During
varsity holidays my parents, my boyfriend and I made our way to Hazyview in
Mpumalanga. My mom was lucky enough to be given accommodation for the week at
the Hazyview Cabanas resort. It was such a stunning place to stay. We were near
to the pool and a short walk away from the Sabie river and Body Bliss Day Spa
(which I’m happy to report that we did indeed visit).
We set
out on the Monday morning and took our time on the road, stopping in Dullstroom
for a walk along the main road and through a little craft shop which provided a
recurring joke for the week, when we came across their “willy-warmers” (it was
basically a mielie with a hole in the middle). Chris got a real kick out of it.
We arrived at the resort that afternoon
and it was a lovely, hot day. After unpacking the car, the guys were determined
to take a dip in the pool and they did just that! I, on the other hand, decided
that the water was much too cold.
Tuesday
morning we took it slow and after breakfast, took a walk down to the river at
the bottom of the resort. It was so simple yet so beautiful at the same time
and amazingly peaceful. We must have spent an hour and a half just taking
pictures there. Chris was on a mission to jump on as many rocks as he possibly
could in order to make it to the other side of the river with no success.
Walking back, we stopped at the entertainment area near the spa and being out
of season, it was so quiet as was the whole resort. Picking up ice-creams at
the shop, we made it back to the chalet in time for a game of cards (and a nap
for dad) before lunch. The weather was pretty lousy, overcast and rainy for the
rest of the day, so we stayed indoors and relaxed for the afternoon.
Wednesday
we dedicated to driving through the Kruger National Park. With the weather
still not looking up, we didn’t think there would be many animals out for us to
see. However, in the end the day turned out to be rather successful. We saw
many millions of buck (maybe a tad over exaggerated), a bunch of birds, some
buffalo, the much anticipated Hippos (which I was all too keen to see, and one
even obeyed my request for a yawn and that Hippo-noise they make *you may
laugh*). We only managed to see one lion, although it was out in the distance.
I was really excited to see the Giraffe and I even named one Melman
(hehehe...). We were seriously close to riding into a herd of about 40 elephant
crossing the road. And the most amazing sighting all day was the Cheetah. It’s
an interesting story, really. In short: Cheetah walking down middle of road, at
least ten cars following it and Nicole hanging out of window with camera in
absolute awe. It was the first Cheetah I have ever seen in the wild and it was
a pretty amazing experience. Not too far down the road we were privileged
enough to see a Cheetah right next to the road after just catching some prey.
It was surreal.
Thursday
went by in a blur. All I remember was being treated to an amazing 30 minute
back and neck massage at the day spa (Thanks Mom and Dad!). More rainy weather
and a drive down the main road to Hazyview town and up to my dad’s late aunt’s
farm (I think that happened on Thursday- this was back in September, so forgive
my terrible memory, please). The day ended with me reluctantly packing my bags.
Friday
morning we loaded up the car and headed home in the most horrid storm heading
out of Mpumalanga. After a much needed and most welcome relaxing week we made
it home safely. I am so grateful for that week, and it was just the kind of
break I needed to get me through the final term of the year.
Please
enjoy some of the photos we took (yes, only some).
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| A small shop in Dullstroom, I took this photo for my Grampa, Bert |
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| Posing by the trees next to the river |
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| The herd of Elephant crossing the road |
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| The babies were just too cute ^_^ |
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| My Hippo-friend |
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| The Cheetah |
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| The pack of cars that was following the Cheetah |
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| It's Melman! |
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| The Cheetah kill |
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I loved this turtle! He was probably as tall as me (okay maybe a little shorter)
His presence at the resort represents child-friendly facilities |
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| Stopping for lunch on Monday |
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| Rock jumping at the river |
Until
next time,
Keep
smiling,
<3
Nicole_Kayley
