The Hatchery – Amatikulu Accommodation that stands out from the rest We’re going to swamp you with images because this place has to be seen to be believed! We don’t like using the word gem because we find it...
The Hatchery – Amatikulu Accommodation that stands out from the rest
We’re going to swamp you with images because this place has to be seen to be believed! We don’t like using the word gem because we find it so boring and every travel blogger starting out seems to get stuck on this word but, come on, this really is a GEM! A rare find in the beautiful province of Kwazulu-Natal. So unique in its offering and space. The Hatchery!
From the drive there, the people, the sights to tantalise your imagination, everything is so spot on that you walk away feeling touched by magic.
Booking
Telephone reception at The Hatchery is pretty sketchy. Hey, we’re not bashing them, they say so themselves on their contact page and with some naughty tongue-in-cheek humour too.
Check it out —The Hatchery Contact Page
We took the suggested option of sending a WhatsApp and quickly got a reply. It was the Man, Man-Cub, RM (the niece), the Niece’s Mum and myself. We booked two rooms with ensuites. Wait…another photo drop because check out these bathrooms!
Pretty awesome right? Perfect one might say. Imagine relaxing in the tub, smell of nature around you, glass of wine in hand. BLISS.
Back to the booking. We quickly received a reply via WhatsApp confirming which rooms were available and confirmation and invoice was sent through via email.
The road there
From Durban, taking the N2 North Bound, The Hatchery says on their website “Countdown the bridges on the N2 – we are halfway between bridge 8 and 9” from Durban.
Are you getting the vibe that they are a bit out there, a bit quirky, a few screws loose? We do too and we totally dig it! We’re obsessed with The Hatchery. The spot, the website, the people, e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. School girl scream!
P.S. The directions can also be found on the contact page which are well worth the read. You’re not going to get lost and, you’re definitely going to crack a smile.
We had just added the Suzuki Jimny to the family and decided to take it for it’s first highway trip which meant two separate cars. Even though Des Sol have kitted us out with some extra space with their Gen 4 Roof Racks ( Des Sol Gen 4 Roofrack ), fitting three adults and two children would have been a huge squish thus the Niece’s Mum and RM followed behind in convoy. The Jimny navigated the dirt roads like the perfect 4×4 machine it is and yes, so did the Mitsubishi ASK, and the polo that passed us, the Renault. Heck, you can pretty much get there on a Vespa. The only bit that may be tricky is just as you drive into the camp as there is a bit of a steep hill/climb but as I said, a polo made it so just take it slow and steady and you’re ready to have the best stay ever.
P.S. They also have a really cool Jimny so, extra bonus points for these chaps.
Now we’re here…
Dear wayfarer, if you’re looking for off-the-map, a little bit wild, rustic-lux (it’s a new word we’ve just invented and totally apt for The Hatchery) then you have arrived at your destination.
Every corner holds something to fascinate, unique art pieces, installations that are provided for comfort and aesthetic appeal. Swimming pools, wood stoked Jacuzzis, hammocks to laze away the days. It’s island style living right here on the KZN North Coast.
We took some snaps of the rooms to give you an idea of what to expect. Yes, it’s not lux but it is something that stands out from the rest of the accommodation offerings in KZN and if you’re going to be spending that hard earned Moolah on a getaway, don’t you want it to be an experience? Something that will not only spark your inner wild child but have you getting back to a life of simplicity and peace. The Niece’s Mum, a seasoned traveller, accustomed to a certain lifestyle, favouring the finer things in life was nervous about our stay here but gave it the highest praise even asking to stay for an extra two days. Naturally the kids loved it and it’s a really safe area to let them just be kids.
Whiling away the hours and days
So, what do you do here? As little as possible. But if you feel inclined to be more active there are options to keep the whole family occupied. The Man obviously NEEDS to fish and tallied up quite a quota here. It’s great to see that the area hasn’t been outfished and hopefully many keen fishermen visiting The Hatchery practice catch and release. For those who find swinging a rod back and forth to be less than exciting, there are paddle boats and walks which can be taken with a guide to give you the full experience of your surrounds. There is plenty to keep children occupied but, on this occasion, the kids like me, really took to the relaxing atmosphere. We lazed for days!
GO! Be a wild child!
Work keeping you on a short string? It’s close enough that a weekend getaway is ‘living-the-dream’ perfect but, a few extra days at The Hatchery really hits the sweet spot.
Step out of your comfort zone, try something different. You can book into a 2 sleeper chalet on the beachfront pretty much any day of the week/weekend but, places like The Hatchery are rare, out of the norm and you’ll be cutting yourself off from adventure and a life lived well and fully if you don’t give this spot a visit. Go on, be a WILD CHILD!
#AfricanTravelBird
RATING: 10 out of 10 – from the grownups, the kids and the fish that were thrown back.
Pros
Various accommodation options (even a retro caravan)!
Serviced
Self-catering and catered options available
Well-appointed shared kitchen
Artistic creations
Fun activities for children
Braai facilities
Pool
Jacuzzis
Access to beach
Family friendly
Short drive from Durban
Ice available
Good fishing spot
Cons
Yeah, it’s a bit rustic but for us, we didn’t really find it to be a con. As we said, this place is rustic-lux and the rich stay you have here makes up for a bit of peeling paint which is a huge part of The Hatchery’s charm. But, for those who are scared to venture out of their comfort zones, scared you may get some sand in your shoes, maybe this isn’t the spot for you.
Contact Details
WhatsApp: +27 (0) 82 337 4572
Email: pleasemayihavearoom@thehatchery.co.za
Website: https://www.thehatchery.co.za/
For further instructions….check out their website contact page mentioned above.
Activities
Birding
Fishing
Canoeing
Beach
Pools
Jacuzzis
Braai Area
Swimming Pool
Walking Trails
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