Lowveld - Jan 2020

John says the teepees are wonderful for both
cold and warm weather. “Hot air moves up
and they have what we call smoke flaps, which
is where the hot air moves out,” he points up
to the opening at the top of the tent, which
can be closed when it rains. The tents also
have two layers of canvas and a gap with air
between which creates insulation and prevents
condensation. They are also sturdy enough
for the Lowveld’s stormy weather. Guests have
access to a coffee machine in the communal
kitchen and the rate includes a continental
breakfast, bedding, towels and use of amenities
like the massive pool and cosy firepit.
“There is a spiritual meaning with the poles,”
John explains as he looks up at one of his tents.
“In Native American tradition, they believe the
poles represented the different spiritual paths
that connected people with their creator.
Somewhere along the line all these paths
cross; we all have to go through the same door.
Afterwards we might still go our separate ways,
but like-minded people usually come together”.
Rates: R450pp bed and breakfast (R400 without
breakfast).
Details
084-578-8664
Hancu Louw settling in at Barrett’s
after a day of hiking
The Native American teepees boast views
into the sunset
Barrett’s Coaches
Hidden in the Berlin Plantation outside the misty
hamlet of Kaapsehoop are two red railway coaches
dating from the 1950s. They have been converted
into comfortable accommodation as part of the
Kaapsehoop Hiking Trail. The entire trail takes four
days and roughly 60km of rambling, but don’t fret...
You can walk a shorter option to stay over in the
quirky Barrett’s Coaches.
The Battery Creek Two-Night Trail either starts at
Barrett’s Coaches, or at the Kaapsehoop Hut in
town (you can park your car at both options and
start from either end). If you start in Kaapsehoop,
you will walk 9,5km on your first day and 14km
back from Barrett’s to town on day two. Only one
of the coaches is being used at the moment and
offers 24 comfortable beds to sleep on (four per
sleeping compartment). The carriages have a
wooden interior with blue, padded pleather lining
on the seats or beds (which provided a surprisingly
comfortable night’s rest). Some of the interior has
been changed from the original train decor (like
the folding tables), but remains functional and
comfortable as hiking accommodation.
Barrett’s is the only overnight stop with electricity
on the Kaapsehoop Hiking Trail. You can have a
warm shower (without having to make a fire in a
22 Get It Lowveld January 2020