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Zizi
Lodge:
This 4 bed roomed house is let out as a complete
unit, accommodating up to 8 guests.
ZiZi Lodge nestles on a hillside above three private trout dams on 600 acres of
land. Entry is gained from the main road by an oak-lined avenue which leads past
the cottage through pear, apple and quince trees to the main homestead.
The village of Dullstroom is en route from Pretoria and Johannesburg to the
Kruger National Park. Dullstroom is 2100 metres above sea level and is one of
the highest geographical areas in South Africa. Scattered with trout dams,
streams and conifer forests it bears resemblance to the Scottish Highlands.
Comfort is high on the list of priorities in the main ZiZi Lodge. Awarded a five
star status from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, each room has been
individually created, taking into account the surrounding environment with
touches of elegant, European style.
Interior colours are warm - natural woven fabrics and wood charmingly mix to
guarantee a tranquil elegance.
There are four bedrooms, three double and one twin, all have large en-suite
bathrooms. All bedrooms have oil heaters.
Additionally outside, open air showers provide an exhilarating experience.
Living, dining and kitchen areas are open-plan, with two large, open fire
places.
The kitchen, with its bold red walls, is fully equipped. Guests may cook for
themselves or request outside catering services.
Meals can be eaten at the handsome mahogany dining table or, safari style on the
broad veranda overlooking the garden and meadows that lead down to the dams.
Alternatively, in true African fashion, wheel the Weber barbeque out onto the
lawn and enjoy a cook out under the stars.
The large open-plan lounge and
dining room gives the first hint of colonial
elegance. Architect Paul West and interior decorator
Lantis Scorgie dextrously married Europe and Africa.
Carefully selected artefacts communicate
graciousness; they tell of continents meeting in
refined simplicity.
A guest, taking a seat in any
of the richly textured armchairs around the hearth,
could well experience it all as another homecoming.
The family feel in the living area is just there -
there are good reads on the shelves, magazines on
the coffee table and fly-fishing rods, ready for
use,
mounted on the wall.
The a la mode
dining table, which seats 10, lends itself to
anything from a family meal to a banquet. Running
off the living area, the well-equipped open-plan
kitchen does not isolate whoever plays chef for the
weekend/ during the stay. Adjacent preparation rooms
house the fridge, freezer, dishwasher, laundry and
all the necessary modcons needed for a relaxing
holiday.
The four luxury en
suite bedrooms, each with their own identity, have
been furnished with classical flair of four-poster
beds, heavy armoires and irresistible earthy
textiles. But there's a charming playfulness thrown
in. A red ball-and-claw bath here, a blue one there,
crafty murals ... all go to show that fun, too, is
serious business. In true Highlands tradition, each
bathroom with bath and WC, has an outside shower
with magnificent view.
The homestead is
serviced daily.
The farm-style
veranda with large dining table is a natural
extension to the living area. It offers a lovely
view of the land, including the three nearby trout
dams, and is the ideal spot for breakfasts and
lunches or for lazy birdwatchers.
Fishing: Novice or
experienced fly fishermen can try their skills
(luck?) at the three trout dams (approximately 10 ha
of well stocked fishing waters), which are an easy
stroll from the house. There are four fly rods
available and on request, experienced fly-fishing
couple Jim and Anne Keaveney will share their
expertise.
Bird
Watching: The area falls within the habitat
of the three protected cranes: the Blue Crane,
(South Africa's national bird), the Crowned Crane
and the endangered Wattle Crane. A wide selection of
Highveld birds have been spotted and serious
birdwatchers could add to the list: (Heron, eagles,
secretary bird.)
Game:
Small game spotted on the farm, include
duiker, civet, otter and a variety of buck.
Hiking
and mountain biking
Nature-lovers can explore the 109 ha of pristine
countryside in complete safety and privacy. To the
back of the house, lies 74 ha of unspoilt nature.
Another adventurous walk could take you to the
historical grave on the farm, a 10 minute walk from
the house.
Golf
The nearest golf course is at Roossenekal, not far
from the Tonteldoos village.
Drives
The Tonteldoos area offers scenic views, wild
flowers and unspoilt nature. A 4x4 vehicle, although
not a prerequisite, is recommended for drives on the
Tonteldoos gravel road during rainy seasons.
How to get
there:
Take the N12/N4
from Johannesburg/Pretoria, direction Nelspruit.
Pass Witbank and Middelburg. (The Ultra City is your
landmark, one hour away from Dullstroom.) You will
go through a toll gate @ charge R27 per car. From
the N4, turn Left into Belfast and after 2 km, at
the Toyota Garage, turn Right to Dullstroom. Travel
for approximately 35 km. (On this stretch, you will
notice the clear drop in temperature. Remember
Dullstroom is one of the highest towns in the
country at 2 100 m above sea level.)
If you need any
further information, look out for the Dullstroom
Accommodation sign on the left, just before the
Hall‘s store.
In Dullstroom,
turn left at Harries Pancakes. At the Stop sign, the
Stone Church on your right, turn left into
Slachtersnek Street. Cross the railway line and at
the T-junction, take the Tonteldoos road to your
right. Travel on a dirt road for approx. 11,5 km and
turn left at the gate to Zizi Lodge. Zizi's three
trout dams will be visible from the road. Travel
down the lane of oak trees to the Lodge.
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