Retreat magazine, destinations and leisure features The Susan Deacon Property Group http://www.susandeacon..co.za

1. re treat
D EST I N AT I O N & L E I S U R E M AG A Z I N E
FREE
EXPERIENCE
THE WATERBERG
Where to stay and
what to do
WIN WIN WIN
- Gorge swing and two nights at Vic Falls
- Open water diving course for two
- Digital cameras
- Beauty treatments
- Books
the waterberg issue
YOUR GUIDE TO SA’S BEST HOLIDAY SPOTS Retreat 3

2. 2 Editorial Retr eat 3
f you love the bush, but have small kids or simply hate taking malaria tablets,
I the Waterberg is an ideal option. Unspoilt Bushveld and home to the Big 5; we
explored Bela Bela, Modimolle, Vaalwater and Lephalale during our road trip.
Editor
Suzanne Grobler
We review two brilliant GPS devices and also tell you about a couple of Deputy Editor
Renier van Vuuren
fantastic new South African travel books – one focusing on mountain passes and
poorts and the other on lighthouses. Two copies of each book, beauty treatments Advertising
Renier van Vuuren > 073-166-1515
for 10 lucky readers, an open water diving course for two, and a weekend’s
renier@smartpublishing.co.za
accommodation at Vic Falls with a gorge swing for two thrown into the mix, are Anneke Kirchner > 083-301-9134
up for grabs in this issue. anneke@smartpublishing.co.za
Check out our brand new Retreat Guide section at the back of the mag for a Key Accounts
directory of places to go and things to do, and keep an eye out for our next issue Suzanne Grobler > 083-742-6370
which will focus on Gauteng’s shopping malls, restaurants, activities, and more. suzanne@smartpublishing.co.za
Design & Layout
I am standing in front of the lighthouse at Cape Agulhas situated at the most southerly point in Brett Wilson
Africa. Send me a picture and letter about your ideal “retreat” to stand in line to win great Canon Esta van Niekerk
cameras (p4). – Suzanne Grobler <suzanne@smartpublishing.co.za> Contributors
Mike Joubert
Thomas McKinnon
Inside Suzanne Grobler
Linda Pretorius
Christina Rupp
Regulars Hanleigh Daniels
Coenraad Rall
4 Letters Renier van Vuuren
18 Retreat Traveller’s Tales 19 17 23 30
Charl Beukes
19 Food & Wine: Recipe Raymond Grobler
30 Industry News Accounts & Subscriptions
Ronel Keet > 012-362-2732
Road Trips Distribution
6 The Waterberg: Unspoilt Bushveld Renier van Vuuren > 073-166-1515
renier@smartpublishing.co.za
Places to stay: Waterberg Business Manager
12 Thaba Monaté George Grobler > 083-460-0402
george@smartpublishing.co.za
13 ABBA Game Lodge
6 15
14 Bateleur Tented Safari Lodge
Published by
Business Traveller
15 Zuikerkop Country Game
Lodge
Lifestyle: Décor SMARTPUBLISHING
16 www.livingspacetoday.co.za MASS MEDIA SPECIALISTS
Books Distributed by
17 Lighthouses of South Africa
17 A Guide to South Africa’s
Mountain Passes and Poorts
smart distribution
Facial Therapy | Chemical Peels | Reflexology Tools for the bush
Liposun Africa Slimming | Acrylic/Gel Nails 20 TomTom XXL Copyright © 2010. All rights
reserved. No material, text or
NEW! Brush-on Instant Tan 20 Navigon 6310 photo graphs may be
21 Ovi Maps ease holiday reproduced, copied or in any
Soft laser light therapy for treatment of: other way transmitted without
frustration
the written consent of the
• pigmentation, age spots, skin rejuvenation and wrinkles publisher. Opinions expressed
• strechmarks, scarring, infections and hair removal Eco Smart are not necessarily those of the
publisher or of the editor. We
22 Titbits
• sports injuries and recovery recognise all trademarks and
23 Betta Lights Solar Power logos as the sole property of
Lighting Solutions their respective owners. Retreat
shall not be liable for any errors
or for any actions in reliance
Competitions thereon. All prices were correct
at time of going to print.
17 Book give-aways
17 Win beauty treatments
22 Win an open water diving
course for two All photo
24 Win an adventure-filled re treat and video
D EST I N AT I O N & L E I S U R E M AG A Z I N E
weekend for two at Victoria equipment
Falls used by Retreat is sponsored by:
Retreat Guide
25 Accommodation / Activities
28 Products / Services
Retr eat 3 www.r etr eatmag.co.za M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010

3. 4 Letters Dear Retr eat 5 Letters Dear Retr eat
Dear Retreat, Hi Retreat,
I have very dear friends with a This picture is of our “anniversary”
W in ni ng Ha ppy Snap & Lett er game farm in Natal near retreat. We spent a beautiful and
Empangeni, and once a year I relaxing weekend on the Harte-
am fortunate enough to spend beespoort
Dear Retreat, time with them, away from the dam. The
stress of what it means to live pic is of my
I happen to live near the Kruger and love to visit the and work in Johannesburg. husband on
park at every opportunity I get. Like so many people I My encounters with God’s the banks
love unwinding in nature. On this particular day we had creation during these times are of the dam.
been driving around the middle of the park and a source of refreshment and It is only 45
decided to head south toward Crocodile bridge. As we quietness that goes a long way min away
Hi Retreat,
made our way down we bumped into a herd of to helping me just pull myself from JHB
elephant, the little ones were so hot that they were towards myself. but once
This picture was taken early
lying at their mothers feet asleep in the midday heat. One morning last April, I got up just as the sun was rising to see if you are there it’s like you are far
morning in the Pilansberg Nature
We gently moved on there was any game at the waterhole near the cottage I was staying in. This away from the hustle and bustle!
Reserve. We don’t very often get
and met another photograph of the rising sun is a wonderful reminder of just how privileged we What a treat!
the opportunity for the whole
vehicle looking a little are to live in Africa – a continent where some of the most spectacular sunrises Karen Lochmberg
family to be able to go away for
lost so we told them and sunsets can be seen. The freshness of a new day is exciting! Despite the
a weekend together, but this was
about the wonderful many problems we may face living in this country, we are always guaranteed
one of the few lucky ones. The
sighting we had just that just as the sun sets on one day with all its challenges, the sun will rise
other problem is to get
had, they said they again the following morning and we have fresh opportunities to meet new
everybody out of bed early in
had had a pretty challenges and rise above our circumstances with a positive outlook.
the morning to go on a game
interesting sighting a Naomi Binns
drive (you can imagine the
little further down the moans and groans).
road of a dead impala So, this was worth the
and cheetah in a tree. complaints, coming over the
We immediately mountain and finding these hot
headed in the direc- air balloons right in front of us.
tion they had told us It was a spectacular view. Hi Retreat,
and sure enough Anneliese van Aardt
bumped into the sight- This photo was taken on a
ing. We sat and looked recent trip to Letaba in the
through the binos for A close second, well done. Kruger National Park. Letaba is
a while and decided to head off when suddenly a big a magical place set roughly
halfway up in the KNP. Dear Retreat,
tom leopard jumped into the tree and started to eat
the impala. All this took place in full daylight at 14h00 Bushbuck roam freely in the
camp, such as this one having a On Women’s Day I had planned to
±100 m off the road.
Hi Sean, much needed drink from the take my partner on a surprise
It truly is the best sighting I have ever experienced,
pond outside the Elephant escape to Durban Ushaka Marine
one can only wonder at what happened to the poor
Wow, what an awesome Museum in the extreme heat. World, but had to opt for a lower
cheetah, but it looks like it and the leopard had a
moment to have captured in Due to Letaba being further budget yet equally fulfilling outing
punch-up, judging by the leopards right eye.
pixels! This is certainly a once north, there are less tourists which makes it more of a relaxed place than to the Pretoria Zoo. We had lovely
The scene amazed us as predator can become prey
in a lifetime experience. some of the busier camps further down south. weather and learnt a lot about
in a flash, it also showed the harshness of nature, its
Congratulations on winning the The campsite was lovely and clean, and not busy at all. During the mid- marine living and wildlife. The day
beauty but above all its endless mystery.
second of five Canon PowerShot A470 cameras (sponsored afternoon drive, the temperature hit 40° C! Thank goodness for aircon. went by and as the Zoo was about
Sean Hensman
by Canon). –Suzanne We will most definitely be visiting the KNP again next year, and hopefully to close, some of the animals were
see that “ghost” of the bushveld, the Leopard, as it avoided us yet again. oozing sounds as if to say to us:
Chris Van Wyk “Goodbye and thank you for
visiting”. The trip was a spiritual
and therapeutic experience.
“Retreat” Reuben Rankapole
Happy Snap Hi Retreat,
& Letter This photo was taken during our visit to Mabula lodge in the
Competition Waterberg district in the Limpopo region. Being so close to the
Rhinos and other animals was by far the most wonderful and
5x prizes of R1499 each Grand prize of R9999 fulfilling experience I have ever had. We learned so much about
the animals and the way they live. One thing that I always
remember is the way the hyenas relate to each other and the fact
Win a Canon PowerShot A470 every issue for the next 3 issues of Retreat magazine Sponsored by: that they have a sense of love and unity among themselves (and
by sending us your picture and letter combo with the theme “Retreat”. Only the that they mate for life!).
best combo will win! All the entries will go into the draw for the grand prize (a Canon During our trip I felt so renewed and relaxed away from traffic
EOS 450D) which will be announced in Retreat 7. Happy snapping! and all the city has to offer. I have indeed enjoyed myself. We
can learn so much from the animal kingdom; tolerance, love and
Send your “Retreat” Happy Snap & Letter combo to the Editor at unity.
Competition runs from Retreat 2–7. Helen Tladi
letters@retreatmag.co.za (Please ensure your pics do not exceed 2MB). Competition open to SA Residents only.
Retr eat 3 www.r etr eatmag.co.za M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010 Retr eat 3 www.r etr eatmag.co.za M a r c h / A p r i l 2 010

4. 6 Road Trips Wat erb er g 7 Road Trips Wa t e rb er g
The Waterberg: Bela Bela (Warmbaths)
Unspoilt Bushveld F rom the N1 take a left onto the R516
and you’ll soon enough find yourself
in Bela Bela (formerly Warmbad), South
Africa’s premier hot springs resort town.
For this month’s Road Trip we packed the car and set Bela Bela is known for its temperate
off to Limpopo’s unspoilt Waterberg district. climate, and as a family holiday
destination it comes highly
recommended.
f it’s magnificent Bushveld you’re after, then your heart will
I find rest in Limpopo’s rustic Waterberg. Running from the
south of the province to the west on the border to Botswana,
Two resorts dominate the scene, both
equally entertaining. Forever Resorts is
where most of the hot springs action is.
the Waterberg mountains stretch for more than 14 500 km². 20 000 litres of water per hour, naturally
Due to its ruggedness a lot of land cannot be cultivated, so the heated to 53ºC, makes it way into the
Waterberg is home to a massive amount of game and bird beautifully developed resort. The resort
species. In fact, the Waterberg Biosphere was the first region sports a vast amount of water sport
in the northern part of South Africa named as a Biosphere activity including water ski-ing, tubing
Reserve by UNESCO. and super tubes. camping and self-catering facilities
The Waterberg is also extremely accessible, with the N1 Klein Kariba is one of the best kept makes it one of the most popular Modimolle (Nylstroom)
highway out of Pretoria and Johannesburg your primary route. resorts in South Africa. Their beautiful resorts in the country.
Picture: Reuben Heydenrych
If you can, try to stay in one of 7 km up the (curvy) road from Bela
the beautiful wood cabins over-
looking the dam.
2 Bela you’ll find yourself in Modimolle,
the commercial centre of the Waterberg
Two game reserves near Bela district. On your way try to stop at one
Bela that are testament to the of the many roadstalls to try some of
Waterberg’s beautiful wildlife are the region’s lovely peaches, watermelon
Mabalingwe and Mabula game or grapes on offer (or their mampoer if
lodges, while a multitude of they stock it!). During January
smaller game lodges are dotted Modimolle plays host to a Grape
around the area. A final mention Festival, with good reason, since locals
must be made of Zebula Golf will tell you this region produces some
Estate and Spa, South Africa’s of the sweetest grapes in SA.
only 5-star golfing resort, situated
just outside Bela Bela. >> Continues on p 8 >>
Villa Olien Guesthouse is set in Modimolle, in the Waterberg region,
some 130 km north of Pretoria, surrounded by splendid hot mineral
springs, peaceful nature reserves and a choice of game farms.
♦ Seven luxury villas available
♦ Each can accommodate five guests sharing in twin or double rooms
♦ Spacious lounge with television and individually controlled satellite channels
♦ A fully equipped kitchen is available for self catering purposes
♦ Scrump ous breakfast prepared by our professional chef on request
♦ Private braai facili es are available and each unit is surrounded by its own
in mate evergreen garden
♦ Each unit offers safe parking in lock-up garages
♦ 4 km away from the Waterberg Conven on Centre
Self Catering Villa R1 600 per night max five persons
www.villaolien.co.za
Tel: 083 443 2118 | Fax: 014 717 3772 | Email: guesthouse@villaolien.co.za

5. 8 Road Trips Wat erb er g 9 Road Trips Wa t e rb er g
Modimolle (Nylstroom) << From p 7 << Vaalwater
For bird lovers getting
your binoculars out at
Waterberg Eiendomme
Properties
Nylsvley bird and nature
reserve is a must, since a
massive 370 different bird
Attie Louwrens Jan Blignaut
species can be found
083-236-4387 083-355-2144
there. Nylsvley is situated
ajlouwrens@telkomsa.net 014-755-3760
to the north of the town,
with SA’s largest flood-
plain vlei forming part of
SEBE SEBE Lodge
the reserve. The Marekele
National Park “Place of Peace and Tranquility”
near Vaalwater
offers four of Sebe Sebe Lodge lies on the banks
the big five
including Lion of the Limpopo River, near
and Leopard,
Various properties from 21 to 8 000 and is also
Lephalale on the Botswana border:
ha. Game, cattle, irrigation farms and home to the
small holdings. Fully developed and largest colony • Perfect for weekend breakaways
of Cape
undeveloped farms available. All Vultures in SA, • Overnight spot enroute to Botswana
properties on the Waterberg plateau. with about 800 • Conference and func on venue
breeding pairs.
Between
Modimolle and
Vaalwater we
found a beau-
tiful waterfall
hidden away
off the road,
A trip to Thaba Kwena will be a treat for the kids. It is the which seemed
largest commercial crocodile farm in the southern hemisphere ideal for a
and plays host to some 22 000 crocodiles. They get fed every quiet little
Saturday, so make sure you go then. Crocodile meat (tastes picnic.
like chicken we think), and skin are available to buy.
Anglers should get a line wet in the Donkerpoort dam, just
outside Modimolle, where you’ll find Carp, Bream, Black bass South Africans have enjoyed the Waterberg since the
as well as Barbel. Stone Age, when the first inhabitants settled here about
three million years ago. With its large amount of game
reserves, camping sites, dams and a lot of local flavour,
all in a malaria free area, the Waterberg should be on
Vaalwater your “top 5 places to explore” list.
1 km from Bela Bela you’ll find yourself in Vaalwater, right
6 on the edge of the Waterberg Biosphere. The Waterberg
Nature Conservancy was established in 1990 to conserve more
than 150 000 hectares of Waterberg habitat. It plays host to a
number of animal species and incorporates local farms and
nature reserves, as well as a number of rural villages in the
area.
Close to Vaalwater you’ll find St John’s Church. Built in
1914, the church, with
its thatched roof, was
designed by Sir Herbert
Baker, also of course • Numerous game species and other wildlife
responsible for the
Union Buildings. • Home to abundant bird species
For those looking
for an “opskop”, Vaal-
• Wide range of ac vi es: game viewing,
water lets its hair down night drives, fishing, mountain biking, bush
with the annual Water-
berg Game Festival. It’s walks, hun ng can be arranged.
timed to coincide with
the last game auction of Contact Sebe Sebe Lodge
the year, and takes
place from 23 to 25 +27-83-456-6940
September.
Email: sebesebe@telkomsa.net
M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010 Retr eat 3 www.sebesebelodge.co.za

6. 10 Road Trips Wat erb er g
Lephalale (Ellisras)
The heartbeat of
the Waterberg
bushveld
Diverse Lephalale, previously known as Ellisras, is situated on
the northern side of the Waterberg Biosphere. Only three
hours from Gauteng, Lephalale is one of the last big towns
you’ll pass through on your way to the South African /
Botswana border at Stockpoort, situated 70 km further north,
and Groblersbrug, about ± 110 km away. It has become a major
stop-over for safaris into Botswana, but as a des na on on its
own, Lephalale is definitely well worth pursuing.
Into the wild… reserved past time, over 300 bird Facing a bright future…
Driving through this beautiful region it’s species can be viewed in the Lephalale Lephalale is not only about the past or
easy to see why Lephalale has become region, with quite a few rare and unique the present, but also, very much, about
synonymous with the Bushveld. Here species on display. the future. Eskom is building a new dry-
you’ll find miles and miles of untouched The Lephalale region truly caters for cooled, coal fired power station, called
nature, ancient trees and rolling every need. Everyone is welcome here: Medupi, in Lephalale. Another big player
landscapes that whisper of memories from the discerning tourist looking for in the energy field, Sasol, is currently
made under the wide African sky. This is five star lodge luxury, (flown in via the undertaking a feasibility study to build a
big five country, while an evening camp Lephalale airstrip), to the come-with-a- new coal-to-liquid fuel (CTL) plant in the
fire is never far away. About 250 game tent, braai-all-weekend camper looking region, while Anglo American has also
farms are scattered across the region, for care-free peace and quiet under the been investigating possibilities in the
with rustic to five star experiences on amazing Bushveld stars. area. All these operations are conducted
offer. Game viewing, eco-tourism and with a well managed impact on the
trophy hunting are big draw cards for Where it all started… environment.
both local and international visitors. All As a town Lephalale is not particularly Lephalale continues to capture the
this with the peace of mind that old. Established on the farm Waterkloof true spirit of the Bushveld. There is
Lepahlale is a malaria free area. in 1960, Ellisras was named after the enough space here for nature and man,
original farm owners Patrick Ellis and traditional values and modern
Sporty… or not? Piet Erasmus. The growth of the town development, to co-exist. Once you have
Those looking for thrills and spills are owes a lot to the development of the felt the heartbeat of the Waterberg, you
well catered for, since a wide range of Grootegeluk Coal Mine. It is currently will feel it calling you back for ever
adventure sports are offered in the South Africa’s largest coal operation and more…
region. Teeing off on an 18 hole also the world’s largest coal
‘evergreen’ golf course, rock climbing, beneficiation complex. You may also Contact
mountain biking, hiking, 4x4ing, micro- come across Matimba, the largest direct Visit www.lephalaletourism.co.za,
lighting, boating and fishing are just a air-cooled power station in the world, www.lephalale.com, call 076-238-
few of the sports to get the adrenaline which is supplied with coal from 0342 / 014-763-2193 or email info@
pumping. For those looking for a more Grootegeluk. lephalaletourism.co.za for more info.
Retr eat 3 www.r etr eatmag.co.za M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010

7. 12 Places to stay Wat erb er g 1 3 Places to stay Wa t e rb er g
some action. A and has a braai, as well as water and
putt-putt course, electricity. The scullery and ablution
jungle gym and blocks are kept clean through-out the
trampoline are day.
there for both the
Thaba Monaté young and the Contact ABBA Game Lodge If you are looking for a break-away with the family in the midst of 1100 ha
young at heart. With all this on offer, Thaba Monaté has game farm, then ABBA Game Lodge is the perfect choice. ABBA is situated
To do a lot, or Swimming pool
What is a resort
without a nice
swimming pool?
very competitive prices. Visit their web-
site at http://thabamonate.co.za,
email thabam@ctec.co.za or call them
on 014-736-2291/4131.
Game or fish? just outside of Modimolle (Nylstroom) next to a natural dam, far away
from any big city hustle and bustle.
not to do a lot Thaba Monaté
offers two, with
holiday goers being
able to relax next to
both a cool water
pool (fitted with a
crossbeam for
watersports) or a
cold water pool with
a heated section.
Having these to
cool you down when
10 km north of Bela Bela, Limpopo, you’ll find the sun is at its
yourself in the outer reaches of the Waterberg. hottest makes a big
difference.
Situated here on the edge of small hills is the lovely
Thaba Monaté bushveld and nature resort. Here The Bush Pig Inn
At the end of the
the choice is yours – you can take your me to day a relaxing drink
unwind and make your way through their 400 ha of Natural dam wildlife on offer. There is no fence
is in order, down at
There are a couple of standout features separating the camp from the game,
bushveld, or partake in what could be your most the Bush Pig Inn.
at ABBA, one of them being the lovely and we encountered Impala roaming
With DSTV on offer
ac ve holiday ever. dam located on the doorstep of its self- very close to the camping area (don’t
you won’t miss that
catering units. It’s small enough not be worry there are no predators in the
important Super 14
imposing, while being big enough not to mix). From the caravan sites you have a
clash, while there is
be mistaken it for a splash pool. A big view over a big part of ABBA’s 1100 ha day, so cooling down in the pool can be
also a pool table
benefit of the dam is that it is only open of grassland. Here one finds a wide a very soothing experience. There is
available if the
Game viewing for fishing to people camping at ABBA. variety of buck species, including Eland, also a heated pool for those with cold
rugby doesn’t keep you entertained. The
There is truly a lot to keep yourself, and Anglers can look forward to catching Kudu, Njala, Waterbuck and Springbok. blood running through their veins.
fully licensed restaurant offers a
the kids, busy with at Thaba Monaté. Carp, Barbel, Bass and Kurper in a You can also catch a glimpse of the Holiday makers looking for a tad more
delicious breakfast as well as an á la
First and foremost is the fact that it is a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. The name of Zebra and Giraffe, while the Bush pigs adventure can go canoeing or pedal
Carte menu during the day.
game farm, with access to the beautiful the game though is catch and release, come and go as they please. The game boating on the dam, while mountain
surroundings and wildlife through a and for those looking to take their catch can be viewed while hiking through the bikes can be hired to explore the game
Corporate booking and facilities
number of ways. The twice daily game home, the much larger Donkerpoort game park, or simply from your front lodge via pedal power. Old faithfulls like
Corporate companies looking for
drives are always a popular choice, dam is literally just round the corner. porch, since they roam around the the trampoline, a volleyball court and
conference facilities will find Thaba
while 4x4 enthusiasts can also explore lodge. If the game is not enough, outdoor chess offer an easy way to pass
Monaté a perfect choice. The Big Five
the game drive routes on their own. If Wildlife consider the multitude of bird species or the time. For the smaller kids, there is
boardroom offers seating for up to 150
you’re up for the challenge you can While some might enjoy the fishing, 52 tree species growing on the farm. enough to do at the children’s
people, with a range of seating styles
attempt to tackle the routes via others will delight in the amazing playground and farmyard, while they
available, including U-shape, Cinema,
mountain bike, while hikers have two Caravan camping can also enjoy a ride on the tractor and
Boardroom and Schoolroom. The follow-
walking trails to explore. ABBA’s neat caravan stands are a big trailer.
ing conference aids are also available:
The Koedoebessie trail lasts two and treat, since it’s not everyday that you
proksima and screen, flip charts with
a half hours, while the more challenging have a thatched roof to park a caravan The Warthog’s Den
pens, white boards and white board
Kiepersol route takes five hours to under. There are 15 of these sites, each For evening entertainment the
markers. Audio visual technology such
complete. Some of the game along the equipped with their own braai and Warthog’s Den is always open. The
as a DVD player, VCR, overhead
routes include Kudu, Nyala, Red Duiker, electricity. There is a comfortable space dining area is fully licensed, and an á la
projector and a television can also be
Klipspringer, Blue Wildebeest, Warthog, between all sites, and clean communal Carte menu is on offer, while breakfast
booked.
Zebra and Giraffe. As expected, bird ablution facilities are situated close by. can be enjoyed in the morning. There
watching is also top-notch. are pool tables available for those up for
Chalets
Self-catering an eight-ball challenge.
Thaba Monaté offers secluded, beautiful,
Fishing and sport There are eleven self-catering chalets The on-site shop will provide you with
thatched chalets that either sleep two,
Just a short walk from the main available, we recommend the four everything you need during your stay,
four or six people. These chalets include
reception area you’ll find yourself chalets overlooking the dam. Holiday including milk, firewood, sweets and
a braai area with linen, a microwave
coming across the local dam, stocked makers can relax in these fully furnished cooldrinks.
oven, stove and fridge. To keep the
with Bass and Carp. If you are up for a thatch roofed chalets, available in 2, 4,
bushveld atmosphere intact, there is no
spot of fishing there are canoes for hire, 6, and 8 sleeper arrangements. Contact
television or radio on offer.
while you can also try to catch them ABBA game lodge has very decent
from the banks. (A catch and release Activities prices for their caravan stands and
Caravan and camping
policy is in place.) There is a lot for any family to do at thatched self-catering units. Contact
The caravan and camping facilities at
If this is not enough to keep sport ABBA, making it ideal for vacationers them on 014-717-2362 or visit
Thaba Monaté have attracted campers
fanatics happy, there are also squash, either on a weekend stay or on a longer www.abbagamelodge.co.za for more
from across SA. Each site is spacious,
tennis and volley ball courts ready for break-away. It can get hot during the info.
Retr eat 3 www.r etr eatmag.co.za M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010 Retr eat 3 www.r etr eatmag.co.za M a r c h / A p r i l 2 010

8. 14 Places to stay Wat erb er g 1 5 Business Traveller F r e e S t a t e
Bateleur Tented Safari Lodge
Honest bushveld comfort
Ernest Hemingway famously said: “All I
wanted to do now was get back to
Africa. We had not le it yet, but when
I would wake in the night, I would lie,
listening, homesick for it already.”
This by the man who popularised
the word ‘Safari’ in the West,
when he we was enjoying
Africa in fully-furnished and
accommodated East-African
Dining
Safari tents, now commonly Breakfast, lunch and
known as Hemingway-style dinners are simple
tents. and refreshing and
enjoyed in the open Advertorial
Lapa dining room.
There is truly
W hile you can only truly experience
the bush if your lodgings are a
tent, there is no reason why this tent
something special about enjoying one of
the dishes less than 100 m from plains
game like Wildebees and Sable,
Open spaces enchance open minds
shouldn’t be anything but comfortable. quenching their thirst at the watering
Bateleur Tented Safari Lodge, hole in front of the lodge. Other activities
situated on the foothills of the Beyond the usual facilities and activities,
Waterberg Mountains in the Limpopo Pontoon cruise Bateleur offers Big Five game drives and
Province, offers this true bushveld Sundowner Pontoon cruises can be night drives, walking safaris, game
experience. With nine Hemingway-style enjoyed on the Palala river while tracking and casual fishing.
tents, complete with ensuite bathrooms admiring a true bushveld sunset. The To make the stay unforgettable you
and airconditioning, a little R&R in Palala river is ideal for bird watching, can also enjoy off-lodge activities like an
rugged-luxury is assured. casual fishing and crocodile spotting. outing to the White Lion project;
Elephant back safaris and a visit to an
Honest comfort Clay pigeon shooting archaeological pots site.
Each tent is furnished with a double Shouldering a 12 gage in the cool
bed, rattan furniture and a bar fridge. morning hours and Basic Conference Facilities
The well adorned bathrooms are fully spraying orange disks Seating 40 delegates,
equipped with all that is necessary to ‘full of lead’ is a real Bateleur offers basic
ensure a comfortable stay. stress reliever. conferencing facilities in
true bushveld style from ituated just outside Clocolan, between Restaurant
R175pp (includes lunch
and snack and drinks mid-
S the wide landscapes of the Eastern
Free State, Zuikerkop Country Game
The lodge’s upmarket restaurant offers
exclusive dishes like “Brie wrapped in
morning and afternoon). Lodge is ideal for a function or conference bacon, accompanied by sun-dried
AT
TRE Other facilities include a
swimming pool, jacuzzi,
with a difference.
Far away from the city’s rush,
tomatoes, drizzled with an exotic
strawberry pesto,” giving you a taste of
RE
lapa bar and boma. Zuikerkop allows you to clear your head Zuikerkop’s unique way of spoiling their
and invite innovative ideas to make the guests.
Rates most out of your conference. The lodge
R595 per person sharing hosts a practical and stylish conference Accommodation
or R695 per person sharing venue, equipped with the latest Guest accommodation includes two-
(including breakfast, dinner and a game technology in projection hardware, sleeper rondavels, double- and twin-
drive). Self-catering options are seating up to 80 delegates. sleeper chalets, and one charming
available at R395 per person. Groups of up to 80 can also use the honeymoon suite.
open air boma to brainstorm or to relax
Contact and mingle around a warm fire. A deck, With the right balance of tranquility,
Bateleur has too much to offer for just a which overlooks the private reserve, is good service and attention to detail,
one night stay – a weekend is needed to excellent for crisp outdoor breakfasts or Zuikerkop proves to be a great getaway
truly experience the African bushveld cocktails at sunset. and a premium conference and function
and the warm and welcome hospitality venue.
offered by Bateleur Tented Safari Lodge Activities Conference packages, which include
and its staff. Outdoor activities include game drives on a light lunch and refreshments, are
For more info, contact them on 014- their 1200 hectare estate, hikes for a available from R250 per person.
763-4064, 082-529-5997, email at more upclose experience with the more For more information contact them
info@bateleurlodge.co.za or visit their than 20 species of game roaming the on 083-389-0587, info@zuikerkop.co.za
website www.bateleurlodge.co.za. property, swimming or miniature golf. or visit www.zuikerkop.co.za.
Retr eat 3 www.r etr eatmag.co.za M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010 Retr eat 3 www.r etr eatmag.co.za M a r c h / A p r i l 2 010