Makaranga is a Must

Our local *Studio Union group visited Makaranga this week.  It’s a hidden haven in beautiful suburbia west of Durban.
This bountiful garden is home to a vibrant hub comprising a luxury lodge, conference rooms, childrens’ play area, outdoor concerts, pampering spa and gourmet restaurant.
The lovely name – Makaranga – comes from a Zimbabwean tribe of the same name and Wild Poplar trees called “Macaranga Capensis”.  It was bestowed on the beautiful botanical garden, previously knows as Fern Valley in 2002 by Chick and Danna Flack.
Billionaire plantsman Lesley Riggal started the journey in 1976 when he bought  20 acres of property in Kloof, KZN.  Over the next 26 years he planted an amazing garden.  He slowly bought up adjoining pieces of land until it was 30 acres in size.
The Flacks have built on this base and created a quality venue with the aim of bringing restoration to body and soul with each visit.

“The Garden specializes in camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, orchids and bromeliads.A large number of Orchids are grown on trees and logs with many in the ground. The garden comprises exotic & indigenous flora. The latter come into their own in the winter months with many different types of Aloe & numerous succulents serving to attract beautiful sun birds. Erythrina trees with their red flowers also bloom when the weather cools. In summer large beds of sky blue agapanthus & hydrangeas are a delight as are the many coloured day lilies. Hundreds of clivia miniata light up the forest areas in spring ranging in colour from deep orange to pale cream.”

The Restaurant is open from breakfast in the morning through to dinner in the evening. –

Our Victorian Warehouse, NONNA, spills out onto a pergola-covered deck which offers, we believe, one of the most beautiful views in the world. Guests have the option of dining inside NONNA or out on the covered all-weather deck while enjoying fresh Mediterranean cuisine and soaking up the views.

Every time I go to Makaranga, I wonder why I dont go there much more often.

*Studio Union – We are a groups of home-based creatives who meet together for inspiration, input, community and collaboration.  Our group is based west of Durban, where we meet in a home once a month, and go on a relevant outing once a month too.  If you are interested in joining us please contact me or if you would like to start your own group, and would like some info on how we run ours, please contact me too.