2012 Weekly Summary #20: 20 May 2012 – Piet Retief to Mkuze

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Week 20…Arrival into Kwa-Zulu-Natal

14 May 2012

Day 135

Piet Retief

Another night in President Zuma’s bed and an interesting chat with the owners of Welkegozen Lodge. Went to venture into town but to no avail. It is certainly not a tourist-orientated town that’s for sure. A lot needs to be done to attract visitors as this small place has a lot of potential.

15 May 2012

Day 136

Piet Retief to Pongola

We said goodbye to Mpumalanga and hello to KZN. And wow, what a welcome we got. White Elephant Lodge is definitely up there in our top accommodation establishments this year. The service, the food, and the room were all stunning, and the views were unbeatable. Everything about our stay was to a very high standard and we were sad to leave.

16 May 2012

Day 137

Pongola to Jozini

Reluctantly we left White Elephant and to a slightly ‘inferior’ (for lack of a better word) accommodation. Jozini River Lodge was slightly like a rundown motel with bumpy beds and a dirty swimming pool. Despite this, the staff were friendly and warm and prepared a nice meal for us that evening.

17 May 2012

Day 138

Jozini

It always seems like accommodation goes nice-bad-nice-bad. The pattern was continuing when we arrived at the stunning Jozini Tiger Lodge, right on the water’s edge with beautiful views all around. Had a nice boat ride one evening and a very interesting and stimulating chat with two of the lodge’s staff members.

18 May 2012

Day 139

Jozini

Another day at Jozini Tiger Lodge (lucky us). This time, not so luxurious. A laborious day of organising accommodation, sending a million emails and editing video footage.

19 May 2012

Day 140

Jozini to Golela

Drove the short distance to Golela, a stone’s throw from Swaziland and to Shayamoya Lodge. Lovely rondawels, exquisite views and friendly staff added up to a very nice stay indeed. A braai with other guests around the fire that evening added to the enjoyment of our stay.

20 May 2012

Day 141

Golela to Mkuze

On to Mkuze and to Ghost Mountain Inn. It’s in the name that’s for sure…there is an eerie yet somewhat magical feel to this area, the mountains forming a chilling backdrop. The inn itself is beautiful, with lush gardens and nice open-plan restaurant and seating areas.

…of the week:

  • Towns visited this week – Piet Retief, Pongola, Jozini, Golela, Mkuze
  • Accommodation sponsored this week – Welkegozen Country Lodge, White Elephant Lodge, Jozini River Lodge, Jozini Tiger Lodge, Shayamoya Lodge, Ghost Mountain Inn
  • Food sponsored this week – Welgekozen, White Elephant Lodge, Jozini River Lodge, Shayamoya Lodge,
  • Highlight of the week – White Elephant boat trip
  • Lowlight of the week – Maddy’s detox week!
  • Accommodation of the week – White Elephant
  • Meal of the week – White Elephant high tea

See you in a week…

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