Durban - Our country is blessed with many amazing places to explore. Inspired by the holiday season, Myrtle Ryan shares her favourite getaways.
Tswalu Kalahari
Northern Cape
Tracking a pride of lions, relying solely on the skills and instincts of the tracker – without the benefit of a sighting being called over a two-way radio – was a highlight. Motse Lodge at the base of a range of hills is special; as is dining on the dunes after a game drive. Guests loll on pillows or sit in folding chairs, drinking in the spectacular Kalahari sunset. If you want to spot an antbear, this is the place.
l 053 781 9331, www.tswalu.com
Sani Valley
KwaZulu-Natal
A placid lake, the Drakensberg marching in formation on the flank, the sound of the night breeze sighing its contentment. This is the epitome of peace. Each chalet has a perfect setting on the shores of the lake. Various antelope and zebra graze alongside the chalets. This is the kind of place where you do not feel like rushing. Rather sit and absorb the moment.
l 033 702 0203, www.sanivalley.co.za
Wyndford Guest Farm
Free State
A perfect setting close to Fouriesburg on the Lesotho border. It offers delicious food, wonderful walks and tubing on the Caledon River when it is full. It’s a chance to interact with like-minded people who love the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. This is what holidays are all about.
l 058 223 0274, www.wyndford.co.za
The Fernery
Eastern Cape
The Fernery Lodge overlooks the Sandrift River Gorge and the ocean, while the Tsitsikamma Mountains dream on the skyline. When the river is in flood, a 30m waterfall plunges down the rockface. The lodge is set on different levels and has many nooks and crannies and a number of dining experiences. Visitors often spot pods of dolphins, far below. If you can’t afford the lodge, there are aso wooden chalets, linked by a boardwalk through the forest.
l 042 280 3588, www.forestferns.co.za
Tintswalo Atlantic
Western Cape
This dream destination is tucked into the hillside beneath Chapman’s Peak Drive, and located within the Table Mountain Reserve. From the suites guests get uninterrupted views of The Sentinel across the bay. Sit on the deck of your own suite or head for one of the public areas and listen to the sound of the sea washing over the rocks. You may spot a family of otters. Or interact with the chef across the open plan kitchen. This is the life enjoyed by the jet set, but there are discounted rates for South Africans during the winter months.
l 021 201 0025, www.tintswalo.com/atlantic
Camp Figtree
Eastern Cape
Not far from Addo Game Reserve, and located in the Zuurberg Mountains, Camp Figtree is owned by Sir Percy Fitzpatrick’s great-grandson. Its suites offer colonial style and there’s tented accommodation for those who like it wild.
It is easy to picture Jock of the Bushveld-type characters lounging about smoking pipes and recalling tales of derring do. A deck hanging out over a deep gorge has a spectacular view.
l 082 611 3603, www.campfigtree.com
Timamoon Lodge
Mpumalanga
Even the name whispers romance. It is particularly evocative when misty rain falls. The approach is through a forest, the setting high on a hill, overlooking a folded landscape of mountains, trees and river. Each suite is a work of art, each has furnishings from exotic parts of the world. Sitting on the deck looking out over this splendour is enriching. Walking through orchards to the reception/dining area, certainly enhances the appetite.
l 013 492 0033, www.timamoonlodge.co.za
Morgan Bay Hotel
Eastern Cape
This is a real family destination. With superb beaches and incredible cliff walks, you can stroll along the shore and through the dune forest to Kei Mouth. The area is packed with history and tales of shipwrecks. You can still find pieces of porcelain washed up on the shore. The home fare emerging from the hotel kitchen is tasty.
l 043 841 1062 www.morganbayhotel.co.za
Hillston Farm
Karoo, Eastern Cape
Think endless vistas, glorious sunrises and sunsets, healthy walks or peaceful hours relaxing. Add to this something unusual for such a remote destination – a cordon bleu chef, the owners’ daughter. So in place of standard farm fare, you can feast on a sumptuous and innovative dinner… what a combination.
l 049 842 1627 www.hillstonfarm.co.za
Finally, let’s cross the border for two destinations
Quirimbas Archipelago
Mozambique
Imagine waking each morning to an azure sea and a vast expanse of powdery-white beach. Walk outside your bungalow and slip into a hammock or take an early morning stroll for kilometres along the shoreline. The day unfolds with dips in the ocean, trips to neighbouring islands, or just drinking in this magnificent scene. My favourite was Matemo Island (but I hear it’s currently closed for renovations)
l www.mozambiqueaccommodation.co.za pinpoints many destinations in Mozambique.
Sindabezi Island
Zambia
Set on an island in the Zambezi River, it is the epitome of a remote African destination. Reached by a 20km boat trip, the emphasis is on bringing nature into the bedroom, with two sides of the chalets open, and one a reed wall, just 1m high. You can draw the muslin drapes if you wish. Beds are swathed in mosquito nets. At night you can hear hippos chortle in deep pools outside, while hyenas whoop. The activities are all river related. For that extra touch of romance, ask to dine on a pontoon.
l +26 021 332 7450, www.sindabezi.php
Sunday Tribune