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- River Destiny Lodge **
We'd booked two nights in different establishments, and once in the town, soon forgot the endless plains and koppies that surround it. Colesberg is a pleasant mix of modern-day living combined with character of yesteryear. Established in , many of its original buildings still stand, and a few have their original reed ceilings, yellowwood beams, doors and floors, with interesting fanlights, metal fittings and woodwork visible on the outside.
Our first night was to be spent at Karoo Huisies, which are some of the oldest houses in Colesberg. Originally built as coach houses and stables, each has its own style today and makes for pleasant self-catering accommodation. They're within walking distance of shops and restaurants and we took to the streets on foot, passing the Dutch Reformed Church, which dominates Church Street - the town's main road.
At the Colesberg Kemper Museum and Tourism Office a valuable cultural history collection containing documents and artefacts dating back to the very early colonial pioneering days is on display. They also have a fossil collection of the first reptiles inhabiting this area, Anglo-Boer War artefacts and photographs, and a 19th-century toy collection.
However, the museum is perhaps better known for its permanent photographic display on the Karoo Nomads - also known as the "karretjie" or donkey-cart people - compiled by Unisa. Museum curator and local historian Belinda Gordon specialises in walking tours of the town and Anglo-Boer War sites.
The area around Colesberg is known for its horse breeding and merino stud farms, and the latter convinced us we'd find a good leg of lamb somewhere for dinner. Bordeaux Restaurant in the main street is located in an old Karoo house and offered just this along with other traditional dishes. Next day we headed out to Doornkloof Nature Reserve, a 12 hectare sanctuary on the south-eastern banks of the Vanderkloof Dam. Wildlife includes various antelope, brown hyena, bat-eared fox, aardvark and aardwolf, along with around bird species. This atmospheric establishment houses a wooden milling mechanism brought from a farm, piece-by-numbered-piece, and re-erected inside an old wagon house, which dates back to the s.
Today it's reputedly the best-preserved horse mill in the country. That night we bedded down at Coniston Guest House. Actually, there's something about this old building, erected in , that reminds me of the Mediterranean. Perhaps it's the combination of brightly painted wooden shutters and the huge tree out front. It's one of the very few genuine Cape Georgian double-storey houses in the country, and the antiques and chandeliers that fill it add to the ambience of colonial past. By now we were getting a taste for old Karoo accommodation and couldn't resist Kuilfontein Stable Cottages, a private country lodge, just off the N1 between Colesberg and Hanover.
It's a historic racehorse stud and sheep farm that's been in the same family since They offer superb facilities in converted stable quarters that are stylishly decorated.
A dusk game of boule, followed by dinner of fresh farm produce served in the converted "Feed Room", and we were ready to slip between the silky percale linen sheets. If you venture a tad further off the N1 you'll come across the quiet little town of Noupoort. It's perhaps best known for the controversial stories surrounding its original drug rehabilitation centre. We popped into the new and rival drug rehab establishment, The Drug Educational Council, started by Chris Everitt, a former deputy director of the original centre.
Chris feels that it's important that people learn about the effects drugs have on lives, and he welcomes visitors to his centre. Enter dates to see prices. Prices drop the moment you sign in! Sign in now. Overall rating:. More about Merino Inn Hotel. Show less. Languages spoken English. Internet access Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Things to do, ways to relax Garden Swimming pool [outdoor]. Dining, drinking, and snacking Bar Restaurants.
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Services and conveniences Smoking area. For the kids Family room. Access Elevator Front desk [hour] Pets allowed. Getting around Car park [free of charge]. Food and dining. Cuisine: Italian, Seafood. Menu: Buffet.
Children and extra beds All children are welcome. Guest's age Extra bed Children year s. Stay for free if using existing bedding. Guests 3 years and older are considered as adults. Extra beds may be requested directly from the property; additional charges may apply. Others When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply. Compare to other recommended properties View these properties on map.
The Lighthouse Guesthouse. Gables Inn. The Barracks. Tzamenkomst River Lodge. Breakfast available. Very good. Reviews of Merino Inn Hotel from real guests. Verified reviews provided by. Overall rating.
South African Civil registrations on FamilySearch (not on NAAIRS) - eGGSA branch of the GSSA
From reviews. Rating via Booking. High score for Colesberg. Time of the year. All guests All guests Business traveler 25 Couple Solo traveler 42 Family with young children Family with older children Group This is a popular property. Don't miss out! Back to search results. Back to room choices.
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River Destiny Lodge **
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