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.