Meanderings - Romantic hideaways in the Berg

The Berg is lush, and full of life. Driving through it I forget more than once that I am not wearing plutonite lenses from Oakley, the sort that enhance greens and blues. The vertical golf courses really are as green as they appear. The mountains, forever statuesque, usher in an abundance of life, from swirling storks to bouncing butterflies. It does something to the traveler passing through. I’m imbued with a lust for life. I wonder where I will find the essence of all the elements of the Berg.

Luxury at Moorcroft Manor

The moment you drive down the oak lined avenue, into Moorcroft Manor (2km from Himeville), you can sense it’s a five star establishment. It is elegant, and stately, with expansive views of the Berg. We find a threesome wiling away the afternoon with a few cups of tea, discussing birdsong while the light stretches its long silky fingers over the Berg. The Manor has 8 classically decorated bedrooms, all of which have a bathroom en suite. Each room has its own patio, and there are many comforts, like hot water bottles for every bed. The Himeville Tennis Club is 5 minutes away, and Trout Fishing is available on a dam in front of the Manor. Moorcroft Manor is a place for rest and relaxation. Leave the kids at home and get ready for pampering and excellent service.
For more information call 033 702 1967 or visit www.moorcroft.co.za

Light Your Fire in Loteni

The road through the Loteni Reserve is best seen in the late afternoon. The attractive scenery en route includes tall plantations carved neatly into the rolling countryside. Loteni is 72km west of Nottingham Road village. It means ‘in the ashes’, a name derived from the dark shales that give the area its burnt appearance. In the reserve is a hutted camp with breathtaking, point blank views of the sheer heights. There are 12 self contained bungalows, each with their own refrigerator and other basic amenities. Visitors should bring their own food. Bring meat as there are braai facilities in front of each bungalow. Loteni is not pretentious. It’s no frills accommodation for couples who want to get away from it all, just soak up the scenery, and listen to the river gushing by. It’s especially suitable for nature lovers and those seeking private communion with nature and…well…ahem.
For bookings contact Pricilla at 033 702 0540
Or visit:
www.drakensberg-tourism.com/loteni.html

Unwind at ‘The Bend’
On the southernmost spur of the Drakensberg is a special place along 4km of the Mooi River. The Bend Trout Lodge and Nature Estate is not far from Midmar Dam, and just 10km from Nottingham Road village. It’s called ‘The Bend’ because of the way the river runs through it. ‘The Bend’ offers good value, and seems to have an almost perfect balance of what a hideaway in the Berg out to have.

‘The Bend’ is immediately comfortable, a home away from home. It feels like Shakespeare’s cottage in Stratford, especially on the outside. Inside it is warm, modern and medieval – a heady mixture. There are dreamy four poster beds and spacious baths with lots of tasteful art and African styled decorations. It was the home of a Spanish family, the Holgado’s, since 1983. Today it is a Nature Estate, where trout fishermen flock, true loves enter into wedded bliss and it draws those merely seeking tranquility with more than a touch of romance.
The hospitality of the hosts is complimented time and again in the Guestbook, and so is the food. Sheila Holgado, the owner, made me a steak falafel when I arrived. It was perfect, and the minty salad had the best olives I have ever tasted. There are also horses and some good tracks heading through half wild forest with beautiful views of Giant’s Castle – so if you have a mountain bike, bring it. If there’s someone you love, come to ‘The Bend’ and fall in love all over again.
Contact Sheila Holgado at 033 266 6441 or visit www.thebend.co.za

Cleopatra – Simply Stunning

Where to begin? It’s hard to find fault with a place where even the President chooses to spend Christmas – and not just as a once off either. Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse calls itself a Gourmet Getaway, but it’s far more than that. It is the manifestation of the very talented Poynton family. The attention to detail of Richard and Mouse Poynton, and their daughters Donna and Tasha, is astonishing, and quite wonderful.

Cantilevered over a dam filled with trout, are the lounge and dining room. I arrived in the middle of a shower of rain, and the lounge was positively cozy. I immediately felt like curling up in front of the crackling fireplace with a good book while the rain was drawing tiny circles in the water outside.

If food is your bliss, the six course dinners will delight. Richard is a master chef, the author of one of the Best First Cookbooks in the world, and his guests are his willing patrons. The kitchen, a chessboard full of pieces of silver, is a pristine cooking surgery. Cleopatra has been voted one of the top 10 South African restaurants year after year.

Each room is a thematic experience, from Room 1 (A Walk in Italy) to Room 11 (The Cowboy Room). The rooms suit every taste, and are as stylishly elegant as the rest of the Farmhouse Italy) to Room 11 (The Cowboy Room). The rooms suit every taste, and are as stylishly elegant as the rest of the Farmhouse.

Cleopatra is without doubt one of the top honeymoon destinations in the country. There are a host of other activities (besides honeymooning) in the area.
• 5 minutes drive above the Farmhouse is Highmoor Nature Reserve. Its 1st dam is the perfect place for a picnic.
• Horse Riding on Appaloosas (spotted horses) is just down the road at Berg Trails.
• A Crane Rehabilitation centre is located nearby.
Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse is in the Kamberg Valley near Giant’s Castle, on the road to Highmoor.

For details call 033 267 7243 or visit www.cleomountain.com