I usually visit De Ark only once a year. I have been here three times this year, and there are still a couple of months remaining in 2024.
It could be that I might have to brave the Dullstroom – Lydenburg – Origstad potholes again before the end of 2024? Currently,I am not planning to do so at this stage
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 I 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.
To see the 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 expected to find a horse and carriage in the driveway.
Which is not the case.
Luckily from where my car was parked to my room was only a few steps.
And, unlike back in the day, when luggage was usually made out of leather and extremely heavy, mine 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 has 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.
This table, which I think is a repurposed door, stands in the corridor near the Rocco Room that I 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.
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.
Usually, when I stay here I am in a hurry to get to my final destination, hence me eating and leaving before 08h00.
I head back home, first to collect my wife from O.R.Tambo International Airport as she is returning from a trip to Oz.
Hence me timing my departure to (hopefully) coincide with her walking out of the airport after having collected her luggage.
Time to say goodbye once again. We are always sad to bid farewell to Francis and Barney as I drive off towards Johannesburg.
Next time I will have to time my visit when a different room becomes available. and perhaps there is a production at the theatre.
Breakfast of champions before packing the car and heading off into the cool morning air.
Thanks to all at De Ark for their 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-September, 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
BTW, did you know that the collective noun for potholes is a Slalom?
Well, now you do!
To find out more about what this iconic and quirky guesthouse has to offer, click on the logo above.
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