A couple of weekends ago we got invited to tag along for a surprise getaway for our dear friends birthday. With a much needed break from the hustle and bustle, we didn’t hesitate with our answer for a beautiful weekend away.
The celebrations took place at the splendid Tranquility Spa and Lodge in Cullinan. Nestled within a private conservancy, bordering on the Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve, it’s the perfect getaway! Far enough to feel like a holiday but close enough to get back home. It’s really a short drive to nights spent around a fire, under dazzling stars and the sound of lions roaring in the Kevin Richardson Lion Sanctuary next door. Bush paradise only 35 km north of Pretoria- A hidden gem indeed!
The 4 of us huddled in the Zebra thatched chalet. A cute 2 bedroom chalet fitted with a queen-size bed in 1 room and 2 single beds in the other. Privacy is limited for the one’s who take the double bed- so make you have a system to let your friends know you are walking into “their” room. We opted for a bird call every time we came out of our 2 single bedded room, just to make sure they were awake and clothed! It was a good laugh every morning! Oh and don’t worry about taking blankets or linen, luxury linen and towels are provided.
The next day, the lovely host Hennie took us on a little tour around the lodge to get a real feel for the place. Thick bush all around but not so bad that you can’t enjoy the Giraffe visits in the morning on the way to breakfast! (Breakfast is yum) Nature all around you makes you feel like you are in another world- It’s the most relaxed weekend you will probably ever experience!
With the Kevin Richardson Lion Sanctuary right next door, you can’t not go for a game drive and see the beautiful animals. You can read all about the sanctuary here and see the amazing work these guys do.
Our lovely game ranger and very knowledgeable driver, might I add, George took us on the drive and gave us the opportunity to see nature and wildlife at it’s best! We viewed Waterbuck, Zebra’s, Impala, Sprinbok, Wildebeest, spotted Hyenas and of course Lions. It’s a definite must but please dress warm, it got chilly out there!
We spent our days lounging around the fire, taking multiple walks around the game reserve and really enjoying each others company. It’s amazing how places like this allow you to completely switch off from the world and just enjoy the right here, right now moment.
Tranquility Spa and Lodge is definitely a place we will visit again one day. We arrived as strangers and feel like we left as friends.
Looking for a little getaway?
Tranquillity Spa and Lodge
R573 Cullinan 1000
- Tranquillity cell: 084 508 3491
- Fax: 0866 11 99 53
- Beth: 079 496 8586
- Ray: 084 468 3350
- Email: [email protected]