Kruger to Kokstad

2017-12-08 | puppy1952

It poured on our last night in The Kruger National Park and it was still raining lightly when we woke up this morning. So packing up was a bit of a mission but we got it done quickly and were on our way by 6:30 am. Other than impala we saw little else on our way out at Malelane Gate.

It rained most of the way to White River too. The rain is much needed so we did not complain! Lauren’s ex principal, Nick who now lives in White River arranged for us to leave our caravan at his friend Dawie’s house. It was a mission reversing it up the curved driveway and almost impossible to get it under the car port. But Dawie called on reinforcements from his school to push it the short distance the Everest couldn’t manage. We are most grateful that we didn’t have to tow it back to Kokstad only to bring it back again in a few weeks time. Thanks so much Nick and Dawie.

After having a quick breakfast in town we were on the road again at 9:!5 am. We encountered a lot of traffic on some of the roads which caused a bit of angst and stress but then things improved and The Earl got into the trip and didn’t want to stop for anything other than fuel. We got to Howick at 5:00 pm and I suggested we spend the night there as the next part of the road would be hectic with potholes. But The Earl refused – he wanted to make it all the way to Kokstad and was not tired.

Uh oh – we should have followed my instincts. The road was dreadful. Not only was it hectically misty we also had to play dodge the pothole and watch out for the livestock appearing like ghosts on the road. There were a few near misses but finally we made it to Underberg by 6:15. No way was I going to let The Earl drive on in the dark. I didn’t have to ask twice! We were both stressed out and exhausted.

Thank you Sani Window for taking us in at short notice. After a quick freshen up we headed to The Grind for Pizzas which were excellent.

I needed that glass of wine!

We had a really good night’s rest and enjoyed an excellent breakfast at this most beautiful B&B.

Wonderful View

Scrumptious Breakfast

Simon was the only one home when we arrived at the farm. It was the last day of school for the teachers and Shannon had gone in with Lauren to help finish off.

The weather was lovely this morning but this afternoon it clouded over and Lauren said she thought there’d be a storm and was looking forward to lots of rain. Well – she got her wish in a big way. She’d just left to take Audrey (her housekeeper) home for the weekend and I’d just crossed the lawn to our little flat in the garden when the heavens opened. It sounded like rocks were hitting the tin roof but it was hail! It went on for half an hour.

Hail on the lawn – the car seemed unscathed.

We seldom get hail in The Cape so this was an exciting event for us. Lauren didn’t understand why I was worried about her out in this dangerous weather!

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Sani Valley Lodge Day 1 and 2

We were woken at some unearthly hour with steaming cups of coffee and instructions that there was lots to do so we’d better get up. Really – we’re on holiday! But wait today was the day we were to go to the most beautiful trout lodge in the country – Sani Valley at the foot of the Drakensberg.
So with the kids in the back, a shopping list for supplies and instructions to meet the parents at The Lemon Tree at 12:30 sharp we set off for Underberg at quarter to 10. The drive from Kokstad to said destination is utterly stunning and we were blessed with the most glorious weather. Let the photos do the talking!

Cape Town has a beauty of its own but when we don’t feel that we are truly in African until we cross the border of the Western Cape and the further north we go the more African it becomes.
Underberg has the true African feel about it. We stopped her to make our obligatory visit to NUD’s Sports Shop to stock up with fishing tackle. Simon also scored a new fishing rod and a soccer ball. Shan we’ll make it up to you soon!

Next we did the grocery shopping at the local Spar before meeting the parents at the appointed time. The Lemon Tree has a patio section under a tree where we sat to enjoy our lunch – Spinach and Feta pancake for me, Eggs Benedict for Allan, Smoked Trout for Earl, Mega Hamburger for Lauren and toasted sandwiches for the kids.

The last stretch to the lodge is quick but we took it slowly so as to get a coupe of bird photies. The parents went ahead and checked us in.

As soon as we arrived Earl had to get down to see his boat and throw in a line.

As fete would have it our friends from Australia landed up being booked at Sani on the same dates as ours! They arrived at 4 after a long drive from Hogsback. We arranged for them to have a braai with us and a fabulous time was had by all as the weather was perfect.

This morning I was in a deep doze when the sound of voices woke me. It was before 7 a.m. but Nicoline and Sean had made an early start from Kokstad and were ready to rouse Allan and Earl to go fishing!
While they were out on the lake with the Simon and Scott (in stages) Nicoline, Lauren and I took a walk. We found Eric and Wendy at the Boathouse having a luxuriously catered breakfast. The day was brilliant again. In fact my early rising enabled me to get a good sunrise shot.

What a view for breakfast

Looking toward the Boathouse

We continued our walk and I took photos of Sunset where they are staying. It has a view over a smaller dam that joins onto the larger one.

Here are some photos of the guys on the water.

Our lodge – Rainbow

Lauren and Nicoline greeted a friendly cow.

When the guys were back from fishing we enjoyed an Early Breakfast and then more fishing, chilling and chatting. The Bakers then took their leave at lunchtime and it now looks like we may get a thunderstorm. On the other hand it could clear and the sun might shine again soon. That’s all for now as I have managed to get online at reception – no wifi or MTN coms in the lodges!

Post script
Have to post these last to piccies

Spring Break – Off to Sani Valley Lodge

2012-10-06 | puppy1952

2 October 2012

The kids once again kindly woke us with cups of strong coffee before we got up for a delicious “Early Breakfast” We were due to check in at our next destination at 2 o’clock so there was time to do some chores for Lauren first. Now that summer is on its way she needs the fan in the lounge to work so she and Dad got stuck in to repair it.

Father and Daughter working out the Fan Puzzle

And I did some last minute bonding with my grandchildren

Simon, Granny and Fat Cat

Shannon, Granny and Fat Cat

Simon had a play date at his friend Hayden’s farm. Now he couldn’t just jump on his bike and ride over and nor was walking an option as the distance was quite a few kilometres – but we were able to save Lauren a drive as we were passing the farm on our way to Underberg:-)

Going anywhere in the district is always a pleasant drive and we spotted this buzzard soon after dropping Simon.

Steppe Buzzard

The drive to Underberg is spectacular with the Drankensberg looming up before you, the green, green vegetation and the splashes of dams and lakes everywhere

A typical view in KZN

Giant’s Castle

We did some shopping at the Underberg Mall and then drove on to Sani Valley Lodge which is at the bottom of The Sani Pass which takes one into Lesotho.

Approaching the Entrance

We we welcomed warmly by the gate guard and a beautiful Blesbok.

Greetings from a Blesbok

To us this is the most peaceful and wonderful place to be if you want to relax, enjoy Nature and fish. There are three stunning dams stocked with trout and if you, like us, enjoy birds – you won’t be disappointed.

The Stonechat is seen regularly

The main Dam

The Bottom Dam

Pin Oaks line the drive to reception

Our accommodation, Early Mist 1, is self-catering and like all the other lodges incredibly well equipped. We even had a coffee plunger jug.

Our Lodge Early Mist 1

Dining area and kitchen

Lounge

Bedroom

: View from Bedroom

The highlight was the Jacuzzi

We were surrounded by wildlife, both birds and animals. The zebra could be seen but did not come up to close. Buck came to graze nearby in the evening and there were plenty of water birds to keep us amused while we lay in the Jacuzzi.

Black-headed Heron

Crowned Crane

Earl of course could not wait to get out on the Lake but could only get a boat for an hour. After that he went to try his luck from the bank of the little dam right in front of our lodge, before cooking up a wonderful dinner of chops and chicken wings on the braai.

To be continued ……