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We started our trip at Shidzidzi Lodge in the Welgevonden
Private Game Reserve in the north-eastern part of the country.
No private cars are allowed into the reserve which covers
93,860 acres, and is still expanding.
The lodge is 1,353m above sea level although, when you
are there, it doesn’t seem to be that high as all around you is
comparatively flat countryside. En route to the lodge, our
4 . 4 had to stop to allow a zebra who was grazing on the road,
more of a dirt track, to move out of the way.
Shidzidzi accommodates ten people in five bungalows which
all have their own viewing terrace. Dinner, which is a gourmet
delight, is served at one large table overlooking the vast plain.
The atmosphere is very casual. If you don’t meet the other
guests on one of the two daily game drives, you will certainly
get the chance at mealtimes, when a lively house party
atmosphere is created.
Although our itinerary only allowed us two nights, it is such
a wonderful environment to chill out and relax in that it is
certainly worth considering a longer stay if you have the time.
Apart from being the administrative capital of the country,
Pretoria’s only merit for visiting is to take the Blue Train.
Having said that, it is apparently very pretty in October when
more than 60,000 mauve-coloured Jacaranda trees are in bloom.
We sipped South Africa’s equivalent of champagne, and very
drinkable it is too, in the reception area while we waited to be
introduced to our butler who escorted us to our compartment.
Although quite small, it had a bathroom attached, and was big
enough for a double bed, which folded into the wall and only
came out at night. Not surprisingly, the exterior of the train is
blue as is some of the interior.
Left
Shidzidzi lodge in the Welgevonden
Private Game Reserve
Below
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
in Cape Town
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Copyright 2002-2007
MQ Magazine
Web site created by Mark Griffin
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