10 December 2004

By Mogale City Reporter

GETTING away from the city during the holidays is a great South African pastime. And one of the most picturesque places to visit is undoubtedly Mogale City.

Though containing the infrastructure and amenities of a modern metropolis, a short drive beyond the city outskirts reveals comfortable accommodation in rural settings - the perfect place to get away from it all.

The lodge is offering bed and breakfast holiday specials from 15 December to 9 January, and guests can indulge themselves in a wide variety of activities, including tennis, mountain hikes, fishing, volleyball, adventure golf and swimming. A rock pool and jacuzzi are also available.

Glenburn is about 5km off the N14 and Beyers Naude intersections. For more information contact Glenburn on 011 668 1600 or email glenburn@glenburn.co.za.

The lodge consists of 17 bedrooms and suites, a restaurant and a safari pub offering a la carte meals and pub lunches. It also has TVs and pool tables. Complementing the facilities is the Indaba Conference Centre, which caters for between 20 and 50 delegates.

Croco Lodge is in close proximity to the Krugersdorp Game Reserve, the Rhino Park, the Lion Park, the Cradle of Humankind, Sterkfontein Caves and Wonder Caves.

It has accreditation from the AA (RSA) and SABS Tourism and is part of the well-known Crocodile Ramble art and tourism route, close to international golf courses and other sports facilities.

For more information contact Croco Lodge on 011 662 1913 or croco@worldonline.co.za.

It features fully equipped cottages. These are let on a self-catering basis, although food can be ordered. The guesthouse is the perfect option for those who want bed and breakfast accommodation, while the self-catering rooms, called 'the cloisters,' are single rough-brick structures providing privacy away from the guesthouse and cottages.

The guesthouse also features a cosy dining room suite that can be used for small conferences of up to 15 people.

The number of attractions within the surrounding areas will leave guests spoilt for choice - visiting the local game and nature reserves for sightseeing or game drives, exploring the Sterkfontein and Wonder Caves, trout fishing and visiting cheese farms.

For more information contact Wendy Mann on 011 662 1071 or email apricothill@metroweb.co.za.

Featuring 20 uniquely designed and decorated rooms situated next to the Kanaal River, Wicker caters for the whole family, with various children's entertainment available as well as a babysitting service.

It also offers two restaurants, with a la Carte menus, buffets, as well as tailor-made function menus, while outdoor functions such as picnics, potjies and spit-braais can be arranged.

The estate is also in close proximity to places like the Blaauwbank Historic Goldmine, Shelter Rock and the Ostri-san Ostrich Show Ranch & Bushman village.

For more information contact 014 577 1132 or email info@wickers.co.za.

With 18 suites overlooking a Hippo pond, De Ou Waenhuis takes guests back in time with its decor and interior design, while an on-site chapel and conference centre are also available.

The ranch features cave paintings and pieces of Stone Age tools, while a museum features the largest private collection of ox wagons in the country.

Activities in the area include a pool, game walks, paint ball, fishing and horse riding.

For more information contact Johan on 011 794 3797 or email info@plumariafrica.com.

All are located in landscaped gardens that attract a wide variety of plant and bird life, providing an ideal getaway from the city.

The Country Hotel features several accommodation options, from standard rooms to executive suites and presidential rooms.

One major attraction at the hotel's doorstep is the Carnivore restaurant, which provides a whole new gastronomical experience for visitors.

The nearby 'Spa in the Country' affords weary guests some respite from the harsh African summer, with several treatments being offered to leave one refreshed for more adventure.

For more information contact 011 950 6000 / 957 2099 or email sale@rali.co.za.