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Holiday spots that are close, closer and the closest to Jozi

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The writer’s daughter, Frances, looking for tadpoles in the sparklingly clean river that Valley Lodge and Spa overlooks PICTURE: GAYLE EDMUNDS
The writer’s daughter, Frances, looking for tadpoles in the sparklingly clean river that Valley Lodge and Spa overlooks PICTURE: GAYLE EDMUNDS

Finding a getaway that offers enough excitement for children and adults alike, that is not too expensive and not too far from Joburg, can be tricky. Here are three places that got the stamp of approval from Gayle Edmunds’ daughter, Frances.

Valley Lodge and Spa – Magaliesburg

Where?
In Magaliesburg, about 500m off the main road, is an oasis of luxury, with zebras grazing at the entrance and on the lawns by the large swimming pool. The rooms are spacious and decked in dark wood and velvet, with thatched roofs.

Why go?
It is a sho’t left getaway that is perfect for a one- or two-night stay. Its heavenly, world-class spa is one of the best I have been to. It has a jacuzzi, sauna, heated swimming pool, and food and drinks on tap while you wait for your therapist to take you away for one of many treatments. I had a stress-releasing hot stone massage that was expertly executed. At lunchtime you can enjoy a pizza by the gigantic pool and the therapists from the spa offer foot and hand massages. Dinner and breakfast are buffets in the dining room, which means there’s something for everyone in the family. Buffets are particularly helpful for people with fussy children, as there is plenty to choose from.

There are four game trails for walking and although they are in need of re-marking in parts, it’s difficult to get terribly lost. It is great for birdwatchers and there are porcupines, which we weren’t lucky enough to see, but we picked up a number of quills on our walk. One of the trails, the Zeederberg Trail, has a historical theme and along the way you will find stone cattle kraals, probably built by King Mzilikazi’s followers, as well as 100-year-old exploration digging in the quest for gold. There’s even a blue gum tree that is estimated to be 110 years old.

Another highlight is boating on an idyllic part of the river. It is a slice of natural delight for the family – tadpoles, frogs, fish and birds for the children to study while they safely row up and down the river.

The writer’s daughter and husband take a leisurely punt on the river to look at birds and hunt for frogs PICTURE: GAYLE EDMUNDS

How much?
Bookings start at R2 200 per night for a room, for two adults sharing. Children under seven years old stay for free. There are also all-inclusive packages and specials available.


Frances says:
The pool had a lot of space to play games in and I played water tennis. I would like to go back there because I loved the view of the mountains and the trails. There were also zebras! We saw a baby zebra on the way to the hotel. There are lovely bird-sighting areas too.

Lakenvlei Forest Lodge – Belfast

The log cabins in the forest are a perfect place for children to ride their bikes and have adventures, such as building forts PICTURE: GAYLE EDMUNDS

Where?
A few kilometres from Belfast on the road to Dullstroom is a perfect family getaway. In the middle of a 4 500ha pine forest plantation are 12 log cabins nestled beside a dam.

Why go?
The log cabins – six four-sleepers and six eight-sleepers – have huge fireplaces, free firewood and are fully decked out and fully serviced. It is possible to book meals too if you are averse to cooking, as there is a restaurant and bar overlooking the lake.

The lodge has horse-riding, tennis courts and boating on the dam. It is also ideal for cyclists and birdwatchers, and fly-fishing (you need your own kit). It is quiet and cool because of the trees, meaning that even in summer you need to remember a jersey.

Dullstroom has a host of places to eat and shop in if you don’t fancy the tranquillity of the forest. However, the setting of this getaway is glorious. Make a 40-minute round trip to Milly’s just outside Machadodorp for their legendary trout pies – they are well worth the jaunt.

How much?
R420 per person on weekends and R380 per person during the week. Children and adults pay the same.

Frances says:
Tessa, Natalie and I made a big fort out of sticks and pine needles. We rode horses; their names were Silent, Spirit and Sandstorm, and Jemma was the foal. We also went on canoes. It was a lot of fun.

 

Sycamore Avenue TreehouseBelfast

Where?
On the way to the seaside, perfectly placed to wander about the Midlands Meander, is this fantasy treehouse hideaway at Hidcote.

Dangling from the roof of the wooden treehouse were wooden planets of our solar system PICTURE: GAYLE EDMUNDS

Why go?
You get to sleep in one of six treehouses made entirely out of wood! We stayed in the Planequarium Treehouse, where planets dangle from the ceilings and fish hang on the walls. With tiny rooms, these treehouses feel like something out of Hobbiton, only in the sky rather than underground. There is also hiking and horse-riding nearby. One of the highlights is the home-cooked food. The breakfast is regular English fare, but the hearty, abundant dinners are delicious. The fussy children ate everything on the menu, including the leek and potato soup.

How much?
At least R995 per person per night sharing, including dinner, bed and breakfast. Children under three years old are free, and those aged between three and 11 are half-price.

The bathroom of the treehouse is connected by a bridge and is a huge room with a shower that overlooks the Drakensberg PICTURE: GAYLE EDMUNDS

Frances says:
Sam, Rachel and I loved the two sheep dogs and we kept playing ball with them. There was also a hammock that we kept fighting over and the food was lovely.

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