, NW of the lodge before the Tar road. For more information research “Battle of Helvetia, Endless streams and forests”.