New owner for Dullstroom lodge

THE Valley of the Rainbow near Dullstroom has a new owner who is intent on putting the English-style lodge well and truly on the SA angling map.
Henk Vivier took up ownership of the luxury property in Mpumalanga just weeks ago and extensive refurbishments are already well under way, scheduled for completion by June 1.
Located in the famed 'Trout Triangle", Vivier says: "We believe we have one of the best settings for trout fishing in the area, if not in South Africa and the plan is to develop it into an experience destination.
"In most lodges, rooms are cluttered with things like fax machines and satellite TV - the very things that people try to get away from when they want to relax. Our luxury accommodation will allow guests the time and opportunity for rest and relaxation and give them back that precious commodity - time."
There is a choice of accommodation, including 10 en-suite rooms located in the colonial-themed property which sports a traditional drawing room where guests can "enjoy fine liquor and smoke cigars"; as well as accommodation in its safari camp's five exclusive en-suite tents, all of which are privately sited overlooking the lake.
Vivier says an extensive programme of activities and special events is offered, including the designation of special weekends for families with children under 12, normally excluded.
Guests can also take part in a "Solar Walk" where, accompanied by a qualified astronomer, people "walk" a 1,5km trail following a certain part of the solar system, "in essence taking a trip of some 14 000 light years".
"We also have a deal with a nearby private nature reserve which is not generally open to the public, where - on what we call our 'Serengeti Experience' - our visitors can see three of the Big Five."

(Elizabeth Sheridan)