SOUTH AFRICA
Pezula Championship Golf Course
Day Four: Golf in the Rain and a Malva Pudding Mission Day Four began with breakfast fit for a king – or at least someone who had been eating like one for the previous three days. Then it was time for golf. In the rain. I’ d love to tell you I arrived at the course looking like Ernie Els, but Ernie probably doesn’ t need three practice swings to convince himself that he’ d even connect with the ball. Still, playing golf in the rain was an experience. The scenery was incredible, and despite the weather, I loved every minute of it. After golf, it was back to the room, warmer clothes and some time to explore the hotel and take in everything Pezula had to offer. Eventually we climbed back into the 2026 Ford Wildtrak 4x2 and headed for lunch at Mane by the Sea.
What a place! Cosy doesn’ t even begin to describe it. Crackling logs in the grate, the atmosphere warm and welcoming, and for a moment I felt like a VIP. After a delicious lunch, it was time to hit the road again. Next stop was Lily Pond Country Lodge, tucked between Plettenberg Bay and Nature’ s Valley. This place was a real treat. The dinner … Exceptional!
Day Five: Monkeys, Madness and the Bloukrans Bungee Day Five took us to Monkeyland. Walking through the sanctuary was a reminder of just how entertaining animals can be when they are simply being themselves. We saw various species and learned more about them, but then it was time for the main event; the real star of the show. Ladies and Gents, I give you... drum roll...“ The Bloukrans!”
Lily Pond Country Lodge
Bloukrans Bungee
Let’ s get one thing straight: I was nervous. Very nervous. So naturally, the best way to deal with that fear was to start with a zipline across the area. Apparently my logic was, if I can fly across this thing, jumping off a bridge should be easy. It wasn’ t. Standing there, looking down, I had a moment. Then came the internal pep talk.“ Eyes open, Byron. You’ ve got this.” And I jumped. Eyes open. Before I knew it, it was over. Would I do it again? Yes. Am I still afraid of mice? Maybe. But that’ s a conversation for another day.
That afternoon, we checked into Plateau Country House and honestly, I was lost for words. The hospitality, the atmosphere, the warmth of the people … It had that“ we are family” vibe – something you can’ t manufacture. Of course, we weren’ t tired from being on the road( wink-wink), so the lovely assistant manager, Leandra Bester gave us a tour, showing us one beautiful corner after another on the 50-hectare estate. I must admit, there was a brief moment where I was ready to make a career switch to hospitality; working in this kind of peace and quiet definitely has its appeal. Later, we settled in for a special Kay and Monty
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