Skimming Stones | Sula's Blog | Sula1968 A South African poet, potter and mother
Choosing accommodation for Cliff’s birthday weekend away I took a few things into consideration, price and the distance from home are top of the list. After narrowing down our options I checked reviews and felt comfortable choosing Monyane Lodge. If I could give an award for the best hospitality ever Des and Elna would win, they were fantastic!
Driving to Monyane Fjord (age 6) said that he wished we would go to a place with no electricity. We told Des and Elna that they could hold him responsible for the 2 power outages during our visit. The brief lack of electricity was no real inconvenience, we actually enjoyed the absolute peace. Overall our stay was wonderfully tranquil.
I cannot feel too magnanimous in arranging the trip for Cliff, I probably enjoyed his birthday as much as he did. On Saturday morning we did a hike on the property which took about an hour and a half (would be quicker without small children), after walking under the African Summer Sun the swimming pools were delicious. We idled at the pool for a long time enjoying the water and the setting of the terraced gardens. Cliff and Fjord played putt putt while I pottered with food preparation. In the evening we cooked on a braai watching distant lightning illuminate Acacia trees, bush and clouds around us, a perfect way to end the day while sipping bubbly. The symphony of the African bush is the most perfect music.
After our meal and a cup of tea the storm arrived and relieved us of artificial light by knocking out the power. The evening was rounded off in romantic candlelight.
We stayed in unit 4 which is a 5 sleeper overlooking the lawns where peacocks, squirrels and chickens visited. Antelope sometimes graze on the lawn in the evenings, particularly in winter, but we were not lucky enough to see any. Unit 3 is a 4 sleeper and feels a bit more spacious with the kitchen being open plan. I had a peek at the 2 adjoining mountain chalets, they are lovely with great views but I agree with the recommendation that these are not particularly suitable for families with small children. The top part of the farm which borders Mabalingwe is unfenced, apparently Kudu visit now and then and munch away the lemon trees on the lawn.
Bela Bela (Warmbaths) is a perfect area to visit from Joburg over a weekend, from our home in Boksburg it was only 187km, and Monyane is an excellent choice as a destination. Over the past 2 months we have travelled extensively, including trips to Zululand and the Cape. We have seen many beautiful places but this weekend was the most relaxing for me, to unwind and soak in the bushveld is real chicken soup for the soul.