Makaranga - Kloof (Durban)

Makaranga - Gardens

Botanical Garden at Makaranga Garden Lodge

The main attraction at Makaranga is the garden ... GUESTS are able to make their way down the wheelchair-friendly winding paths to an oasis of peace and serenity. There are 18 ponds including Venus Pond and Long Pond, the latter being the largest waterway in Makaranga. There are also many beautiful statues in stone, bronze and marble, which have been imported from Italy and Zimbabwe for your enjoyment. These include a wonderful hand carved reproduction of Michelangelo's "David", as well as the "Four Maidens", who each carry the foliage of their respective seasons. These graceful statues keep a watchful eye over the "Blue Pond", so named because of the bias towards different shades of blue and purple plant material. Golf carts for the mobility impaired can be pre-booked at an additional fee.

The authentic Japanese Garden boasts original bridges, walkways, stone lanterns and hand carved figures, all imported from Japan and set out according to ancient traditions. The ponds create a sense of stillness and calm, while the exquisite water lilies proudly display their pinks and purples. The Japanese Garden promises a sense of awe, wonder and peace.
Throughout the garden you will discover an impressive variety of both indigenous and exotic trees. Makaranga is home to many rare and exotic species of Orchid, Camellia and Rhododendron.

For the avid bird watcher Makaranga offers an ideal setting for the casual outing.
Whether your interest is botanical, pleasure or if you simply in need of some soul restoration, the garden is sure to satisfy you. Should you be a day visitor, you will be able to enjoy a leisurely walk through the garden, taking in all the scenic spots. Your visit will culminate on the Tuscan Terrace for refreshments, overlooking Venus Pond and the forest of Macaranga trees.

Art

Makaranga Garden Lodge has been decorated with original artwork – each piece either chosen or commissioned by the owners.

Most of the pieces of sculpture and the paintings are by Southern African artists but there is also art from as far a field as Nepal, Burma, Vietnam, India and the United States.

There are pieces from Italy on show in the garden including a carved two-metre high carrara marble copy of Michelangelo’s “David”.

One of the most interesting features on view in the gardens is the large collection of Shona stone carvings. Most of the artists are world famous and a significant portion of the Shona collection is from first generation artists.