ATS Some of our favourite places!!!
THERE ARE SOME DELIGHTFUL PLACES NOT FAR FROM JOHANNESBURG THAT I LOVE TO GO TO FOR A WEEKEND. AS SOME OF THEM STILL HAVE SPACE FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON, I THOUGHT ID MENTION THEM IN CASE YOU ARE ONE OF THOSE SOULS THAT HAS YET TO FINALISE YOUR HOLIDAY PLANS. 
I have spent a few nights at De Hoek Country House, near the Crocodile River, Magaliesburg. It’s an easy drive out of Johannesburg and it does not take long to unwind and enjoy the peace and quiet and comfortable rooms that this hotel offers its guests. If you want an all action weekend this is not for you; this is for those of you who are happy to take a stroll in the beautiful gardens, do a spot of bird watching, take a dip in the swimming pool and enjoy the absolutely first class meals that the chef will serve up for you. Beware, your waistline will take a pounding.
If you are looking for a more active weekend and have your family with you, what about The Palace of the Lost City at Sun City? Whilst the Sun City complex itself does not appeal to me, (gambling has never been my thing), The Palace is a very different cup of tea. The Valley of the Waves is close by and will appeal to the younger members of your family whilst you can recline at The Palace swimming pool with an ice cold G&T. Meals are excellent; the breakfast buffet is seriously opulent whilst if you are looking for something more intimate, try The Plume restaurant. There are two 18 hole golf courses to choose from; a maze to explore; safaris to go on in the nearby Pilansberg; hot air balloons to ride; a spa in which to be pampered and pools to swim in. And if you would like to try your luck at the tables, well that’s an option too. Too much to do in a weekend actually…
I am no good at fishing of any kind. That does not mean I don’t enjoy it and when I worked for a while at The Critchley Hackle Hotel in Dulstroom, I learnt how to cast a fly. If you enjoy fishing, Walkersons in the same area is a wonderful weekend spot. It encompasses all the essentials – great food, a cosy bar, comfortable rooms, lovely grounds, a spa offering all kinds of treatments and a good choice of dams well stocked with trout in which to try your hand.
FOR RESERVATIONS: To check availability, rates and place a booking, contact: Dave@africantravelsolutions.com African Travel Solutions, Tele + 44 1476 530927 / Cell + 44 7780 579306
