Experiencing Ekuthuleni, Welgevonden Private Game Reserve

Far too often do we get tired of the hustle of our lives. 

Even so, sometimes travel can seem a little overwhelming. The thought of packing, unpacking, repacking, transfers, check-ins, flights etc all to arrive at a destination can be a deal breaker for that holiday you have been dying to go on. Well, what if I told you that a mere 3 hours drive from Johannesburg is a little piece of paradise that is uncomplicated in its beauty and is a thriving oasis for wildlife. 

Ekuthuleni is situated in Welgevonden private game reserve. A magnificent piece of land teeming with life. I flew into OR Tambo International airport (JHB) and took an easy drive to my destination. If you live in Johannesburg then you really don't have much of an excuse not to explore this part of the world! 

I really wish I knew about it when I did! You get to stay in the lap of luxury and experience the African Bush and its Big Five on safari without having to break a sweat behind the wheel.

That’s a drive I can really get behind. 

The Lodge is centrally situated within the reserve and previously was the manor house. It has a cozy and warm ambiance to it with beautiful screeded floors and leather furniture overlooking a grass plain that hosts local impala and warthog. With a watering hole, you might even spot an elephant coming for a drink in the heat of the day, as we did. The pool is inviting and I must admit I spent a fair amount of time getting my vitamin D fix! 

The rooms are luxurious and cozy with large king size beds. The glass doors open up onto a patio overlooking the grass plain where you can enjoy the view from the comfort of your room. The bathrooms were a treat to experience as you can open the doors up and experience nature in all its glory whilst soaking away your city blues in a giant bathtub!

I cannot say this enough; the food was fantastic. One of the perks of being closer to the thriving metropolis of Jozi, this lodge has the benefit of fresh produce and they sure make the most of it. Often remote game farms lack freshness in their approach to food. Not at Ekuthuleni. With local chef Laptop cooking up a storm, I was in food heaven. His food is home cooking with local flair. Ekuthuleni is a family lodge and there is something to eat for everyone. From fresh salad to aubergine bakes and gnocchi we were treated to a feast. The best part? Each evening we dined in a new location. Either under the stars, in the boma or in the manor house around a crackling fire. Each setting and meal perfect in their own right. 

You will be treated to two game drives a day. With a knowledgeable ranger that will teach you all, there is to know about the environment. The game drives last about three hours and includes a halfway stop in nature to enjoy a cup of coffee or sundowners in the evenings. Nothing goes down quite like a cold gin and tonic! Not a bad way to watch the sun go down over the African Bush. 

With attentive staff and friendly service, I felt completely immersed in Luxury and spoilt with the magnificent game sightings! 

We watched a mother Lion chase two cheeky Cheetah siblings encroaching on her turf and were treated to the privilege of watching her walk her cubs around. 

As if that wasn’t enough I also watched a young elephant bull take a rowdy mud bath complete with the sounds of gleeful trumpeting and experienced the sentient presence of a herd of Rhino's grazing just meters from me. I would be hard-pressed to describe a more humbling experience.

It truly was a game packed experience and as a bush lodge, Ekuthuleni delivers. On. Every. Level.

***COMPETITION TIME*** 

Would you like to win 2 nights for 2 people at this magnificent establishment? Then all you need to do is, like The Truffle Journal on Instagram and Facebook and Ekuthuleni on Instagram and Facebook, then comment below on this blog post on who you would take with you and why.  Prize valued at R21 200.00 excluding all transfers. T's & C's apply. 
*Values are as per above (for 2017 they increase for 2018)
Competition closes Friday 10th November at 5pm. 

-Melissa 

Coast to City with the Cape Collection

I have been dying to take a road trip and just get out of town recently. When the offer came up to do one I just had to jump at it!

Taking a trip from city to coast was the theme and my first stop, Hermanus. 
A small town about two hours outside of Cape Town famous for the magnificent Southern Right whales that visit every year. 
The town is quaint and is an absolute must-visit for tourists and locals alike. 

Adorned with sculptures by local artists and look out points at every turn; I couldn't help but keep a look out for a whale (even though I know they only arrive in winter around June/July)

If you find yourself in Hermanus and are looking for luxury accommodation, then One Marine Drive is for you. Part of the Cape Collection, this property boasts several rooms all with arty design elements.

Their immaculate attention to detail is what makes the establishment stand out. The rooms are spacious and come standard with an iPad to browse the internet or listen to music. 
As if that wasn't enough, you are also supplied with a cell phone containing local numbers and emergency numbers in case the need arises.

The staff are wonderfully helpful and assisted with whatever query or need I had. 

They advised on some great walks that I could go on, which places to dine at and always had an anecdote or two to share about their (not-so-little) town. 
The pool is nothing short of inviting and a must visit for a sunny relaxing moment with an ice cold drink in hand. As I enjoyed some R&R time I could feel the stress melting off me! 

I took a long walk along the shoreline with a friend of mine and we did a spot of whale scouting (again they are currently in Antarctica but a girl can dream) 

I stumbled upon a local spot called Dutchies which is great for a light meal and good glass of wine. They are located right near the beach; where you only need to take a short walk through the local forest and pop out right on the B-Spot (that’s the equivalent of the G-spot for a sun worshipper). 
Watching sunset offered me the opportunity for some mindful breathing and introspection...Something I rarely get time for. 

On the itinerary for dinner was Origins. I highly recommend them if you are looking for an elevated five-star dining experience that will leave you more than satisfied.

Make sure you have the pear tart - You can thank me later! 

With a happy heart and my appetite satiated, retreating to my accommodation was a welcome treat.
With a fully stocked tea station, peppermint tea was on the agenda to accompany my current read before a night of sweet sleep. 

After a night at the coast, it was time to return to the city lights. Blackheath Lodge was my destination and in almost every respect, not at all what I expected. 
Upon arrival, I was met with gracious hospitality and a glass of wine. I found my way to the gorgeous swimming pool and enjoyed a quiet break taking in the sound of the flowing water. Blackheath lodge is an oasis. Quiet and peaceful yet close to everything you could need! Tucked away in the city of Cape Town this beautiful house is an old victorian design that has been transformed. With gorgeous wooden floors and high ceilings, the rooms are comfortable and elegant with the same attention to detail as One Marine drive. The Cape Collection has truly thought of everything to offer their guests comfort. 

Book private tours of Cape Town from the comfort of the guest house where the staff is more than willing to talk you through any questions you may have about local attractions. 

I always feel proudly South African when I can hear a foreign couple at the next table talking about how spectacular their stay has been and how the attractions have blown them away. I wasn't surprised when I overheard a British couple at dinner saying that their accommodation was a treat and a true haven of peace and quiet in the city. 
That night, I decided not to venture out of my oasis in search of dinner but rather stay in and try the on-site fare. On the menu was their famous Bobotie (a traditional Cape Malay dish made of curried mince) and for dessert, Malva pudding (a traditional baked dessert of Cape Dutch origins). 
A true taste of local cuisine. 

After a perfect nights sleep and a fresh enlivening breakfast, the time came to say goodbye. 

All in all an incredible two-day road trip experiencing what is on offer with the Cape Collection. 

I’m definitely a fan.