Absolute Leisure Cottages

This self catering accommodation is found in the quaint, unspoilt village of Machadodorp, situated just off the N4 Maputo Corridor, an easy two and a half hour drive from Gauteng. Thus Machadodorp is an easy-to-get-to, affordable weekend getaway for Gauteng families, friends and couples seeking quality time. Absolute Leisure Cottages is also an ideal halfway stop between the Cape and Kruger, and between OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg and the Kruger Park, Swaziland and Mozambique. Situated in the midst of the Mpumalanga Highlands Meander, the breath-taking mountains, rivers, gorges and grasslands present many opportunities for relaxation; fly fishing, hiking, horse rides, birding, mountain biking, rock climbing, abseiling, motor bike tours, local culture, scenic drives, historical exploration and more. The area is the perfect destination for both nature lovers and the adventurous at heart.

Accommodation
All accommodation units are fully furnished for self catering. Luxury bedding, towels and soaps are supplied and cottages are serviced daily. Gardens are spacious, fully fenced and child friendly, and there is safe off road parking. Every cottage and unit at Absolute Leisure is equipped with a log fire place, and wood is supplied to guests during the winter months. Children are welcome. Sports equipment, games, toys, books and DSTV are available for family entertainment.

Machado House is a grand Victorian home which has been divided into three separate self contained units sleeping up to ten people. Units take their names from the history of Machadodorp: BaKoni is named after the people who first inhabited the region, Geluk is the name of the farm on which Machadodorp was developed, and EnTokozweni, meaning "the happy place," and is the newly adopted name for Machadodorp. Machado House is elegantly furnished in the old Victorian style of the late 1800s.

Just One More Cast Cottages is a complex of four cottages accommodating up to 14 people. Interiors are country style and each cottage is derived from a local fishing fly: Duckworths Dargle Delight, Wickhams Fancy, Blue Dunn and Cats Whisker.

Absolute Leisure Cottages takes pride in being a New South African business model. Our profits are shared with our employees, who see to the servicing of the units, the welcoming of guests, manicuring of the gardens and growing of organic vegetables and herbs. Staff receive on-the-job language skills, tourism skills and organic vegetable growing training. Our vegetable and herb gardens supply food for staff families as well as being sold for further income and supplied to guests. Our friendly staff look forward to welcoming you to Absolute Leisure Cottages.

Activities nearby
Machadodorp village is situated in the heart of the Emakhazeni Highlands of Mpumalanga which makes it the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding attractions: excellent fishing waters, hiking trails, nature reserves and a host of other activities including geocache treasure hunting. The drive to Dullstroom allows a day to enjoy the restaurants, pubs, art galleries, plenty of retail therapy and the world renowned Bird of Prey Centre.

The roads from Machadodorp to Carolina, Badplaas, Lydenburg, Kaapsehoop and Barberton are all scenic, quality car and motor cycle friendly roads, allowing for wonderful scenic drives, and motor bike touring weekends. Attractions abound: Cradle of Life, indigenous plant nursery, crafters, birding, hiking trails, local home produce, horse rides, health spas, ancient historical stone circles, SA war history, shisa nyama, Traditional Kraals.

History abounds in the region. The Zimbabwe Ruins style Stone Circles from the 12 century can found in the hills around Machadodorp. The Bergendal Monument between Belfast and Machadodorp, as well as the war graves in both villages tell of the SA War history of the 1900's. Machadodorp station itself was seat of the government under Paul Kruger in 1900. The Kruger Millions are reputed to be buried somewhere in the hills around Machadodorp, so bring your metal detector!

On a relaxed walk around Machadodorp village you can explore local historical churches and sites, visit the old railway station with its segregated bridge dating back to 1950's. The village boasts a beautiful 1927 Dutch Reform Church designed by Gerard Moerdyk, the son of Dutch immigrants and is best known for designing the Voortrekker monument in Pretoria. Swedish missionary Ernst Anderson's small stone church, built in the 1920s, adorns a Machadodorp village garden.

The local Police Station is a preserved building having started as a hospital pre 1900, then becoming the British troop's Administration Centre once Machadodorp was captured from Paul Kruger.

Machadodorp's sleepy village atmosphere is an out of town rest cure for the work weary. A place to return to a slower pace of life. Take a break from cooking or braaiing and eat out at one of our two village restaurants, both a short walk from the cottages. Whilst chilling, take in the distant chuffing of trains...

Rest and peace await...