Looking for the ultimate weekend getaway experience offering luxury accommodation and the tranquillity of the bush? Tandweni Villa ticks all the boxes, writes Lorna King.
After a busy start to 2020 I was looking forward to getting away from traffic jams and enjoying some peace and quiet in the bush. I was not disappointed. Just over three hour’s drive from uMhlanga and set within the Pongola Biosphere Reserve on the banks of Jozini Dam, the peaceful haven of Tandweni Villa awaits. Not one to enjoy rustic living and roughing it, Tandweni Villa was right up my street – luxury living with all the bells and whistles, surrounded by the bush and wild animals.
Everything about Tandweni Villa oozes comfort and space – and there’s lots of it. The massive wooden front door welcomes you into an open plan living area, dining area and fully-fitted kitchen, plus an entertainment area with sliding doors that open up on all sides, allowing one to take in the views and tranquillity. There are five double rooms – one with two single beds and three en suite – and all are beautifully decorated and boast views of the surrounding bush and Jozini Dam.
As the afternoon heat started to subside, it made perfect sense to chill outside on the patio with a drink in hand watching nyala, buck and warthog graze nearby, a plunge pool to cool down in, and stunning views of the dam and up the Jozini Gorge. As the sun set and the stars lit up, the sky was transformed into a blanket of flickering lights. This is Africa at its best. Undisturbed peace and quiet. A far cry from the city.
The early morning picture was equally as stunning – still waters on the dam with a fine covering of mist which disappeared as the sun took hold on another day. Unfortunately we missed the elephants heading south much earlier, but on a late afternoon game drive we were lucky enough to see plenty of warthog, blue wildebeest, nyala, buck and an abundance of birdlife.
Children are more than welcome, and within the fenced garden there’s a jungle gym and slide, plus a look-out where they can do their own game viewing.
Besides relaxing with a book – indoors, on a lounger or on one of the many comfy chairs on the veranda – or simply staring out at the wild, Tandweni Villa offers tiger fishing, Big 4 game viewing, boat cruises, gym facilities, a fully equipped braai/boma, a grass airstrip and hanger, and walks in the area.
The villa sleeps 10 people and is self-catering, but staff are available to take care of cleaning up and were more than helpful and accommodating. Jabulani, the ranger, is the go-to man offering advice regarding the games drives, cruises and fishing.
Arriving back in uMhlanga on Sunday afternoon, I realised how lucky we are to have a slice of Africa a couple of hours away – close enough to be able to recharge our city batteries whenever we want.
Celebrate The End Of Lockdown
Good news for anyone wanting to get away after lockdown – Tandweni Villa is offering a 20% discount on post-lockdown bookings.