Tranquility
The name, and the theme of the rock and wood hewn riverswide lodges, is Tranquility.
It is not just any kind of tranquility, is it the classical African Tranquility, and is meant not only to be an area of local interest, but intended as an international destination for the discerning traveller.
Tranquility is a place beside slow flowing water, abundant in bird life and the splashes of fish. Tame animals like giraffe, zebra, springbuck and cameroon goats wander the lawns around the lodges. Peacocks roost in overhanging trees, ducks swim under the walkways. It is the Old World, where children are entertained by frogs and mud, and adults sit around fires and steaming steel coffee pots.
It is a place for rest, and romance. Nakupenda (Swahili for 'I love you') is a solitary Riverside Lodge designed for privacy and intimacy with nature.
It is a place for family. Jadi (Swahili for 'family tree') is one of 5 larger buildings designed for family celebrations, or just togetherness. There are hammocks, canoes, a nearby golf green, and a large braai area beside the river with fishing facilities for the boys.
It is a place for creativity. Mwandiki (Swahiki for 'writer')is a lodge set somewhat away from the river, but a filigree of paths spiderweb from this isolated spot, taking the walker to forks leading along or away from the river. This hut is equipped with internet access, and a computer.
It is a place for fun. Mwana (Swahili for 'children'). This is essentially just a space with a sandpit, jungle gyms, ladders, treehouse which connects to a second section leading to the river, which can be closed off for younger children. There is a half enclosed space for resting, and drinking water (beside the bathrooms) but the idea is that the children play outside.
It is a place for parties. Pati (Swahihi but derived from the English) is a large, thatch covered hall for dancing, wedding receptions, conferences, or parties. It is situated close to the river, with a small jetty for those seeking fresh air.
Activities on weekends: Botanical guiding, Nightwalk, Plowing the field, Ghost Stories (including a visit to a nearby cemetry). Schools may use the area for day trips to illustrate biology, geography or history.
Finally, it is a place for sport. Mountainbike permits (at R50 each) are available at reception. There is also a stable with 2 horses (R250 p hour). And a quad bike track along the boundary of the farm, available only within specified times. Mountainbike Africa Project hosts a race on the first Sunday in March.
Small groups (maximum two) can be transported to and from Tranquility in a jeep, larger groups should park at Banda (the stables area), and porters will guide and aid entry into the park.
Two permament staff members are responsible for security, and 3 more maintain the upkeep of the gardens and bungalows.
It is not just any kind of tranquility, is it the classical African Tranquility, and is meant not only to be an area of local interest, but intended as an international destination for the discerning traveller.
Tranquility is a place beside slow flowing water, abundant in bird life and the splashes of fish. Tame animals like giraffe, zebra, springbuck and cameroon goats wander the lawns around the lodges. Peacocks roost in overhanging trees, ducks swim under the walkways. It is the Old World, where children are entertained by frogs and mud, and adults sit around fires and steaming steel coffee pots.
It is a place for rest, and romance. Nakupenda (Swahili for 'I love you') is a solitary Riverside Lodge designed for privacy and intimacy with nature.
It is a place for family. Jadi (Swahili for 'family tree') is one of 5 larger buildings designed for family celebrations, or just togetherness. There are hammocks, canoes, a nearby golf green, and a large braai area beside the river with fishing facilities for the boys.
It is a place for creativity. Mwandiki (Swahiki for 'writer')is a lodge set somewhat away from the river, but a filigree of paths spiderweb from this isolated spot, taking the walker to forks leading along or away from the river. This hut is equipped with internet access, and a computer.
It is a place for fun. Mwana (Swahili for 'children'). This is essentially just a space with a sandpit, jungle gyms, ladders, treehouse which connects to a second section leading to the river, which can be closed off for younger children. There is a half enclosed space for resting, and drinking water (beside the bathrooms) but the idea is that the children play outside.
It is a place for parties. Pati (Swahihi but derived from the English) is a large, thatch covered hall for dancing, wedding receptions, conferences, or parties. It is situated close to the river, with a small jetty for those seeking fresh air.
Activities on weekends: Botanical guiding, Nightwalk, Plowing the field, Ghost Stories (including a visit to a nearby cemetry). Schools may use the area for day trips to illustrate biology, geography or history.
Finally, it is a place for sport. Mountainbike permits (at R50 each) are available at reception. There is also a stable with 2 horses (R250 p hour). And a quad bike track along the boundary of the farm, available only within specified times. Mountainbike Africa Project hosts a race on the first Sunday in March.
Small groups (maximum two) can be transported to and from Tranquility in a jeep, larger groups should park at Banda (the stables area), and porters will guide and aid entry into the park.
Two permament staff members are responsible for security, and 3 more maintain the upkeep of the gardens and bungalows.
posted by Nick van der Leek at 9:20 PM
2 Comments:
Hello Nick,
I am Bappa, an Indian. I am just roaming through the blogspot.com and watching blogs and get hit by you. I like you , your thoughts and of course your blog. I am a management student having System management as Major specialization.
My blog is http://carelessintelligent.blogspot.com/
"Tranquility" wow would I love to travel like you, see the places you see, and kiss the earth the way you do.
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