05 BURLINGTON BUSH COTTAGES

GRAHAMSTOWN, EASTERN CAPE

We froze instinctively: to our right, there was movement in the grass. A warthog burst into view with its tail held high as it dashed away from us. We breathed out in relieved unison before chuckling at ourselves. Lodge hostess, Bulelwa Chloé Tsana’s voice floated back to me: ‘There are no dangerous animals here, and if you’re lucky, the giraffes will come and keep you company.’

We were walking the three-kilometre Yellow hiking trail on Burlington, a private game farm. The trail circled the dam in front of the cottages, and we passed herds of springbok and solitary waterbuck. Our afternoon had been spent at the Boat House – a communal structure overlooking the dam – and from there we’d contemplated rowing out and trying our hand at bass fishing (catch and release). We opted for a lazy game of cards instead.

The Boat House is kitted with everything you need, from modern appliances to a 16-seater dining table. There are only four cottages, all super comfortable and set apart for privacy. Each has a king-size bed with percale linen, a balcony that overlooks the euphorbia and aloe-filled thicket, and a gas braai to cook in privacy.

Unfortunately, the aforementioned giraffes didn’t come around to keep us company this time, but we were just as happy with our own.

ROMANTIC ELEMENT Ultra-luxe and generous facilities.

DO IT Burlington is a hideaway for a few couples who want to spend time together over meals but also have the option to escape and get some couple time.

R1 695 for two. 021-876-2112, burlingtonbushcottages.com

ABOVE Burlington has a fish-tagging programme to monitor population levels. Get involved by following the how-to instructions you’ll find at the Boat Shed. TOP While the sleeper couch can be used for a third person or child, we recommend keeping it to a cosy two.