This was where my wife and I spent a recent weekend.
About 45 minutes from either Johannesburg or Pretoria,
it is in the Magaliesberg…but on the Hekpoort road.
It has operated under several names…
Ox wagon Lodge, Plumari and now,
as part of the Guvon Group…Askari
The building dominating the picture is the purpose built conference centre.
This is now a couple of years old.
I am reliably informed that the roof mirrors the Magalies mountain range
It has its own bar, with a great view.
The centre can be used for wedding receptions or any other celebration
If the weather is good, then sitting on the deck is an option.
This is where we enjoyed our breakfast.
And no, those are not “real” animals,
but life size metal sculptures of two rhino and a buffalo
Our Sunday breakfast was served here.
More than enough to feed a small army.
It seems that a lot of bikers use this for their ” breakfast run” stopover.
They came, they ate and they left…
My wife waiting to go to the lion enclosure.
I took this through the fireplace.
There are two in the building, but it was not cold enough for fires…
YET.
The old reception area.
It has now been incorporated into part of the public lounge/dining area
There is the largest privately owned collection of Ox wagons on this property
Those that are standing outdoors are the worse for wear,
however, there are several restored ones in the museum.
This was the original accommodation, still in use.
One of the 20 new rooms that are currently being completed.
We were staying in one of these.
Bright and airy, they have two bedrooms
and two bathrooms…one of which has both a bath and shower
Cupboards without doors.
What a good idea…
The bath was a little small, but comfortable.
I did like the taps.
My only complaint…
When you try to turn on the lights above this vanity,
ALL the bathroom lights come on.
Not great first thing in the morning.
There is a restaurant at Askari, but in case you feel like heating a midnight snack,
this small kitchenette doubles as an entrance hall
This “lounge” doubles as the second bedroom.
The furniture fits together like a jigsaw puzzle,
and forms the bed.
Both bedrooms have flat screen TV’s,
with good reception.
This room leads out onto the veranda via a sliding door.
Great views of the mountains!
Something to keep the chilly Highveld night at bay?
This coat rack caught my attention.
Lunch was a “build-it-yourself” burger.
Served on our veranda
My wife relaxing while I take pictures…
The new accommodation, as seen through one of the old wagons.
For more information on what they offer,
visit: www.askarilodge.co.za
Follow me on Twitter: @davidbatzofin
Visit my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/david.batzofin
Travel & Things has it’s own Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/travelandthings