Chikara Stud & Guest Cottages

Description

Peaceful secure self-catering country cottage, situated on small Warmblood horse stud. Easily accessible to all of Johannesburg’s main attractions. 10 min from Lanseria International Airport on the edge of the Cradle of Humankind and the Sterkfontein Caves. A stones throw away from the SA Lion Park and the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve. A 30 minute drive to Hartebeespoort Dam.

Adventure outings available on request which include river rafting, horse riding, game drives and group tours.

Chikara Stud is situated on the edge of The Cradle of Humankind and is a mere 10 minute drive from Lanseria Airport. We are surrounded by many conference centre’s and wedding venues, and although we are in the country, we are close to major traffic routes and the N14 highway and within minutes of various shopping malls and entertainment centre’s including Silver Star Casino and Montecasino. The nearest convenience store and petrol station is 1.5km away.

Accommodation

Chikara Stud offers a choice of either bed and breakfast or self catering accommodation. Strawberry Cottage is nestled in the heart of the stud adjacent to the stables. The garden sports a variety of fruits such as strawberries, lemons, mulberries and apricots which you may pick at your leisure when in season. Chickens and bantams range free through the stables and give a steady supply of fresh eggs which must be tasted! And the cottage is fully fenced and secure, so you can arrange to have your pet accommodated as well.

Being right on the edge of grassy hillsides we see a vast variety of small wildlife. If you listen carefully late at night when all is still you will hear bullfrogs bellowing softly, jackal yipping away down the valley, and the distant roar of the lions. A large leguan has strolled across the yard and into the fields beyond, and we have two resident hedgehogs who don’t mind at all a tidbit of dog food in the evenings. And of course the birdlife is teeming with Yellow Weavers and Red Bishops, a family of Hornbills and Crested Barbets, not to mention the Kites and Pluvers and Crows.

Attractions

Chikara Stud

The stud is very small and only breeds a few foals, but riding and competition horses are also stabled here. The resident stallion is Akito, a black Hannovarian stallion. Lynn is an Advanced level dressage rider and trainer who has many times ridden for Provincial and SANEF teams. The accomplished rider may arrange for lessons on horses at the stud, or trail rides can be booked for the family.

Braai in the garden, sit beside the pool and watch the horses, fall asleep in the hammock, and let the tranquility of the country wash over your soul.

Activities and Attractions

Many places of interest are within easy striking distance such as the Sterkfontein Caves, The Cradle Restaurant, Hartebeesport Dam (about 30min drive), Lesedi African Cultural Village, Mountain Sanctuary Park, Magaliesberg (sporting such activities as Magaliesberg Canopy Tours and antique furniture), Sun City, Crocodile and Chameleon farms, and of course several game and lion farms.

The Lion Park is just down the road and offers meals all day, and has cubs which can be petted. Matt has worked extensively with lions and can arrange lion and game tours. He is also a qualified Zambezi White Water River guide and can take you river rafting on safe and gentle waters for newcomers to the adventure, or bigger white water for the more daring.

Directions

From the Lion Park 4 way crossing (intersection Malibongwe R512 and Nooitgedacht Road R114) travel south towards Muldersdrift. When you have driven 1.2km turn right at the Chikara Stud & Guest Cottages sign. Travel 1.2km down dirt road until you reach number 202 with Chikara Stud displayed outside the gate