I usually get to visit De Ark only once a year. I have been there twice this year and there are still a few months left in 2024.
It could be that I might have to brave the Dullstroom – Lydenburg – Origstad potholes again before the end of 2024.
Normally I get here in the afternoon, but on this trip, we left later than normal as I had to wait for my wife and pick up a package for the guest house, causing us to arrive at their gate as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Did you know? Lydenburg was founded in 1849 by a group of Voortrekkers led by Andries Potgieter.
Previously located to the north in Ohrigstad the group were looking to move due to the high number of their members who had succumbed to malaria.
When we checked in, it was discovered that all the rooms that I had not slept in before were filled with long-term guests, and that meant that I would have to stay in the same room that I was in just a few weeks ago.
But, as my wife was with me on this trip, it was all new for her as SHE had not seen this, the most recent addition.
To see our accommodation, use this link. https://travelandthings.co.za/2024/08/de-ark-lydenburg-my-annual-pilgrimage/
The reception area is so old-school that I almost expect footmen to come and collect the luggage.
Which is not the case.
Luckily from where my car was parked to our room was only a few steps.
And, unlike back in the day, when luggage was usually made out of leather and extremely heavy, ours is constructed out of modern lightweight material AND has four wheels.
The dining room was set up for dinner and although not part of the bed and breakfast rate, I would urge visitors to sample what is on the menu.
1] It is good home cooking
2] It is good value for money
3] There is always a delicious dessert
And most importantly…the chef does not know the meaning of small portions!
Between the accommodation, the garden and the bar is this open verandah.
On every visit here to date it has been utilized for a different purpose.
I have seen it being used as an outdoor lounge and as a reception area for a memorial.
When the theatre upstairs has a production, I should imagine that this could be used as a foyer before the audience settles into their seats.
It could also be used for conference delegates when they are using the facility.
And on this visit, it seems to have been in a transformation phase.
Inside the Fickle Fox pub.
What would a guest house in a small South African town be WITHOUT a pub on the premises?
But there is an issue…
This is very near the kitchen and the aromas emanating from there can make those who have not ordered dinner feel that they have missed out.
And fast food is NOT an answer. Why? Because fast food is exactly what and the same wherever you buy it. The dinner at De Ark is freshly prepared and is served with love.
Neither of which you will get at a fast food outlet…and you don’t even need to leave the premises.
Amazingly, upstairs is both accommodation as well as a working theatre and conference venue.
I have stayed in both of the upstairs rooms and I can highly recommend both of them for very different reasons.
I have yet to time a visit when there is a performance at the theatre.
Morning has broken.
And the garden was as welcoming as always.
Usually, when I stay here I am in a hurry to get to my final destination, hence me eating and leaving before 08h00.
On this trip, my wife and I were able to relax as we only had to leave by 10h00.
It is less than 90 minutes from Lydenburg to Hoedspruit and the various lodges that we were going to visit on this trip.
Far more relaxed way of starting the day.
This table, which I think is a repurposed door, stands in the corridor near the Rocco Room that we stayed in.
FYI. Do you know the difference between a city, town, or village?
A city is a large or important town.
A town is a populated area with fixed boundaries and a local government.
And a village is a small community in a rural area.
It seems to be a common misconception that a cathedral defines, or is a requirement for, a city.
However, Lydenburg is considered a town…possibly not large or important enough to be promoted to be recognised as a city.
No gorillas in the mist.
A hot shower in the morning was just what was required to get rid of the last vestiges of sleep.
The bathroom in this recently renovated room boasts both an indoor and an outdoor shower.
Time to say goodbye once again. We are always sad to bid farewell to Francis and Barney as we drive off towards Hoedspruit.
Next time I will have to time my visit when a different room becomes available. and perhaps there is a production on at the theatre.
Thanks to you and your staff for your consistent hospitality and friendship.
The name Lydenburg means Town of Suffering and given the vast number of dangerous and deep potholes on the road both into the town from Dullestroom and out towards Origstad, the name is still as valid today as it was when the town was founded in 1850!
But, as mentioned in TV adverts, that is not all.
When I drove through the town in mid-July, the council was digging up the main road. This has been ongoing for some time while certain contractual aspects are being ‘ironed out’. In the meantime, both the residents as well as travellers are inconvenienced.
On this trip nothing had changed and it seemed to my untrained eye that no work had been completed during the intervening weeks between visits.
Seeing that this is a MAJOR tourist route to the Lowveld and the various game reserves, I am always stunned by the lack of foresight from those in tourism.
BTW, did you know that the collective noun for potholes is a Slalom?
Well, now you do!
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