The year is 2021, we’re fighting a pandemic and the hospitality industry in South Africa is on its knees.
Yes, it sounds like an intro to one of those end-of-the-world horrors/dramas. You expect to hear dramatic music, the opening scene showing desolate wastelands…okay, we’re getting a touch dramatic here but, the hospitality industry is taking a massive knock in South Africa at this time and it can feel quite ‘end-of-the-world’ lately. But, and there is a but….
…we seemed to have tried booking when every single bride and groom in KwaZulu-Natal who had to postpone their wedding since March 2020 was now having their wedding…on this very weekend. Every. Single. Wedding. ON THIS WEEKEND!
We tried booking at Stardam Estate. Fully booked. We tried Brahman Hills. Fully booked. We tried Old Halliwell Country Lodge. Fully booked. The chorus? “Sorry, we’re fully booked for a wedding or, there is a wedding nearby and wedding guests have booked us out.” Okay, okay, I’m going to make this happen. I’m not a quitter! What’s the best way to find out about hidden spots nearby that may have availability? You ask for recommendations! I telephoned Old Halliwell again and asked to speak to Joe Seegers who has been one of the most gracious hosts we’ve had in the past and asked if he could recommend anywhere close by that may have availability. He gave us a list but said “try Cranford Country Lodge first.”
Cranford Country Lodge Booking
Some googling was done before contacting Cranford Country Lodge and it looked to be a beautiful place offering freshwater fishing. The man was going to be happy. We telephoned through and quickly received an email confirming our booking and had some questions answered such as “what type of fish can be caught there?” The man was being a pest. It’s bass fishing in case you’re wondering. We had telephoned on the day that we wanted to check-in so, as soon as we received that booking confirmation from Cranford Country Lodge, bags were thrown into the Landy and we put foot. We’ve mastered the skill of smart packing and can be ready to hit the road in less than five minutes sans toothpaste, chargers etc.
