Bushveld sunset taken from our chalet.

July 29 - August 2, 2002
Mouse over the pics for a description and click to see a bigger picture
A game drive no further than 23 km from Pretoria?? Impossible, you would say!. But then you have not been to Monateng Safari Lodge yet, where we not only went on two game drives, accompanied by an experienced game ranger, but also managed to spot kudu, gemsbok, nyala, giraffe, eland, wildebeest, steenbuck, impala, and warthog amongst others! (see map)

The beautifully thatched main lodge buildings

Another view of the main buildings

We left Johannesburg at 7 am on a chilly winter morning. A big mistake, as we realised, as it was peak traffic time and we crawled along till after Midrand, about halfway to Pretoria. After that it was plain sailing and after a detour for a short family visit we arrived at Monateng Safari & Caravan Lodge round mid afternoon. If it wasn't for the detour and traffic we would have reached our destination within an hour.

Johannesburg traffic, this is what you get for leaving early!

The pool area

Breathtaking bushveld view from the deck

Good gravel road leading to the Lodge

Monateng is an ideal place to get away for a weekend or spend a relaxing holiday.  The luxury self catering chalets were the best we had encountered on our travels, and that says something, we have been to many timeshare resorts. There is quite a bit of construction still going on, but it is unobtrusive and didn't bother us at all. I can't wait to go back there in a few month's time when it has been completed. Also in progress is a bush boma where visitors will be able to enjoy a "bush braai" at the end of a game drive. The pub that is nearly completed will boast a breathtaking view over the bushveld.

Living area inside our luxury accommodation

Fully equipped kitchen

The tastefully decorated bedroom

Rustic furniture in the restaurant

Having recently retired we are very price conscious, so we were pleasantly surprised at the very reasonable prices, friendly service and tasty food served at the resort restaurant run by Renate and Gerd. A nice touch is the complimentary coffee and yummy chocolate cake! And the well equipped games room even has three Playstation consoles!! sheesssshhhh, what next?? (what about internet access for us net junkies?? *hint*hint*)

Well we had a fantastic few days at the Lodge, we went on game drives, walked, rested, I got beaten at putt-putt, all in all just what the doctor ordered to recharge the old batteries!

In a Landy on the game drive

Curious giraffe

Camouflaged waterbuck

The Monateng sunset experience!

The surrounding are is also very interesting and the diamond mining town of Cullinan is only a short drive away. The Willa Krause cosmetic factory is a few minutes from the lodge and Doreen went for a complimentary facial, kewl, huh?

There is also a caravan park, and I was impressed by the luxury sites that boasted their own private bathroom, kitchen and private braai! Hmm, I always wanted to get a caravan!!

We will be back for sure in a few month's time when we will be able to enjoy the bush braai and the pool!. (It's winter now...brrrr).

So if you want to enjoy an interesting and relaxing break really close to Jo'burg and Pretoria, this is the place to go to! 

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