BY Sipho ‘Alphi’ Mkhwanazi
The moon has been playing ringa-ringa-roses with my emotions and I realised, maybe it’s time for yet another timeout. And before you call me a chakra king, yes, I will use absolutely any excuse to break away from the hustle and bustle of Joburg’s concrete life of constantly having to show up. Luckily, I’m quite the cheapskate. I go out of my way to find amazing getaway spots that can be enjoyed without breaking the bank. Times are tough chief, not all of us are ballers.
On Saturday morning I was completely in my feels and thought, no man, let me pack a bag, join the open road, and see where my little VW T-Cross takes me. A little over an hour up north, just off Moloto Road, the Roddeplaat Lion and Cheetah Sanctuary caught my eye and I thought, perfect, this is the one. After your left turn and about 3km of gravel road, you’re led to a haven for these majestic creatures that beckons both adventure seekers and conservation enthusiasts alike.
My first day was quite laid back, with absolutely nothing planned. My itinerary included silence, a soak in the tub, and bottomless naps, and I did just that. All chalets are air-conditioned and have one king-size bed with a stunning en-suite bathroom. In the chalet, there is a bar fridge and kettle for your convenience.
The main lodge is where three cooked meals – included in the rate – are served buffet style. It also includes the dining room, kitchen, lounge area, and TV room, where everyone is always welcome. FYI, perhaps opt for the self-catering option if you’re a picky eater. You’ll thank me later. However, here you can also enjoy a cozy fireplace in the winter.
Up close and personal with lions
I chose chalet #1 which is right next to the lion enclosure, a mere minute’s walk away from the swimming pool and I couldn’t be more pleased with my choice. With the beautiful acoustics of the Pretoria night sky, I fell asleep in awe listening to these amazing beasts conversing throughout the night. Immediately after breakfast, I was treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience encounter with these awe-inspiring animals up close and yes, I have pictures to prove it. Guided tours (which come all-inclusive to your accommodation package) provide an intimate glimpse into the lives of lions and cheetahs, offering insights into their behavior, habitats, and the challenges they face in the wild. From the graceful cheetah’s lightning-fast sprints to the regal lion’s commanding presence, every moment spent in their presence is a testament to their magnificence.
Straight afterwards I quickly got ready for a full body massage high up in the mountains, overlooking the sanctuary and it is a view worth beholding. R650 gets you an hours-long session with a masseuse. I unfortunately can’t narrate this experience to you because I passed out 3 minutes into my session. Standard procedure, but trust me when I tell you that I woke up a whole new man.
I’m a little upset that I didn’t get to try out the infinity pool, especially because all I wanted to do was rest. But don’t take my word for it, go try it out yourself! Overall, I spent under R5000 on this experience and I’m so glad I did myself this favour. We might not be able to treat ourselves all the time, but when the opportunity presents itself, we must grab it with both hands. Here’s to Xploring more gems, see you on my next one!
