High Tea with Hippos
Put
me next to a waterhole in a game reserve and I am happy. Put me next to a
waterhole in a game reserve in a luxury tent and I am a supremely ecstatic
little camper. I sit drinking my coffee on my deck overlooking a dam where
mother and baby hippos splash about. I may soon join them for an afternoon
wallow in my own plunge pool - there is a certain permissive sloth and
appreciation for life that they impart.
Phelwana Game Lodge has been taken over by enthusiastic new owners who understand a girl
like me. Creamy floors, white linen and cream curtains are perfectly balanced
with wooden and leather safari style chairs and an old travelling trunk. The
waxy green central wall adds flair to this calm and spacious tent.
This
is glamping in true style, with airconditioning and a spacious glossy bathroom
with double basin and vanity, indoor and outdoor shower and modern fittings.
Meals
may be taken at one’s own tent, complete with white table cloth, silver service
and romantic oil lit lamps and candles. The main lodge has a large dining area
and freshly upholstered lounge looking onto a fireplace.
Accommodation
Experience
High
tea at Phelwana is a sumptuous affair. A layered cake stand is brought out to the lapa
overlooking the dam, and is filled with freshly baked scones, carrot cake (with
the good icing), koeksisters, tartlets, sandwiches and deviled eggs. While I
am eyeing out the lavish spread, two hippos come closer for a look – not 10 meters
from the lapa in the water below. I have never been so close to hippos within
such safety and decadence. I can almost count the chin hairs on the hippo’s
broad jaw as he yawns. This is a high tea I will always remember with
excitement, as a great serendipitous privilege.
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