Day 14 Pretoria

This morning we were up for the sunrise, and just had refreshment in our chalets, as it was the last game drive first thing. Then we would have a full breakfast on our return.

Sunrise at Hannah Lodge

Jeff will be supplying pictures for this morning’s game drive. I have a few different pictures starting with a beetle that I noticed outside our chalet, which was about the size of a match box. Then I have what looks like a swallows nest in the eaves of another chalet.

Large Beetle

Swallows Nest

The next pictures took some time to capture as I spent quite some time trying to catch this lovely bird inflight, with its beautiful tail feathers streaming behind him.

Pictures do not do this little bird justice!!

This must have been my bird morning, shame I can't get the pictures that I would like with my camera, but it still reminds me of a wonderful time we all had on this superb holiday.

Large Stork

On our return the breakfast was equally as good as the fabulous meal that we all enjoyed last night, all the food was served in the main restaurant, even wild boar sausages.

It was then time to pack our bags and cases in preparation for our long journey from Ohrigstad to Pretoria which is 326 km.
Last views as we leave a wonderful lodge, which will always remind us of the great time we had here.

Last view of Hannah Game Lodge

The journey was uneventful, we passed through some small villages, the only town of any size before reaching Pretoria was Middelburg, formerly known as Nasareth - meaning 'root from dry land', was established on the farm Sterkfontein in 1866.
Originally a church town, the name was changed in 1872 to Middelburg to mark its situation midway between the two towns of Pretoria and Lydenburg. Across the ridge on the north-western side towards Botshabelo, the township of Mhluzi developed simultaneously and became part of greater Middelburg in 1994. The  noticable thing I recall from Middelburg was the Kees Taljaard Park Stadium where rugby is played which was right in the centre of the town.

Soweto Township , Johannesburg

As we approached Pretoria , there were lots of townships, which reminded us of our first days in Cape Town at the start of this holiday, as there were large townships close to the docks and the outskirts of the city.

Township outside Pretoria

Difficult to explain my  feelings when you see these living conditions that many of the South African natives have to live in. These photographs depict the dreadful living standards that they have to endure.  Then you think of the luxurious standards of living that we have enjoyed over the  past two weeks.  You would hope that it will improve one day, as the wealth that this country has is immense, not only with all the minerals that are mined, oil and gas produced, forestry, farming, and tourism with all the glorious game etc.to name but a few !!

Forever Centurion Hotel Pretoria

Arrived late afternoon at our hotel called Forever Centurion Hotel, one of the more recent additions to the Forever Resorts portfolio of hotels, lodges and resorts is the magnificent Forever Resorts Centurion Hotel. This stylish 4-star hotel is situated in the quiet suburbs of Centurion, Pretoria and has easy access from the OR Tambo Airport, Sandton, Midrand and Pretoria Central.

Franco/Tuscan influence

The building has a warm Franco/Tuscan influence, nestled in lush rose gardens, with a sparkling pool. The four star establishment boasts 48 luxury ensuite rooms of which 4 are inter leading, 2 are suites and 1 is a presidential luxury suite.

Lush Rose Garden

After we had settled in Jeff and Lynn decide to have a siesta. Kath and I went for a drive, but we did not venture too far, as we were unsure of the neighbourhood.  We purchased some champagne and wine for our last evening in South Africa.  We had arranged with Lynn and Jeff to join us in our room  for some aperitifs, before we went down to the restaurant for our evening meal.
Later when Lynn and Jeff joined us, we popped the corks and enjoy a pleasant drink together, to finish our holiday the way that we had started in Cape Town, toasting our holiday together.
Lynn mentioned that she had been watching Sky News on television and that Leven Bridge outside Yarm was closed as the river Leven had burst its banks and damaged the bridge structure. This brought us back to reality as we would soon be home in the wet weather by the sounds of it!

Deserted  hotel Lounge

Unfortunately the hotel was very quiet, as it was the weekend and had little atmosphere, as you can see from the picture of the lounge above.  Once we had finished our meal we returned back up to the second floor to where our rooms were. We had noticed some easy chairs and a coffee table where we could have our final game of cards. I recall that Kath lit some candles, and  I'm sure they were for display purposes only, but who's bothered its our last night.

Cosy rooms