Friday, June 8, 2007

Assegaay Bosch Game Reserve - a well kept secret on the Route 62


The Lalakoi Girls left George on Saturday morning for a weekend at Assegaay Bosch Game Reserve.
Assegaay Bosch is situated on Route 62 between Ladismith and Calitzdorp on over 10 000 hectares
of indigenous fynbos. We made our way over the Outeniqua Mountains, through Oudtshoorn,
to Calitzdorp and over 38km of the most scenic pass we had seen in a long time, the Rooiberg Pass.

As we entered the Reserve, we were greeted by an Eland and with quick reactions I managed to get a
photograph for our collection of the weekend. Colleen Smith, the Manager of Assegaay Bosch met us
at reception and escorted us to a stylish, yet comfortable thatched roofed cottage. Our cottage had
two bedrooms, each with en-suite bathroom and a cosy open plan kitchen and lounge area with a
fireplace to fight off the cold and even an air conditioner. One bedroom cottages are also available,
as well as loft rooms – ideal for larger groups.

After enjoying a cup of coffee and some of Anna’s Home Made Rusks on the stoep of the restaurant
overlooking the water holes, swimming pool and surrounding landscape we took our camera's and started
to explore! Assegaay Bosch Game Lodge also offers guests Bird watching, Game viewing, Fynbos viewing,
Hiking Trails, Fishing and Star-gazing.

First we took a walk around the water holes, capturing the magical tranquility and to warm up for
our mountain bike ride! What an experience – this is must for all!!!
By now exhausted by all the wonderful experiences and encounters of the afternoon we headed back to
our cottage to sit back, relax and enjoy the surroundings.

As the cottages each have a kitchen you may prepare your own dinner. We however headed to the restaurant.
With the fire crackling in the background we discussed our day and enjoyed the traditional
South African cuisine. An excellent selection of locally produced wines and ports are available to
complement the variety of dishes.

The game on the reserve includes Giraffe, Waterbuck, Kudu, Nyala, Red Hartebeest, Eland, Impala,
rare Cape Grysbok, Zebra, Duikers, the Agile Klipspringer and troops of Baboons. Occasionally one can
spot Caracals, Servals, Porcupines, Honey Badgers, Ant-eaters, as well as the occasional Leopard.
During our morning game drive with Jacques our guide, we spotted a number of the resident game. Half way,
we stopped for coffee, hot chocolate and rusks at a viewing point.

Back at the restaurant we had breakfast. By now the sun had made it's appearance and we could still see the
dewdrops on the plants. Walking to the Bamboo Garden we laughed all the way and realised that this
must be part of paradise. Going over a shallow stream we came across one of nature’s treasures, the Gorge
on the Reserve.

For lunch Colleen planned a truly Traditional South African braai in the Boma. Heading to the Boma we could
smell the aroma of the ‘braaivleis’. Once again we had a superb meal and enjoyed great company. After lunch
we had to say good-bye and head back home.
We had a wonderful time at Assegaay Bosch!

The facilities, service and hospitality at this Game Reserve are of the highest standards.

Truly a place where you arrive as a stranger and leave as a friend!

Here are some of the pictures we took on our weekend at Assegaay Bosch Game Reserve.

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