The taming of Africa

IN NEED OF AN ESCAPE

WHEN foreigners visit our lovely country it is to go on a "safari" in the "jungle", or to get in touch with their roots by experiencing a little African "culture".

As I was born and bred in South Africa, I thought it would be quite interesting to do the "touristy" thing and gauge just how authentic some of these activities on offer for tourists actually are. My plan was to do my excursion in three parts: visit an African village, eat authentic African food and sleep in a Zulu-style hut.

ALL ABOUT IT

A mere 40km from Johannesburg, the drive to The Farm was just long enough to afford my travelling companion and me the time to discuss our plans for the evening.

Our hillside accommodation at The Farm is owned by Mike Manegold, a former art director and film producer from Switzerland.

The accommodation is intended to provide lodging for people who do not want to drive home after enjoying a meal at the African Swiss restaurant which is at the bottom of the hill. It did not take us long to realise that our Zulu-inspired hut, called The Luvut, would be the highlight of our trip. With a gorgeous view from our queen-size bed, a fireplace and a romantic outdoor bathtub - this spot is absolutely ideal for couples.

Aside from The Luvut, The Farm offers a variety of en suite rooms and the facilities include an open-plan kitchen, lounge with internet connection and a DVD player, as well as a braai and pool.

WHAT TO SEE

In the evening we headed down the road to the Lesedi African Lodge and Cultural Village. According to www.lesedi.com the establishment is "an adventure that reveals the mystical cultures and traditions of the people of Africa, steeped in tribal folklore and ancestral traditions".

Our adventure began in a smoky boma where we were surrounded by foreigners in a variety of garish African garbs.

After taking a seat, we were entertained with tales of the African way of life, from Zulu war rituals to Pedi hunting practices.

What followed was an hour of rhythmic beats, stomping feet and taut bodies executing a poetic mix of kicks and jumps.

Towards the end of the show we were invited to "shake what our mothers gave us" and join in - some doing so more willingly than others. The second part of our African experience involved an African meal. We chose to dine at Lesedi's Nyama Choma restaurant.

The meal was adequate but nothing special. It certainly was not up to the standard of an establishment catering primarily for tourists. The most exotic thing on the menu was crocodile - which I have never eaten before and probably will not eat again. It tasted like chicken but had a flaky, fish-like texture. The dessert of koeksisters and milk tart did not disappoint, however.

Finally, we made our way back to The Farm to conclude our trio of African experiences with a night's sleep in our Zulu hut. Unfortunately, we rather foolishly forgot to bring along any form of insect repellent and thus the scores of mosquitoes that shared our hut ensured that sleep was far from peaceful. The next morning we rose with the sun. The view from the front steps of our little luvut was spectacular. Think unspoiled views of the Magalies mountains as far as the eye can see and a pinky-crimson sky. If I had to sum up The Farm in one word, it would be "homely".

DID IT LIVE UP TO EXPECTATIONS?

The entertainment at Lesedi was fantastic and surprisingly informative, but I'd forgo the meal. The Farm was an absolute pleasure and is the perfect quick weekend getaway.

Just don't forget to pack the mosquito repellent.