"The sky here seems endless, cloud formations stretch from horizon to horizon and the sun gives more often than not spectacular shows" - to put it in the words of Dr Ledger as published in "African Pilot"
This is Raptor Ridge
This is the land of endless, azure skies; deep, blue waters; rich, blazing sunsets and the unparalleled tranquillity of the wide, expansive Karoo.
This is the place where words like freedom and peace find their true meaning.
Raptor Ridge is the home of harmony and serenity; the abode of fun and relaxation.
Go ahead. Give yourself a break. Give yourself the peace and quiet of Raptor Ridge.
Set on a large, open plain, this unblemished property borders the Gariep Nature Reserve, and is embraced on the one side by mountainous ridges while the other side is washed by the placid waters of the Gariep dam, the single largest fresh water expanse in South Africa.
The Perfect Stop-over
Raptor Ridge is fast becoming one of South Africa’s most preferred stop-over destinations, ideal for a wide variety of visitors and guests.
Raptor Ridge is situated on the Free State side of the Gariep dam (with its impressive shoreline of 435 km), and is located exactly halfway between Johannesburg and Cape Town, approximately 8.5km off the N1.
Its location is no accident and was carefully chosen by the developers as the perfect stop-over for that well-deserved family break away. The location also makes it the ideal destination for the nature enthusiast and tourist. In addition, its excellent location and proximity to the air field as well as the wide-open surroundings make it the perfect choice for pilots and gliders.
Raptor Ridge is just as ideally suited to the travelling representative or salesman, however. The facilities and features as well as our location make it the ideal overnight stop-over, offering instant arrival and departure facilities without sacrificing care and the personal touch. For the lone representative travelling this stretch of highway, the road need never be quite as long and tedious as before.
Predators of the sky
Raptor Ridge is not named haphazardly. The mountain ridges on the northern slopes are used by a large variety of raptor species to catch updrafts and soar to stunning heights.
In addition, Black Eagles patrol the highest peak called Aasvo‰lkop while the familiar call of the Fish Eagle is ever-present as these dashing birds swoop over the lodge to commandeer yet another prey from the tranquil waters of the Gariep.
Facilities
Raptor Ridge is indeed the ideal stop-over.
The lodge consists of 4 units with single and/or double beds. Each unit features an en-suite bathroom as well as a porch with a beautiful, panoramic view of the surrounding Karoo and the wide waters of the Gariep Dam.
Peace and quiet are on the menu every day. However, apart from just relaxing and enjoying the endless views over the Gariep dam and the surrounding, boundless plains, the nocturnal skies of the Karoo offer a dazzling, nightly extravaganza of a billion stars stretched out into infinity.
In addition, there are numerous other activities that could be engaged upon, such as game viewing, bird watching and special picnics to be enjoyed in the picturesque area.
What’s more, you can experience the true hospitality and taste of the Karoo by savouring our cuisine, incorporating ingredients and recipes unique to this inimitable area. Dine with us in our main lodge, warmed by the heat of our fireplace to dispel those cold desert evenings.
In an effort to leave the countryside as pristine and untouched as possible, the entire resort's energy is supplied by environmentally-friendly solar panels and gas facilities. An added benefit is that the resort is not reliant on any major energy supply companies.
HBK in association with Amatenda was recently appointed to develop a tourism model for Lesotho, a land-locked country within the borders of South Africa.
High in the Maluti Mountains of Southern Africa, unique in that it is an independent nation completely surrounded by South Africa, lies a an forgotten Kingdom; Lesotho... Mountain Kingdom.
An extraordinary country that provides spectacular mountain scenery as a backdrop to some of the potentially most exciting holiday activities on the African continent. Lesotho offers the chance to enjoy Southern Africa’s majestic beauty, the simplicity of a Basotho culture, and a serene quality of life for discerning travellers from all over the world.
It is within this fantastic and spectacular beauty that HBK and Amatenda development team has grasped an opportunity to help develop tourism and accommodation facilities within the country, giving it a different perspective and attracting tourists all over the spectrum - stimulating economic development in the Kingdom.
In Lesotho, every season has its unique attractions. So where better to experience Africa's natural attractions and enjoy the outdoors unspoilt by crowds and commercialisation.
The new and upmarket international influx of tourist will help boost Lesotho tourism and annual income for years to come. Giving the Lesotho government a wonderful boost for the economy and well as creating a home of wealth for international investors looking to invest in unique opportunities.
The invigorating mountain air, spectacular panoramas of rocky crags, deep valleys and fields of alpine flowers, and the warm welcome of the Basotho people, set Lesotho apart as a special holiday destination. Lesotho is Africa, but a different Africa, a special Africa.
Lesotho is a small, independent nation about the size of Belgium. It is rightley known as "the Mountain Kingdom", with many peaks well over 3000m, and the highest "lowest" point of any country in the world at over 1000m.
Geographically, the bigger part of Lesotho is a high mountain plateau, carved out by river valleys. Most of these rivers drain into the Senqu River, which later becomes South Africa's major river, the Orange.
The river valleys and the mountain ranges run from the northeast to the southwest of the country. The eastern edge of the plateau forms the Drakensberg Mountains and the border with Kwa-Zulu Natal. The western border is formed by the Caledon (or Mohokare) River.
Although it is a young independent nation, Lesotho’s history goes back millions of years.
Fossilised dinosaur trails and discoveries of petrified wood testify to a long natural history, while later the San (bushmen) have left their cave paintings as relics of their later occupation.
A very rural country, the land was first inhabited by small groups of people from the Nguni branch of the Bantu family, the Mapolane, the Maphetla and the Baphuthi.
The first king, Moshoeshoe the Great, forged the Basotho nation.
The first Sesotho- speaking people were the Bafokeng, who lived side by side with their San neighbours.
Between 1815 and 1829 King Moshoeshoe the Great gathered the remnants of tribes scattered by Zulu and Matabele raids and established a stronghold at Butha-Buthe and later at Thaba Bosiu, less than 30 km from modern Maseru. King Moshoeshoe established the Kingdom of Lesotho and ensured the birth of our modern nation. In 1966 the Kingdom of Lesotho became a fully independent nation, and the present monarch, King Letsie.
The Basotho people have developed a unique culture. As one of the few African tribes living in a mountainous environment, they have made many adaptations to their conditions to be able to survive and cultivate a heritage lifestyle passed on through generations to become what it is today.
Tourism
Tourism in Lesotho has increased over the past 10 years by over 40 % and is still continuing to grow today. Lying beyond and within the Drakensberg and its various tourist destinations and activities, Lesotho has become a more appealing getaway for most tourists locally and internationally. Mainly because of its rural qualities and experiences it has to offer. From the more adventurous opportunists to relaxed getaway, the possibilities are endless.
Therefore Hbk has expanded it’s views with various opportunities for different developments and projects to get involved in.
To explore Lesotho is so easy. Excellent new roads wind up into the mountains, while 4×4 treks are an exciting way to explore the more out-of-the-way sites. But for most people the ideal way of exploring Lesotho is on the back of the gentle, but sure-footed, Basotho pony — the traditional transport in the mountains. Some of the few tourist destinations to visit include Dinosaur trails, Morija museum and Archives, Major bells tower, Gateway to the Maluti, mountain passes, fishing, hiking, abseiling, rock climbing, para gliding and other adventurous opportunities exist in Lesotho. Lesotho also house the most famous Lesotho highland water project, which was designed as Hydro plant en hydro project.
Various options and a variety of accommodation is available within Lesotho, from 5 star hotel accommodation to country lodges, game farms and guest houses.
"The sky here seems endless, cloud formations stretch from horizon to horizon and the sun gives more often than not spectacular shows" - to put it in the words of Dr Ledger as published in "African Pilot"
