reasons to live for the weekend

30
reasons to
live for the
weekend
As Gautengers, we often envy Capetonians who
have a seemingly never-ending list of weekend
breakaway destinations on their doorsteps.
They have the ocean and the winelands and the
Cederberg ... all we’ve really got is Kruger, right?
Wrong. Your ideal weekend away is closer than
you think – why not make it this one?
By Tabby Mittins and Villiers Steyn.
40 Getaway July 2013
French romance
Stepping into La Provence
D’Afrique, near Magaliesburg,
might be the closest you’ll ever
get to old France. A cool, cobbled,
indoor street café leads off into
seven unusual chateaux-style
suites, designed and decorated by
owner and artist Charles Gotthard.
We like La Passion and Le Petit
Boudoir for their light and layout,
but every room practically drips
with French romance and is
decorated with antique furniture,
Gauteng weekends
Mountain cottage
If you’re after a glorious location,
complete privacy and attention to
detail (such as information on which
birdseed to leave where to attract
specific species), look no further than
Igababa Cabin just north of Louis
Trichardt. The quaint cottage has a
fireplace, outside braai area and a
private plunge pool, but the highlight
is the outdoor bath overlooking the
Soutpansberg Mountains. Call the
owners if you want the cabin serviced
and all the roads and paths leading
to the cottage have no-entry signs,
so you don’t have to worry about
peeping Toms. In fact, you don’t need
to see another soul for the entire
weekend. Self-catering from R700 a
person a night (minimum two nights).
Tel 084-400-4595, email [email protected].
za, www.zka.co.za.
Victorian bathtubs and woodburning fireplaces. Breakfast is
served under weeping willows
beside the Magalies River, a setting even more romantic than
the rooms. B&B is from R699
a person a night sharing – ask
about the weekend spa packages. Tel 082-900-8205, email
[email protected],
www.laprovencedafrique.co.za.
Do this
Goblin’s Cove restaurant
(www.thegoblinscove.co.za),
seven kilometres down the R96, is
like journeying into an enchanted
forest. Also designed by Gotthard,
the delightful dining rooms are filled
with magical creatures that adorn
the walls and peek out at you from
corners. Experience the magical
setting at its best with dinner.
Closed on Monday and Tuesdays.
Weekend bookings essential.
Do this
Scatter the provided birdseed around
the outdoor bath and enjoy southern
boubous and yellow-eyed canaries
feeding as you soak.
Reconnect
with nature
Forget the bustle and madness
of the city at Hollybrooke Farm
in the shadow of the Magaliesberg. Soak up the carefree
atmosphere while you enjoy
horseback riding or cycling along
the cool, forested banks of the
Magalies River with a couple
of farmyard dogs at your heels.
Basic, self-catering stone cottages
(the special thing about them is
their location near the river and
the farm vibe) from R800 a twosleeper cabin a night (R900 for
B&B). Tel 082-552-1285, info@
hollybrooke.co.za, www.hollybrooke.co.za.
Do this
Order a Champagne picnic
(R200 a person) from The
Coffee Shoppe al fresco
restaurant and enjoy a quiet
afternoon under the trees
beside the Magalies River.
www.getaway.co.za 41
Gauteng weekends
Safari near the city
Despite its proximity to Pretoria (only
45 minutes away, near Hammanskraal)
and the odd glimpse of a distant pylon or
boundary fence, Mongena Game Lodge
offers a surprisingly wild bush experience.
It feels like the Sabi Sands in Gauteng,
complete with open game vehicles, knowledgeable trackers on the front, and snacks
on the bonnet at sunset. You could even
see all of the Big Five (the last game drive
of the day at 16h30 is usually best for
game viewing). Dinokeng Game Reserve,
in which Mongena is located, is at its most
beautiful after the rains between December
and April. Thatched chalets surrounded by
rolling lawns and indigenous gardens are
from R780 a person a night sharing (B&B).
Tel 012-711-8920, email relax@mongena.
co.za, www.mongena.co.za.
do this
Order a Giant Kingfisher meal (steak,
lamb chop and boerewors stacked on
traditional pap) or the catch of the day
from the on-site Kingfisher Restaurant.
Wild encounters
Don’t be surprised if a couple of
ostriches or a herd of impala wander
through Marakele National Park’s
Bontle Campsite as you’re setting
up, they may even try to share your
shade while you’re dozing in the
heat of the day. It’s in the small
Kwaggasvlakte section of the park
(which is near Thabazimbi) at the base
of the imposing Waterberg Mountains.
Camping is from R185 a site a night
for the first two people (extra adults
pay from R62 each, up to a maximum
of six people). Tel 012-428-9111,
email [email protected],
www.sanparks.org.
Do this
Plant your camping chairs at the edge
of the campsite an hour before sunset
and watch as blue wildebeest, ostrich,
impala, zebra, tsessebe and, if you’re
lucky, white rhino come down to graze.
Don’t forget the gin and tonic.
42 Getaway July 2013
Pilanesberg gem
Do this
It might be a fraction of the Kruger
National Park’s size, but at Pilanesberg
Nature Reserve, near Rustenburg, you
stand a chance to see not only the Big
Five, but also rare species such as
cheetah, wild dog and even brown
hyena. While there’s a variety of accommodation options, Manyane Resort is
ideal for families who love to camp. It’s
large and has ample shade and power
points, as well as a swimming pool,
restaurant and small shop. Camping is
from R260 a site a night (with power,
up to six people). Tel 014-555-1000.
Take your tripod and camera to
Mankwe Hide in the middle of
the Pilanesberg Reserve and photograph African darters and reed
cormorants sunning themselves
on dead tree branches. Frequent
visitors to the park, readers Miné
and Douw van Zyl, offer this great
insider’s tip. ‘The roads around
Mankwe can become congested,
so we prefer the quieter Nare and
Tlou drives in the west of the park.
The latter leads to a quiet hide at
Ruighoek Dam.’
Royal treatment
If you’ve ever wanted to be spoilt rotten, Monate Conservation Lodge, near Mookgophong (formerly Naboomspruit),
is the place for you. Between morning and evening game
drives, gourmet meals are served with a flourish and a smile,
and quiet, comfortable facilities help you to tune out the
demands of city life. One part of the reserve is covered by
Serengeti-like plains where zebra and giraffe are often obliging
models for photos. Ask your guide to stop for sundowners
under the massive marula tree at the edge of these plains.
Don’t be surprised if you find it very hard to leave. DB&B
costs from R1 200 a person a night, which includes two
game drives or bush walks daily. Tel 014-718-7000, email
[email protected], www.monatelodge.com.
Do this
Ask your guide to show you the reserve’s historically significant rock art, some of which dates back to the Stone Age.
Bush relaxation
Borakalalo Game Reserve, translated as ‘where people
go to relax’, is a lazy little provincial nature reserve near
Brits and a great alternative to Pilanesberg. Don’t expect
any mega wildlife sightings, but enjoy the complete lack
of vehicle pile-ups when you stop to view resident herds
of waterbuck, kudu and hippo instead. All you hear when
you sit down and close your eyes in Phudufudu Tented
Camp are birds. With just 10 safari tents, a communal
kitchen and braai facilities, it’s ideal for a group getaway.
From R450 a two-sleeper tent a night. Tel 012-729-4101,
email [email protected], www.parksnorthwest.
co.za/borakalalo.
Do this
Explore the park on a self-guided walking trail (marked
on the reserve map you get at the entrance gate). Keep
an eye out for white rhino.
www.getaway.co.za 43
Unlimited freedom
The purpose of Mountain Sanctuary Park,
a scenic and restful hiking destination on the
rocky slopes of the Magaliesberg, is to give
hikers the opportunity to hike wherever they
want to, for however long they want, without
a guide. You’re only limited by how far your
feet can carry you. Animals such as klipspringer,
black-backed jackal and vervet monkey occur
on the property and since no music or noise is
allowed in the camp, you’re ensured of peace
and quiet. The self-catering log cabins are affordable, sleep up to four people each and have
great views of the reserve and Buffelspoort
Dam. From R450 a person a night. Tel 082-7075538, email [email protected],
www.mountain-sanctuary.co.za.
Do this
Take an easy 15-minute hike to the Slide Pools,
where an icy stream flows over an area of flattened rock. Take your cozzie and a packed lunch
and make a day of it.
44 Getaway July 2013
Fantastic fishing
Walking down to the five dams on
Brookwood Estate and Trout
Farm, on the banks of the Blaauwbank River near Krugersdorp,
you’ll think you’ve stepped into
the rural English countryside. The
grounds are well maintained and
dams are fully stocked. All fishing
gear is available for daily hire and
fishing advice is free. The two,
cosy, four-sleeper chalets and one
two-sleeper cabin on the property
are popular, so make sure you
book in advance. Self-catering from R300 a person a night.
Tel 082-856-2448, email [email protected],
www.brookwoodtroutfarm.co.za.
Do this
The braai areas on the water’s edge are a nice touch – it’s always
good to know lunch couldn’t be fresher!
Gauteng weekends
Twitchers’ Eden
More than 400 bird species have been
recorded in Nylsvley Nature Reserve,
about 150 kilometres from Pretoria near
Mookgophong, making this wetland area
one of the top birding spots in Southern
Africa. Birdwatching is best between
March and May when water levels
recede, attracting large numbers of
waders and other water birds (it’s worth
investing in a pair of gumboots unless
you’re happy to squelch around barefoot). There’s a basic campsite without
power, as well as three comfortable selfcatering chalets, an old farmhouse and a
VIP room. Camping is from R30 a person a night and chalets are from R480
a night for a two-sleeper unit. Tel 015293-3611/2/3, email reservations@
golimpopo.com, www.nylsvley.co.za.
Do this
There are lots of hides, but Vogelfontein Farm’s Dabchick Hide is
our favourite. You’ll need to get the
codes for the locks and take a 15minute drive around the outside of
the reserve to get there. Look out
Rural retreat
Tucked away in the hills about 30 kilometres north of Dullstroom, the 12-sleeper Stone Tin Cottage is perfect for a
group of good friends or family to spend a quiet weekend
away whether you fish or not. Call ahead to check on the
roads; if it’s rained you’ll need a 4x4 to cover the last few
kilometres of dirt road. Even if it’s dry, it’s a bumpy ride,
so give yourself at least 45 minutes to get there from Dullstroom while it’s light. Pack your own fishing gear to take
advantage of the two fully stocked trout dams near the house.
for yellow-crowned bishops, pied
kingfishers, spur-winged geese and
squacco herons, along with the
resident herd of endangered roan
antelope. Also, climb the lookout
tower near the reserve entrance for
a great view over the floodplain.
Self-catering from R1 500 a night for up to six people (R250
a night for each extra person). Tel 083-391-5715, email [email protected]
Do this
Ask David Makua, caretaker of Stone Tin Cottage for the
past 10 years, to take you on a late-afternoon game drive
to the sunset spot above the cottage, and look out for blesbok, springbok, black wildebeest and reedbuck. R50 a group,
maximum four people.
www.getaway.co.za 45
Action and adventure
Komati Gorge Lodge, near Carolina, is all about freedom and perfect
for rock climbers, hikers, mountain bikers, horse riders, and even
those who prefer their adventure between the pages of a novel from
the comfort of a sofa near the bar. Climbers need to take their own
gear, but fishing kit, tubes for floating on the river and bicycles can
be hired. The lodge is pet-friendly (call ahead to arrange). We like the
cosy and private self-catering Leopard Suites, each of which sleeps
two and has a log fireplace and a big bathroom with a sunken bath.
For groups, Yellowwood Cottage sleeps up to 10 and has a kitchen,
lounge, patio and bar. From R735 a person a night in the Leopard
Suites and R3 990 a night for Yellowwood Cottage. Tel 017-8433920/04, email [email protected], www.komatigorge.co.za.
Do this
Slip on your takkies, fill your water bottles and hike to the top of the
gorge for a bird’s-eye view of the lodge at sunset. You need about
45 minutes to get to the top and remember to carry a torch if you
plan to descend after dark.
46 Getaway July 2013
Gauteng weekends
Magalies magic
In the northern foothills of the Magaliesberg, the pleasant rooms
and tranquil gardens of Sparkling Waters Hotel and Spa will
ease the terrors of traffic and city life. If that’s not enough, indulge
in a hot-stone massage (highly recommended), then tuck into a
delicious buffet each evening. B&B is from R560 a person a night
(set to go up to R615 in August). Tel 014-535-0000, email info@
sparklingwaters.co.za, www.sparklingwaters.co.za.
Do this
Zip between rocks and take in incredible views on a Magaliesberg
Canopy Tour (www.magaliescanopytour.co.za), with guides so professional you’ll never doubt your safety, yet so full of fun and witty
remarks your cheeks will ache by lunchtime. However apprehensive
you might be at the start, you’ll be sad when they unclip you after
the final swing. Costs R450 a person.
Birding hotspot
At first glance, Ezemvelo Nature
Reserve, near Bronkhorstspruit, doesn’t
seem like a birding hotspot. In fact,
you’re more likely to see the reserve’s
resident zebra, wildebeest and eland
than anything feathered. It’s only when
you drive slowly and start paying careful
attention to every sound that you realise
just what’s out there. Ground-dwelling
species such as Orange River francolins
and white-bellied korhaans are easily
overlooked, not to mention tiny cloud
cisticolas and well-camouflaged buffy
pipits. Keep in mind the gravel road
between the R25 and Ezemvelo is badly
corrugated and should only be driven
with a raised vehicle. The self-catering
huts next to reception are well equipped
and located along a small rocky ridge
that attracts mocking cliff-chats, lesser
honey guides and cardinal woodpeckers,
among many others. From R245 a
person a night. Tel 013-680-1399,
email [email protected],
www.ezemvelo.co.za.
Do this
Drive from the reception to Rhino House
and look for ant-eating chats and coqui
francolins along the way (as well as klipspringer on the ridges). Make your way
to the picnic site on the Wilge River and
continue on foot. Look out for giant, halfcollared and African pygmy kingfishers
as well as the elusive finfoot.
Wide open spaces
suggestion from
readers Celia and
Danie van Wyk
‘The only thing better than the view
over the mountains at Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve is
the cake and tea they serve on the
stoep on a Saturday afternoon.
Another highlight was a picnic
overlooking a large herd of black
wildebeest in the valley below.’
DB&B in the luxurious Sandstone Lodge costs from R615 a
person a night sharing. Activities
include abseiling, horse riding,
mountain biking and 4x4 trails.
Tel 051-933-2220, email info@
moolmanshoek.co.za, www.
moolmanshoek.co.za.
www.getaway.co.za 47
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Gauteng weekends
Hikers’ heaven
Few places offer as much hiking variety as
Golden Gate Highlands National Park, near
Clarens in the southeastern Free State. Whether
you’re parents with hyperactive toddlers, a group
of friends looking for a sundowner spot, or a
serious climber training for Kili, there’s a trail for
you somewhere in the shadow of Brandwag. If
you’re travelling as a group, book the farmhouse
at Glen Reenen Rest Camp, located away from
the main complex. The only lights you’ll see here
at night are stars. From R1 190 a night for the
first four people (maximum of six; raised vehicle
needed). Tel 012-428-9111, email reservations@
sanparks.org, www.sanparks.org.
Do this
The gentle, hour-long Holkrans Trail, which
starts and finishes behind the Brandwag Hotel,
is our favourite. The highlight is the Holkrans
itself – a gigantic hollow in the side of the cliff
face, lined with smaller crevices that seem like
portals to another universe.
Relaxed retreat
suggestion from reader Chris Voets
‘Old Joe’s Kaia in Schoemanskloof has a relaxed, country feel to it. The mountain views, lovely gardens
with a ton of bird life for twitchers, excellent food and attentive service make it a very special place for any
weekend break, not just as a stopover to Kruger. Look out for blooming aloes in the kloof during winter.’ B&B costs from R555 a person a night sharing. Tel 013-733-3045, email [email protected],
www.oldjoes.co.za.
www.getaway.co.za 49
Gauteng weekends
Waterfall wonderland
You’d be forgiven for expecting to see Orlando
Bloom in full, pointy-eared, Lord of the Rings
regalia step out from behind the trees on a hike
through Woodbush Forest Reserve in Magoebaskloof, near Haenertsburg. It’s a magical place
and drinking from fresh water streams and cooling off under icy waterfalls are added bonuses in
an already unforgettable hiking destination.
Do this
The Dokolewa Waterfall Trail overnights at
two of the area’s nicest huts: Waterfall Hut and
Dokolewa Pools. The challenging 43-kilometre
route goes through scenic plantations and indigenous forest. You have to be completely selfsufficient. From R105 a person a night for up to
16 people. Tel 013-754-2724, email ecotour@
klf.co.za, www.komatiecotourism.co.za.
A private paradise
Do this
Ever fancied your own house in the Waterberg bush, minus
the maintenance and hassle? Well, that’s what you get at
Lindani game farm. Hire one of a few fully equipped private
houses and cycle or hike the numerous trails on offer to your
heart’s content (there’s no need to panic about bumping
into toothy grins while you’re out for a cycle with your kids).
Even though it’s located on the edge of the reserve, a little
removed from the main cycling trails, we like Skebenga
Cottage (sleeps six), complete with swimming pool, outside
braai area (and gas braai – just in case it rains). Self-catering
is from R420 a person a night. You can order all or some of
your food already prepared from a nearby farm kitchen at an
extra cost. Tel 083-631-5579 or 083-809-4291, email info@
lindani.co.za, www.lindani.co.za.
Lindani regular Rowan
Duvel particularly enjoys
mountain biking on the
reserve. ‘There are loads
of great trails, but my
favourite is Rollercoaster
Ravine (a three-kilometre
trail best ridden downhill).
We usually take our own
mountain bikes, but you
can also rent them at R100
a day.’ (R70 if you pick
them up and drop them
off afterwards.)
50 Getaway July 2013
Evolutionary history
Whether you’re interested in evolution
or not, a trip to The Cradle of Humankind, one of South Africa’s eight World
Heritage Sites, is a must. Unwind in the
comfortable six-sleeper, self-catering
house on New Horizons farm, about
seven kilometres outside Magaliesburg.
It’s ideal for families with kids or pets.
The house is surrounded by fruit
and pecan-nut trees, as well as a
blood red Massey Ferguson tractor
and other farm implements for the
kids to clamber over. From R375
a person a night. Minimum house
charge of R950 a night. Tel 082293-3495 or 076-507-5525, email
[email protected].
Curious delight
suggestion from
reader Chene Swart
‘Whenever I’m seeking imagination and laughter, I go to Jan Harmsgat se Agterplaas, in
Cullinan, where Jan Harm Vorster’s junk-art
designs open my mind and inspire me. With
a garden full of surprises and attention to the
finest detail, the guest house will transport you
to another world.’
B&B from R700
a room a night. Tel
074-322-5225 or
082-255-2465,
email [email protected], www.
janharmsgat.co.za.
Do this
Spend a day immersing yourself in
evolutionary history at the Maropeng
Visitor Centre (www.maropeng.co.za)
with an underground boat ride and
interactive displays. Then use the next
day to explore the nearby Sterkfontein
Caves. A combination entrance ticket
costs R215 an adult and R130 a child.
Voortrekker fun
Every now and again, the urge arises to swap your rooftop tent or humdrum
hotel room for something new and exciting. Tussen-i-Bome Guest Farm in
Dinokeng offers just that – three unique, self-catering camps consisting of
authentic ox-wagons dating back to between 1860 and 1935. Each camp
is wonderfully designed, with a
cosy braai area, a large kettle
and, best of all, a barrel bath.
From R300 a person a night.
Tel 082-511-1169, email info@
tussenibome.co.za, www.tussenibome.co.za.
Do this
Take the necessary ingredients
and bake bread in the camp’s
bak-oond, a traditional clay
oven used by Voortrekkers
in the mid-1800s.
www.getaway.co.za 51
tons of fun
at a Resort
Ideal family break
Remember summer holidays as a kid when time was
measured by how often you’d been in and out of the
pool? Forever Resorts Badplaas is all of that freedom. Kids are kept entertained with all sorts from
mini-golf and paintball games to a go-cart track and
super tubes. There’s also plenty for mom, dad and
the grandparents, including tennis courts, restaurants
and fishing. Tel 017-844-8000, email [email protected], www.foreverbadplaas.co.za.
Do this
Park off in the Hydro Spa for the day. With hot
and cold pools and a range of spa treatments (from
full-body mud wraps to pedicures), you’re bound
to leave glowing.
Stay here
Although the Badplaas Hotel recently underwent
an impressive makeover, resulting in modern, comfortable rooms (from R925 a double room a night),
we suggest you book self-catering chalets LTC 64
to 69 (from R725 a two-sleeper unit a night) with
unobstructed views of the game reserve. If you’re a
camper, arrive as early as possible and try to get a
spot on stands 112 to 148 on Campsite A, which are
furthest from the entertainment area, but have the
best views. Camping is from R80 a stand a night
plus R51 a person a night up to a maximum of six.
52 Getaway July 2013
Gauteng weekends
Bush resort
Mabalingwe Nature
Reserve, near Bela-Bela,
consists of 12 500 hectares
of malaria-free bushveld and
has all the features of a
good family resort. Reader
John Miles says, ‘If the traffic
plays along, you could leave
the city after work on the
Friday afternoon and reach
Mabalingwe with enough
time to pitch your tent and
still enjoy the sunset. There’s
a good network of gameviewing roads within the
reserve, most of which you can drive with a Citi Golf.’
Tel 014-736- 9000, email [email protected],
www.mabalingwe.co.za.
Do this
Hand-raised lion cubs are available for petting at R30 a session
between 10h00 and 12h00 at the farm shop, and 14h00 and
15h00 at the caravan park.
Stay here
There’s a large caravan park with 67 shady stands and an
assortment of self-catering options. For groups of up to 10,
we recommend renting Sekelbosgat or Rooiboklaagte lodges
– they’re very private, each with four en-suite rooms, a fully
kitted kitchen, outdoor braai area and pool. Camping is from
R180 a stand a night plus R90 a person a day and the 10sleeper Rooiboklaagte house is from R3 500 a night.
Firm favourite
You only have to glance at the staggering list of attractions in and around
Sun City (near Rustenburg) to understand why so many Europeans migrate
south for the winter to stay at the resort’s hotels. If you pop in for the weekend, you’ll have to narrow down your to-do list.
Stay here
Book a luxury chalet at Kwena Gardens, which includes breakfast, as well as
access to the crocodile sanctuary, the main resort and the Valley of the Waves.
It’s substantially more affordable than some of the other options. Costs from
R1 550 a two-sleeper chalet a night. Tel 014-552-1262, www.kwenachalets.co.za.
Do this
Be superman for a few minutes and fly at
speeds of up to 120 kilometres an hour
down the Unreal zip slide (www.zip2000.
co.za), or get up close and personal with
the largest land mammals at Pilanesberg Elephant-Back Safaris (www.
pilanesbergelephantback.co.za). End the
day at The Shebeen (tel 014-557-1580)
surrounded by people dancing, playing
foosball and simply having a great time.
www.getaway.co.za 53
Gauteng
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Spend the weekend
exploring a town
Dullstroom
Take the relaxed charm of the Scottish Highlands, add a big dollop of South
African hospitality and you have the essence of what makes Dullstroom so
special. It’s a comfortable, cosy, neat little town about 2,5 hours northeast of
Johannesburg and is full of curious shops and restaurants overflowing with
home-made, arty, delicious and downright quirky delights. www.dullstroom.co.za
Clarens
Clarens has boomed and become busier in recent years, but art collectors,
coffee connoisseurs, beer fanatics and
cultural fundis still leave rejuvenated
after a weekend in the enchanting
town. It’s one of the most picturesque
towns in the Free State, with old sandstone buildings on either side of distinctive poplar groves, all enveloped by
the splendidly scenic Maloti Mountains.
www.clarens.co.za.
Stay here
Stay here
Do this
The architecture of Cherry Grove,
nicely set on the edge of town,
brings to mind images of Tuscany
with self-catering rooms overlooking
a cobbled piazza surrounded by
small galleries, craft shops, the
Green Olive Café, and the vibey
local pub The Duck and Trout.
Costs from R495 a person a night
sharing. Tel 013-254-0421, email
[email protected],
www.cherry-grove.co.za.
Visit the Birds of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre (www.birdsofprey.co.za)
one kilometre out of town on the road
to Belfast, and get to know owner
Mark Holder’s feathered family, which
include Landy the spotted eagle-owl
(because she leaks) and Sam the
enormous Verreaux’s eagle. Bring
along some extra cash for Colin the
pied crow and watch as he places
them in the sanctuary’s donations
bowl. Shows take place twice daily.
Eat here
Try the savoury bobotie pancakes
at Harrie’s Pancakes (tel 013254-0801) for lunch, then take a
breather and order the banana
and caramel one for dessert. The
Clock Shop (tel 013-254-0022)
next door, with more than 4 000
timepieces on display, is worth a
visit between helpings. If you’re
looking for a place with a familysized menu – and portion sizes to match – dine at Mayfly Restaurant and
Cocktail Lounge (tel 013-254-0332) just up the road from Harrie’s Pancakes.
Lake Clarens Guest House comes
recommended by Getaway reader
Genie Eloff, who frequently visits Clarens
and says it’s great because it’s so close
to the town centre. ‘It’s the ideal place
to stay, the breakfasts are scrumptious
and the friendly owner, Bruce Weyer, is
always willing to give advice to anyone
wishing to explore.’ B&B costs from
R550 a person a night sharing. Tel 058256-1436, email [email protected],
www.lakeclarensgh.co.za.
Do this
Take a stroll around the village square
and pop into the great selection of craft
shops and art galleries. End the day
with one of Clarens Brewery’s (tel 082901-4700) local beers.
Eat here
When your stomach starts rumbling,
head to The Street Café (tel 058-2561561) for pizza or tuck into robust German fare at Roter Hahn Beef Stube
(tel 058-256-1888), which has a lovely
view over the surrounding mountains.
www.getaway.co.za 55
Gauteng weekends
Hartbeespoort
About an hour’s drive north of Johannesburg, Harties is a big town – big enough
that we wouldn’t try walking it – that has somehow remained quaint. Take the cable
car (www.hartiescableway.co.za) for a bird’s-eye view of the town and dam, try out
local and lekker produce at Jasmyn farm stall, and park off at Cupz Café (tel 082773-5272), a garden café and crafts boutique with a kids’ play area that’ll make you
wish you were six again and flavoured cappuccinos that’ll make you glad you aren’t.
www.myhartbeespoort.co.za.
Something
for everyone
suggestion from
readers Servaas
and Liese Verster
‘There are a ton of things to do in
Parys. The guys can play golf on
one of two courses (Parys Golf
and Country Estate or Vaal de
Gráce) while the ladies browse the
EnStyle design showroom. Later,
everyone can go river rafting.’
Parys Tourism, tel 056-8814000, www.parys.info.
Stay here
Eat here
Do this
Villa Paradiso’s Victorian exterior coupled
with its lofty location overlooking the town
and dam may make you feel as if you
need a fully loaded credit card to stay, but
it’s surprisingly affordable and comfy. B&B
from R400 a person a night sharing. Tel
012-253-1848/7, email villaparadiso@
mweb.co.za, www.villaparadiso.co.za.
Visit Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij
(www.vangaalen.co.za) on the edge
of town, get a basket of delicious
cheeses, breads, crackers, pickles
and fruit, and pick a shady picnic spot
along the river. Costs R380 a basket,
excluding wine (place orders at least
24 hours ahead).
Jasmyn Plaasprodukte farm stall (tel
012-259-1183) is like a large, well-organised, indoor farmer’s market. Farmers from
the district keep it topped up with fresh,
dried, pickled and sugared fruits, nuts and
veggies; meat and fish of just about every
variety; and home-baked goodies to break
any diet. Pack the big coolerbox.
56 Getaway July 2013
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