Port Elizabeth- The Valley of Desolation – forbidding name, inviting sights just outside and high above pretty, historic Graaff Reinet in the heart of the Karoo.
Our reluctance to leave Mount Camdeboo Private Reserve was quickly forgotten as we headed around the large dam and wound up a vertiginous road to the viewpoints before heading down the R75.
We paced lightning, thunder and rain until, as we turned towards Kirkwood, the scenery changed dramatically from scrub to citrus orchards and tall trees bending before the weather, and the dust enveloped all. Then, as we found our way to the dirt Zuurberg Pass – the old route from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg – more changes in flora as we climbed and the temperature dropped.
A dramatic drive, a stunning setting for our destination – Zuurberg Mountain Village. Entering the rambling manor house, dating back to 1861, we almost stumbled over the four legged welcoming committee before getting settled, up the slope from the manor and spa, in the village.
These Edwardian-themed cottages are arranged for both mountain and valley views, with patios each side. High-pitched roofs, blackwood floors, climate control, under-floor heating in the bathroom, a freestanding bath and indoor and outdoor showers, stocked bar fridge, comfy beds. We were chuffed.
We were even more chuffed after our game drive in Addo Elephant National Park (South Africa’s third largest), with guide Reinet Sweetenham. Zuurberg bisects two sections of Addo, with its horse trails in the hilly section within walking distance. Weather conditions kept animals lying low, but Sweetenham persevered and I had one of my best-ever elephant sightings – three males cavorting at a waterhole.
Table d’hôte dinner in the restaurant was lovely – superb yellowtail, deep fried camembert, garlic mussels and truly decadent cheesecake.
We hardly managed much more than lounging on the deep, inviting veranda with views past the pool and over the valleys before we hit the road again, heading for PE and on through Tsitsikamma and Wilderness to Knysna.
Brenton Haven in Brenton On Sea, around the Knysna lagoon and up and over the bluff opposite town, has a butterfly on its logo, the self-catering units are named after the insect, and the restaurant borrows its name from one of the rarest in the world, the Brenton Blue, which has a reserve up the road named after it.
The welcome, and our elegant suite, bode well. Brenton Haven is perched on a dune and nowhere is closer to the beach – which sweeps to a point 5km further on – and each of the 26 beach homes and nine suites inside the main building has a sea view. Very lekker to watch dolphins gambolling in the surf below, alongside the jagged rocks, and whales in season.
If the beach isn’t beckoning there is a heated pool and gym upstairs. Stylish Butterfly Blu, the restaurant, offers excellent food and friendly, efficient service. They make possibly the best pizzas either of us has had.Alongside is Indigo Deli, if you fancy a good cuppa and tasty treats as you unwind.
l Visit www.addo.co.za and www.brentonhaven.co.za
Adrian Rorvik, Sunday Tribune
First Car Rental is proud to be the car hire company of choice to drive the Sunday Tribune’s Adrian Rorvik to experience the best in luxury lifestyle. He visited Addo’s Zuurberg Mountain Village, a 160ha mountain top setting offering spa treatments, horse riding and game drives – as well as Brenton Haven, a peaceful holiday resort above Knysna’s main beach, with views of the sea, trails, a nature reserve and a gym. #FirstTravel with First Car Rental – www.firstcarrental.co.za