The Herald (South Africa)

Perfect escape from the daily grind

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GUESTS at Sibuya have three accommodat­ion options.

There are two tented camps – including the child-friendly River Camp which is ideal for families.

If, however, you prefer to enjoy your back-to-nature experience without the pitterpatt­er of little human feet, there’s the Forest Camp.

Both camps have their own lodges where meals and drinks are served – and have facilities where laptops, camera batteries and cellphones can be charged.

Not that there’s a lot of point in charging the latter as there is little or no cellphone reception at Sibuya, making it a number one destinatio­n for those needing a complete escape from the pressures of everyday life.

While the lodges have limited electricit­y, the camps themselves run fully on solar power and are as eco-friendly as is humanly possible.

On arrival at Sibuya, each guest is given a water bottle which is their faithful com- panion for the next two days and which can be filled with fresh water and ice at the lodge.

Our base for our two- night stay was a Forest Camp luxury tent – a tent in only the loosest sense of the word.

Yes, it is a canvas constructi­on – but ours had twin beds, two comfy armchairs, a cast- iron fireplace and an en-suite bathroom with claw bath, shower and, his and her hand basins. The bathrooms have everything you need, with the exception of bars of soap.

Liquid soap is provided instead.

The wooden floors blend into the forest backdrop, and wooden sliding windows, which replaced the more usual tent flap led to a spacious deck with hammock.

It also had a smaller en-suite bedroom, ideal for families with older children or, perhaps, for couples travelling with older parents.

In keeping with the back-tonature experience, there’s no kettles or hairdryers in the rooms, but to quench your thirst, simply ask for flask of hot water which will be promptly delivered.

There’s also a very good tea and coffee selection at the lodge – and an added bonus is that all local beers, wines and spirits are included in the tariff. If, however, tents are not your thing there’s also the Bush Lodge.

This stylish bush destinatio­n is a classic thatched fourstar lodge built to five-star standards with all the luxury and modern amenities to match, including a swimming pool.

 ??  ?? AT PEACE: The luxurious Bush Lodge
AT PEACE: The luxurious Bush Lodge

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