Meander from Jozi to Bloem
A BUDGET-FRIENDLY ROADTRIP Three-star heaven on the Vaal and in the city of roses.
veryone in the bus was discussing what the first books they ever read were. From The Faraway Tree to The Famous Five, all seemed quite normal. While I was in a bubble listening to the new Die Heuwels Fantasties album, all eyes were on me to give an answer. I blurted out “the Bible”, which is technically true. These are the sort of conversations that make roadtrips memorable. A roadtrip is an excercise in the human spirit and two weeks ago I went on a special one. The invitation came a few days into May. Bon Hotels is doing their annual media trip and I’m invited. We are to meet at Bon Hotel Midrand, hop on a bus and spend the night on the banks of the Vaal River at Bon Hotel Riviera on Vaal before going to Bon Hotel Bloemfontein Central where we will again spend a night before returning to Gauteng. Here’s your guide for your own Bloemfontein trip on a thrifty budget, but with oodles of unforgetable experiences. a full glass in the middle of a body of water reflecting that just a few hours ago you were nose to the computer screen, working. It’s a good life next to the river.
The hotel (as with all the Bon properties) is affordable. That does mean they skimp on luxuries, but everything is more than adequate. The in-house activities include a spa, golf course, putt putt, golf lessons, squash and tennis. There’s also some beautiful country scenery to take in. The next morning after breakfast we’re ready to leave for Bloemfontein, with a stop in Parys in the heart of the Vredefort Dome.