Eiland Spa

The Best Family Fun Under The Limpopo Sun

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HANS MERENSKY NATURE RESERVE

Introduction
The origin of the reserve dates back to 1950, although the land was only proclaimed as a nature reserve in 1954. It is named after the famous geologist, Dr Hans Merensky, because of his generous gesture to donate a fully equipped borehole to the Department when the land was purchased. The Eiland Spa holiday resort which is situated within the boundaries of the reserve, derives its name from the original farm Eiland, which was so named because of a island of approximately 35 ha, situated on the farm in the Letaba River.

Topography and Geology
The reserve is fairly flat, although on the eastern boundary of the reserve the landscape is broken by a dolerite dyke which has been pushed up through the surrounding layers of granite. The highest peak in this range of low ridges is 542m above sea level.

The dolerite rocks have a very high iron, calcium and magnesium content and their colour gives rise to the name of Black Hills. Depressions in the reserve are characterised by brackish areas almost devoid of vegetation and vulnerable to erosion. A stretch of approximately 10 km of the Great Letaba River forms the northern boundary of the reserve.

Climate and Vegetation
The climate of the reserve is regarded as subtropical. The daytime temperatures vary from an average of 15°c to 20°c in winter, and to an average of 36°c in summer. The average annual rainfall is approximately 500mm, although this is also highly variable.

The vegetation may be described as Arid Lowveld Bushveld dominated by Mopane (Cholophspermum mopane), and to a lesser extent red bushwillow (combretum appiculatum).

Very much more localised and specialised plant communities occur in the brackish areas, on the Black Hills and along the Letaba River. A number of trees in the office garden are provided with name plates.

Welcome to ATKV Eiland Spa

Phone 015 276 4972 or 079 317 2816 or click here to send us an email.

A wonderful spot for every member of the family to relax, unwind and enjoy. So much for everyone in a safe, secure and beautiful environment.

On the south side of the Letaba River, 68 km east of Tzaneen, you’ll find this Limpopo Province resort, surrounded by the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve. This reserve is home to Leopard, Hippo, Sable antelope and many other species of game. Hot and sunny year-round weather and close proximity to the Kruger National Park (120 km to the Phalaborwa Gate) add to Eiland Health Spa’s appeal.

Eiland Health Spa, with its diverse natural beauty and climate, provides a playground that will satisfy many interests. It is a precious heritage of ecological, historical, cultural and scenic diversity. Enjoy all of these experiences while visiting one of the most popular resorts in Limpopo and make your trip unforgettable!

Accommodation consists of 3-star Satour graded, air-conditioned (2 to 6-sleeper) thatched chalets. There are 103 chalets on the resort and the 250 – stand caravan and camping park (with power points) is complemented by five ablution facilities.

Visit the open-air Tsonga Kraal Museum or enjoy the hydro spa, mineral pools, sauna and steam bath. Eiland provides organised entertainment during holidays, as well as game drives, super tubes, mountain-biking, horse-riding and quad bike rides.

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Conferences

A perfect conference venue for nature lovers and birders and game-watchers with tsessebe, sable, bushbuck and even leopard roaming around at close range – but not too close!

Leisure activities include game drives, organised walking and horse-trails – even a visit to the unique Tsonga kraal open-air museum. Experienced resort personnel are available to arrange team-building activities and informal competitive sports.

Ideal for smaller conferences, Eilands Spa's largest conference rooms, Visarend, accommodates up to 32 delegates seated in a boardroom style. The two smaller conference rooms, Patrys and Fisant, will accommodate up to 28 and 16 delegates respectively. The main hall and lapa is ideal for social functions and can cater for up to 160 people.

Eiland has a licensed restaurant and ladies bar. Special conference packages and alternative menus are available on request and outdoor catering in the reserve lapa or at the Hippo post can be catered for.

Facilities, Services & Activities

The resort offers the following facilities:

Hydro Spa Sauna Steam bath Warm Water mineral Pool Cold Water Pool

Baby Pool Waterslide Gymnasium Conferencing Weddings Functions

The following services are gladly offered to holidaymakers and conference attendees:

Launderette

Restaurant

Take Away

Buffalo's Pub

Friendly Grocer

Liqour Store

ATM

Some of the activities that Eiland provides to guests include:

Mini-golf

Hiking Trails

Fishing

Bicycle Trails

Tennis

Horse Riding
Quad Bike Rides

Bowling

Volleyball

Tsonga Kraal Open Air Museum
Hans Merensky Nature Reserve

WILDLIFE

Wildlife
A large variety of animals roam the reserve although the actual number of each species is low. Antelope species include impala, kudu, waterbuck, bushbuck, duiker, steenbok and the rare sable antelope and the grysbok. Burchell’s zebra, blue wildebeest, warthog and giraffe are also present. Animal numbers are kept low for management purposes. The much more elusive nocturnal animals include leopard, black backed jackal, spotted hyena, civet and genet.

Birds
Approximately 330 species of birds have been recorded in the reserve. Specials include Arnot’s chat and Stierling’s barred warbler, a large variety of raptors including martial eagle and bateleur, and many species of cuckoos, storks and kingfishers.

Although a large number of them are resident, many are visitors or migrants. A large variety of waterbirds occur on the Letaba River and earthen dams. These include the fish eagle, kingfishers, cormorants, herons, storks, ducks, jacanas and sandpipers.

Birds of prey are also well represented, ranging from the little sparrowhawks to the magnificent martial eagle and bateleur.

The reserve also provides a habitat for Arnot’s chat, which is a rare species.
A bird list is available at the office complex.

Environmental education
Various environmental education activities are presented on the reserve. Programmes are professionally presented to school groups, tour groups and university groups. More information can be obtained from the Environmental Education Officer.

Bicycle trail
A Mountain Bike trail is available for the more adventurous. The trail winds itself down to, and along the Letaba River, a total of 11 km. Payment thereof as well as more information is available at the Visitors’ Centre. Costs are R5.00 per bicycle.