Rustenburg - They don’t come much more interesting and beautiful than the Kedar Country Lodge Conference Centre & Spa on Boekenhoutfontein farm in Rustenburg North West.
Stephanus Johannes Paulus Kruger, president of the Boer Republic from 1883 to 1900, lived on the historic 500ha farm and must have been inspired by the magnificent countryside.
It was here that he sired 16 children (nine boys and seven girls) with his second wife and still had the energy to direct his Boer generals in their campaign against the British during the war of 1899-1902.
Oom Paul’s farm has been well preserved, including its adjoining buildings – Bronkhorst College, the oldest known pioneer college in the then Transvaal, and a school. The spot where Kruger said his daily prayers is well marked.
Oom Paul, who died in Pretoria in 1904, would have been impressed with Kedar Country Hotel, which is a stone’s throw from the farm.
The Presidential Suite, where we stayed, would have comfortably accommodated Oom Paul and his staff more than 100 years ago.
The suite, which includes a swimming pool, has a panoramic view of the land between the hotel and the farm, which is populated with giraffe, wildebeest, nyala, impala and other animals.
The hotel, with 65 units and seven conference rooms, is ideally situated for Sun City and the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, which are just 15 minutes away.
Kedar owner Robert Forsyth, chairman of the Africa Recreation Group, has compiled an impressive collection of Boer War relics, starting with a memorial paying tribute to all nationalities that fought on both sides, at the entrance to the hotel.
The magnificent statues, created by Adam Madebe, introduce guests to the general theme of the hotel, which includes a collection of 400 rifles, cannon, uniforms and badges in the Armoury Restaurant, which serves traditional South African fare.
Forsyth must have spent a small fortune amassing his Boer War memorabilia, but it is money well spent as his collection will continue to attract military historians here and overseas.
General manager Glenys du Pont says there are plans to build a Heroes Bar next year, which will pay tribute to our most famous characters.
She is understandably proud of her 68 members of staff, who serve a delicious array of food while creating an excellent and happy atmosphere.
It is a refreshing change from the big cities.
Local pupils enjoy visits to the hotel, which gives them an interesting insight into the history of the area.
We were lucky to meet Piesang (Banana), whose diligence and sense of humour made our boma braai a first-class experience.
He was not the only one who helped to make our two-night visit memorable.
l The Kedar Spa offers an African experience using products and treatments crafted out of indigenous African herbs and oils. Treatments offered include massages, aromatherapy and reflexology.
Sunday Independent Travel Club members get 25 percent discount off rack rates valid until the end of 2013. Accommodation in a deluxe room at R678 a person sharing, inclusive of dinner, bed and breakfast (minimum two-night stay). For more information contact 011 950 6000, or visit www.recreationafrica.co.za - Sunday Independent