Addo Gateway Lodge
Review by Krystal Swart:
(all reviews are published "as received" to reflect an accurante experience)
For more information visit Addo Gateway Lodge and Addo Cruises.
The easy directions given to me and my fiancé, Paul, helped us find our way easily to the Addo Gateway Bed and Breakfast. Upon arrival we noticed that the gardens were beautifully decorated with the largest assortments of Bonsai Trees we had ever seen. We were greeted wholeheartedly by Maggie and Les (owners and Ferry Captain) and they seemed very happy to have us there. They showed us our room and gave us a brief rundown of where we could go for dinner, refreshments and entertainment.
The accommodation was lovely and we decided to go for an afternoon walk down the Sunday’s riverbank which is virtually outside their door. Once we got back we changed and went to the pub for dinner just down the street. The food is delicious there and I will be visiting the town more often just to order some of their lovely homemade food. The town’s people are very friendly and made us feel at home, so we decided to stay and play some pool and slot machines after dinner.
We got back quite late to the lodge where everything was peaceful and we were ready for bed. The accommodation was well equipped with large shower, TV, fridge, microwave, closet and very cosy beds.
The next morning we made our way to the main house where Maggie was preparing the most delicious and wide variety of breakfast ever. We had muffins, pancakes, eggs, bacon, sweetcorn, sausage, toast, yoghurt, fruit, cereal - you name it and it was there! That’s not even mentioning Maggie’s fantastic cooking skills, I asked if I could take her home with me and she said I should leave a space for her in the car, or I could just stay there forever.... hmmm....sounds great!!
After breakfast, Les told us to meet him at the riverbank for the Sunday’s River Fairy Cruise. We arrived there early because we were very excited and just watched the river flow by while we waited for the others, definitely needed the relaxation and break away from the busy life. Les was very knowledgeable on all the deferent types of animals and the old bridges we passed. When we arrived at the mouth of the river, Les dropped the anchor and said we were going to climb some sand dunes to show us the view and dune fields. Once we got to the top it was everything he promised and more – what a beautiful place. He pointed out some landmarks and had interesting facts on the age and size of the sand dune fields. After I made my run down to the bottom and we cooled off in the water Les showed me and Paul how to catch bait for our fishing trip we had planned later that day. How fun, and totally gross I might add, I had to basically drag Paul back on the boat because he was enjoying it so much. The cruise back was even more relaxing and the busy life was a distant memory at this stage.
We arrived at the lodge and had a mid day sleep before we went fishing on the bank. Luckily the shop around the corner had anything and everything you may need for the perfect fishing trip. We stocked up on goodies and made our way to the river. We both caught a fish, Paul threw his back and I didn’t get that far, at the very end of me reeling it in it slipped off the hook. What a lovely day, we got some takeaway food from the pub and headed back to the lodge.
The next morning we were greeted with another one of Maggie’s fantastic breakfasts and had to be on our way. With such a lovely departure and stay we were already missing it when we started pulling out the driveway.
Thank you Maggie and Les for your kind hospitality.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 24 November 2010 10:25