So who doesn't love a romantic weekend away in the Berg in winter? This past weekend I took my boyfriend, Shane, away (yes I took him away, it was his birthday after all) to
Sani Valley Lodge. Sani Valley Lodge is situated in Himeville in the
Drakensberg, just passed Underberg.
We stayed in one of the Lakeside Lodges which is perfect for a couple on their own or with a child as there is a spare bed. The lodge is beautiful and has everything you would need to make your stay more than comfortable.
There are 3 of the
Lakeside Lodges, we stayed in the first one and all of the lodges are serviced daily. The lodge is double story with a bathroom (just a basin and toilet), kitchen with pantry and lounge/dining room. The lounge has a TV with DSTV and a DVD player as well as a fire place and they supply you with wood and matches for the fire. The kitchen contains everything you need including a cutlery, pots and pans, a fridge, microwave and an electrical oven with a stove top that has both electric and gas plates. Downstairs there is also a large deck with a table and benches for when it's warm enough to eat outside as well as loungers and a private jacuzzi.
Upstairs there is the main bedroom and bathroom. The bedroom has a king sized bed and also has a TV which is connected to the downstairs one. In both the bedroom and kitchen there is a kettle with sachets of instant coffee, sugar and milk all being provided for you. The bedroom has two big windows, allowing you to look out at the beautiful views surrounding you and both windows have blinds and blackout blinds to block the sun in the early morning if you want to sleep in, but the sunrises are so beautiful you don't want to miss them.
Behind the bed is an alcove which has cupboards and a single bed.
The upstairs bathroom is very big and has a vanity are with a large mirror and two basins, a toilet, a large shower and a bath. There is a large window by the bath, allowing you to enjoy the scenery while you relax in the bath. The bathroom also has a heater and a heated towel rail for those colder nights.
When you book your lodge, you have the option of either self-catering, bed and breakfast or dinner and B&B. Shane and I went for the B&B option and both mornings we walked to the boathouse (which is right by the lodge) where breakfast is served. A table is set for you with a variety of condiments. There is a small selection of cereals and fruit and yogurt as well as tea, coffee and juice for you to help yourself to. There is also a choice of 3 cooked breakfasts for you to choose from all with egg and bacon and some extras depending on which one you choose. You also have the option of having your eggs fried, poached or boiled which I really liked as I am very fussy when it comes to eggs.
There are lots of
activities to do at Sani Valley Lodge including hiking, horse riding, boating and fly fishing. We attempted to fish on Saturday but there was so much wind so we didn't try very hard or for too long. There are also bushmen paintings that you can hike to and there is a vulture restaurant where you can watch the vultures feed.
The service was fantastic. I dealt with two ladies, Sindi and Thulile, when I made the booking, both were very friendly and helpful. We checked in with Thulile and she took us down to our lodge and showed us around and explained everything to us. The owner
Gareth also came down to the lodge to welcome us.
Overall we had a wonderful experience at
Sani Valley Lodge and I would definitely recommend you visit them in the near future if you're looking for somewhere reasonably
priced, relaxing and peaceful. I will definitely be going back in the near future.
Ash
xxx
