Lemoenfontein Game Lodge

Lemoenfontein, in the shadow of the Nuweveld Mountains, is one of those places where whatever your mood on arrival - and after a tiring drive down on the N1 mine was ropey - a calmness envelops you like magic vapour. I was suddenly enjoying a cool drink on the vast wooden verandah, gazing over measureless miles of veld and chatting happily to Ingrid about the history of the place. It was built as a hunting lodge in 1850, then became a sanatorium for TB sufferers (the dry Karoo air was beneficial), a farm and finally (and still) a nature reserve. Everything has been done well here, no corners cut and the result is a most relaxing, hassle-free stay. Rooms are stylish and understated with top-quality fabrics and completely comfortable beds. Outside, lawns, a new pool, bar and braai area and the veld are all segregated by high dry-stone walls. You must go on a game drive through the reserve before dinner - to look at all the buck and zebra or course, but also to be out in such scenery as the sun goes down. And one final thing: dinner when we got back was at first mouth-watering, then lip-smacking. A real South African experience. All rooms are air-conditioned.