Join us at Oaklands for a medley of African history with story-teller extraordinaire, Rob Caskie – June 29 – July 1, 2018
Rob Caskie, story-teller extraordinaire, keynote speaker, cultural guide and author, will be joining us for what is destined to be a fascinating and fun weekend at Oaklands Country Manor. 
Rob has been a professional speaker and story-teller since 2001, after working with the late, great David Rattray from 2001 on the Anglo Zulu battlefields where he honed his unique talent for story-telling.  He believes that to understand our history is to also partially understand our future.
 

 
Here’s Rob speaking about his passion for history.

 

Not only the place of some of the most picturesque landscapes in the country, the sweeping hills and knotty rock formations that pepper the rolling plains and valleys of northern and central KwaZulu-Natal are also the site of a concentration of 70 years of historical battles that shaped the course of South African, British and world history. Best of all, a number of these battlefields are near Oaklands!

 

 
During the course of the weekend Rob will give two talks. The first, out on the veld over a delicious lunch, he will speak about the “African Odyssey”. This talk discusses the fascinating and complex history of South Africa beginning with our early inhabitants, the arrival of the Nguni people to the European stronghold that ensued. Our history creates a kaleidoscope of characters and intrigue worth sharing.

 
The second will be held before dinner on the Saturday evening. Rob will tell the fascinating story of Roke’s Drift where 4000 Zulu warriors against 139 British soldiers would wage a fierce battle for almost 10 hours. This remarkable battle saw the award of 11 Victoria Crosses and 5 Distinguished Conduct Medals, immortalised by the 1964 classic movie “Zulu”.
 
While Rob’s talks will be the highlight of the weekend, there are plenty of other activities including hiking, tennis, birdwatching, swimming, learning more about regenerative farming or just simply relaxing.
 
RATES:

 
Bruce Rooms – R2,700/night (B&B)
The Bruce Rooms accommodate two guests per room, with king-size or twin-bed options. All these rooms have lovely private veranda’s, fireplaces and bathrooms with a bath and shower or shower only. Each set of two rooms has interleading doors, which makes them ideal for families.
 
Family Suites – R4 400 / night (B&B)
Inter leading Bruce Rooms are ideal for families of 4, 2 adults and 2 children under 16 years old.
 
Garden Rooms – R2,500/night (B&B)
The new Garden Rooms at Oaklands accommodate two guests per room and feature luxurious bathrooms with full bath and shower and a private courtyard. Situated away from the main entertainment and children’s play areas, these rooms afford privacy and seclusion.
  
Clifton Rooms – R2,000/night (B&B)
The Clifton Rooms accommodate two guests per suite with king-size or twin-bed options. The rooms all have fireplaces and bathrooms with a bath-shower combination. They also have lovely veranda’s facing the garden and valley.
 
ITINERARY:
Friday 29 June 

• Check in from 2 pm 
• A-la-carte dinner (for own account)

 
Saturday, 30 June (Cost Per Person – R1,050 for all meals as well as the talks)  

• Breakfast 
• Lunch in the veld coupled with the “Medley of South African History” talk 
• Pre-dinner story of Rorke’s Drift 
• Dinner 

 
Sunday, 1 July 

• Breakfast 
• Check out

ABOUT OAKLANDS COUNTRY MANOR

Oaklands is situated in the Central Drakensberg, 30 km from Harrismith, near the border of KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State – approximately 3 hours drive from Johannesburg.

Passionate about sharing their energy, their environment and the produce of this beautiful farm, the Tully family, including sisters Annie, Caroline, Kathy and brother Simon are all committed to creating a collective consciousness that builds hope, security and well-being for all.
 
Permaculture, regenerative farming and vermiculture provide the foundation of a sustainable community that welcomes guests year-round.
 
The award-winning kitchen is run by Kathy. Hugely passionate about farm to table food, Kathy sources most ingredients from their own garden and from farms in the region. What she doesn’t have she sources locally, maintaining that a symbiotic relationship between land, people and community is the secret to a healthy and happy way of life. The result – simple, delicious, flavourful and healthy food.
 
Accommodation is stylish yet homely, reflecting the comfortable countryside lifestyle that the stunning location affords.
 
Each of the beautifully appointed rooms at Oaklands offers guests a perfect sanctuary from which to experience the splendour of the region. Exquisite views of the Oaklands gardens, polo fields and surrounding mountains can be enjoyed from the Bruce and Clifton Rooms, while the Garden Rooms offer a more private and secluded setting.
 
For more information or to book , contact Annie or Simon on bookings@oaklands.co.za or call us on +27 (0) 79 529 2314.