ACCOMMODATION

Mokabi Lodge is a stone and thatched cottage situated in secluded woodland. It is the only guest lodge on the property, the only other occupants of the farm being the owners and staff.

The lodge consists of a large central room comprising lounge, dining room and kitchenette, flanked by two bedrooms each with its own bathroom. French doors open onto an open, thatch-roofed stoep (verandah), which in turn looks out on a waterhole and gives access to the adjacent plunge pool and braai lapa (barbecue enclosure). The rooms are very comfortably furnished and decorated with African themes.

Board games and books are provided for indoor entertainment. In keeping with the tranquil ambience of the bush, the lodge is not equipped with radio or TV. In winter, an open fireplace in the lounge offers warmth and a convivial atmosphere. In summer, the high thatch roof and fans ensure that the interior of the lodge remains comfortably cool. In the interests of safety and because many find the smell of stale tobacco smoke offensive, guests are requested not to smoke in the lodge or while walking in the bush.

All bedding, towels (except swimming towels), cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils, cleaning materials and insect repellents are provided. The kitchen is equipped with a fridge/freezer, gas hob, and microwave oven. There are fans and heaters in the rooms. Although connected to the Eskom grid, the lodge can rely on locally- generated electricity during power failures. Firewood is supplied at no additional charge and a gas barbecue unit is also provided.

In order to afford privacy, the lodge is not serviced while occupied by guests. However, bedding and towels are changed for guests staying longer than four nights.

The water, from a borehole, is clear and perfectly safe to drink. At over 1400m above sea level, the area has a very low malaria risk; summers are warm (up to 37° C) and winters are mild and frost-free. Rainfall (about 600mm annually) occurs mainly in the summer months, from November to March, usually in the form of late-afternoon showers.

The lodge is unfenced, as is the pool area. The pool is covered with a safety net in the event of guests with small children, although it remains the responsibility of parents to supervise their children. While leopard and brown hyena are known to frequent the farm, the property is quite safe for walking and relaxing. The Waterberg is well known for its snakes, however, and guests should keep the lower half of doors closed at all times.