Mangoes and macadamia nuts are produced at the Idle & Wild farm, located in a valley with the Sabie River running though it. And dream holidays are made here too for guests who are ready to self-cater or stay on a B&B basis close to the mighty Kruger National Park, and the noticeably smaller but no less popular town of Hazyview.
You’ve a choice of places to stay on site, including one of eight rondavels, so called because of their circular or oval shape. Each has a kitchenette, sitting area and outside veranda with barbecue (braai) facilities. There are two three-quarter size beds and an ensuite shower in each rondavel, two of which are marketed as being ideal for honeymooners and romantics, probably because they have private spa baths. All the rondavels are set in a secluded area of the tropical gardens that make Idle & Wild so distinctive, and you’ll have a view of the gardens, mountain and/or dam to enjoy.
There’s room for 4 in this 2-bed cottage, the main bedroom being at ground level and having a queen bed, while upstairs there’s an ensuite bedroom with two single beds. The lounge has a fireplace and the kitchen all the appliances you’re likely to need to self cater in style in South Africa. You also have a patio area with braai facilities and views of the valley and mountains that are delightful all day long, but perhaps at their best at sunset.
Connected to the main house with its entrance close to reception, this is open plan accommodation with a queen bed, ensuite bathroom and kitchenette. There’s a separate room with bunk beds that’s ideal for younger guests, and a private courtyard with everything you need for a brilliant braai.
Another large space easily accessed from reception, this room has two single beds and an ensuite bathroom with tub and shower, and a private courtyard.
Idle & Wild’s close proximity to Kruger makes the National Park a must visit for a safari that will give you a good chance of spotting the Big Five. But there are other tourist magnets in the area too, not least God’s Window, Pilgrim’s Rest, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and a fair few waterfalls.
If you prefer to get involved rather than look on from the sidelines, there are horse rides, bike trails, hikes and hot air ballooning to keep you happy, as well as quad biking and river rafting for even greater adrenaline rushes. At the opposite end of the activities scale, you could just sit and fish the day away.
Back at the lodge, a pool and sauna provide places to relax away from your room, and there are plenty of restaurants in the nearby town of Hazyview and surrounds for those meals you decide not to cook yourselves.
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