What a beautiful mountain pass - the views down over Addo are amazing! I was starting to feel a little bit car-sick so was very relieved to see the Zuurberg Mountain Village “Almost there” sign near the top of the pass.
There was a crackling fire going when we arrived and we were shown to our room. Indi and I did a quick “explore” and found the tennis-courts, pool table, spa, beautiful gardens and a swimming-pool.
We’d just missed the timing for the horse-riding, so we played a family game of tennis most of the afternoon. After a shower and a few games of pool, we sat down for dinner. We met a couple who come to Zuurberg two or three times a year, and they gave us the low-down on the best way to visit Addo Elephant National Park. So we ordered a picnic lunch for the next day, and took down some notes. The four-course dinner was so delicious and we were warmed by a roaring fire.
The next morning we enjoyed a slow country buffet breakfast – Indi and I both had matabella porridge. And we headed out to Addo. It was about a 20 minute drive to the main gate. Mom thought she was in trouble when she had to sign of the plant she had bought earlier on in the road trip. We had to keep our eyes peeled for animals. We saw some zebras and antelope running really fast – a man drove past and told us they had just seen a lioness! We saw elephants, zebra, eland, kudu, nyala, red haartebees and buffalo. Indi spotted a caracal, which is a very rare sighting – so cute with its little pointy ears.
We stopped for our yummy packed lunch in Jack’s picnic site. There were loads of other families, all braaing and having fun. After lunch we saw 3 baby elephants in a herd and a giraffe. Indi spotted a meerkat sitting right in the top of a small milkwood tree, scanning the horizon – it was such a cool sighting, as soon all his friends came running towards the tree to and climbed all over it. Later on we explored the Addo shop and bought some nice things. And ice-creams all round.
On the way back to Zuurberg, dad pointed out Riverbend Lodge and Addo Dung Beetle Guest Farm, two other Portfolio members.
Back at Zuurberg, mom and Gia went to the Spa for a massage. The Spa was very beautiful and offered lots of different options, from reflexology to Indian head massage, facials and waxing. Afterwards we played our last game of family tennis and went for a walk in the gardens.
Dinner was a four-courses, again – such a spoil! I learnt that entrée comes between starters and mains. I had creamy garlic snails for my entrée and my sister had spring rolls. We all had vanilla cheesecake and lemon meringue for desert.
I loved the day spent in Addo spotting animals, my massage and the family tennis. I recommend bringing binoculars.
Indi loved the beautiful gardens and playing tennis. The meerkats were her best – they are so cute!
Dad’s note:
We loved the high altitude fresh air and the sweeping views down over Addo. Zuurberg has an old world charm and Henri and his team look after us in a way that is often missing in modern hotels. The food was excellent – I’m just sorry we weren’t around for the traditional Sunday carvery! Our day spent exploring Addo was a highlight – the girls saw so many different animals and birds. Zuurberg is ideally located as a base for day adventures into Addo.