Site Inspection Johannesburg to Pilgrims Rest, along the Panorama Route and into the Greater Kruger National Park - Dennis Jonsson, Rudi Rossouw & Teddie Wahlin

Hi all, 
 

This is a small recap on our lovely site inspection up in the north to Johannesburg, along the panorama route and ending in Greater Kruger National Park. We were known as the young guns throughout the trip, a trip which can be described as nothing else but a success.

 We left the office surprised an early Wednesday morning. Surprised because everyone showed up in time. At the airport we had to tell Pelle that Rudolph was missing. Just as he was about to cancel the flight we revealed our prank.

Teddie took the steering wheel in Johannesburg with me as a magnificent map reader. We went north to check out Moyo Fountains Valley.

From here we went to Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Melrose Arch for check in. We did a site inspection at the hotel and the result is as to be expected, an awesome hotel, with friendly staff and great value for money.  

Protea Hotel Fire & Ice - Melrose Arch

Next site inspection was at the 5 star African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel. We had nothing but good things to say about this hotel. Luxury meets funky details and I would not hesitate a second before putting a group there.

After buying a R400 shirt for myself and refreshments for our big night out in Johannesburg, it was time for another site inspection and dinner. Moyo Melrose Arch is the perfect group restaurant and very "vibey". Good food. Good people. Good entertainment. Good Moyo feeling. Interesting is also the wine tasting department on the ground floor.

Moyo

After face paintings and tons of food it was time to put in the next gear. We had to see what Johannesburg had to offer at night time to be able to offer the destination to our clients...party time BOOM!

The next morning we spent bicycling with Bongani in Soweto. Great product! We went to a shebeen (a local pub), the hostels, the market, Bonganis sister, child day care centre and the street of Mandela’s house of course. We finished off with a Kota (local speciality dish) at Number One Restaurant. A superb snack/lunch, an experience for sure.

Team "Lance Armstrong"

mmmm....beer...

Visiting a childrens home

So-we-to?

Bongani puts us through our paces

   

After check out, we left for Pilgrims Rest. En route we got to see Dullstrom where we had lunch at Harrys pancakes. We could not see that this restaurant was reason enough to skip Critchley Hackle which was our next stop in Dullstroom. Critchley Hackles restaurant has got stunning views and the rooms are old fashioned in a good way. It feels like staying over at your grandparents in the country side. This is a good thing:) We arrived at Pilgrims Rest in complete darkness. Not only because the rotation of the earth but because of the lack of electricity in Pilgrims Rest this day. We checked in at The Royal Hotel and the power failure added to the feeling of traveling back in time. After a drink in the rustic bar it was time for a late dinner. The restaurant served great food and went in line with the gold mining theme of the rest of the sleepy town. We noted that when we send guests here we should make sure that they are aware of the reason for the rustic feeling and maybe also send them on an hour’s tour on arrival. This will make them understand the amazing history behind Pilgrims Rest.

From here we left for Kapama Game Reserve. We took the "panorama route" and I’m going to let the photos speak for themselves, the views were amazing... 

Bourke's Luck Potholes

Panorama Route

At Kapama (a concession inside the Greater Kruger National Park) the welcoming was great. We stayed in the SPA suites and spent some time in the lovely SPA area. The game viewing was fantastic and I couldn’t believe my eyes to be honest. Food was exceptional and served in different venues. The river side boma was a highlight and with that they have four different dinner venues to offer.




Sunrise over Africa

Kapama River Lodge

We did a site inspection at Kapama Karula which is the most high end camp in Kapamas portfolio. Perfect for our 10 – 20 pax exclusive groups. If they want a more traditional game lodge feeling I would suggest the Buffalo tented camp which is to be ready after this winter. River lodge can host groups over and above 80 pax. It’s even more accessible now with the new direct flight from Cape Town.

Kapama River Lodge

Rudi reckons it's a leopard...Dennis is not so sure

Team Propel

Morning traffic jam

Another busy morning in traffic

Kapama River Lodge's pool

Hard at work

The "heavies"

9 seater off road land cruisers

yummy...dinner time for the King of the Jungle

Dinner time for Propel

        

After this it was time for Cape Town again. One of the few places that I love to return to and now call home. This was a good ending of a very educational trip and a perfect chance to spend some quality time with Rudi and Teddie.

A G&T in the "bush"

Team Propel knock off another hard day at work

Make sure to look out for new site inspections that we're going on this winter...

Dennis "the D-Man" Jonsson