TRAVEL

from Equestrian Life SA January 2021

CANINE FEATURE

SUMMERVELD

A Hidden Gem in the Shongweni Valley Country Lodge

The Reonet SA Champs took place in Shongweni in November last year with many out-of-towners making their annual pilgrimage to Kwazulu Natal for one of the most anticipated shows on the calendar (a very short calendar last year courtesy of the Covid-19 pandemic). SA Champs newbie and subsequent A90’s champ, Danielle Brown, stayed at Summerveld Country Lodge – a little piece of paradise in the mist!

On my recent trip to the Reonet SA Champs held in Shongweni, accommodation for myself was the last on my list of To Do’s after making sure that my beloved equine steed had everything that her heart desires, as well as groom’s meals and accommodation, transport and all the extras that go with ‘away’ shows. Not only did this leave little time to organise anything for myself, but my pocket was also as dry as a sunny, summers day in the Kalahari.

By chance I happened to google realistic accommodation prices in the Summerveld area and the first place that popped up was SUMMERVELD COUNTRY LODGE. Could this be a misprint?! I did a double take at the price of a single rate – only R400 per night - in Joburg that is just our parking ticket price for the night. When it comes to things appearing too good to be true I’m generally a bit of a cynic, but with an ever-dwindling bank balance I figured I didn’t have much to lose and dialled their number.

Lodge owner, Lynda Swanson, answered my desperate call and assured me that all was correct as per the website, they had availability and I was very welcome to stay. Well, welcome is an understatement. After spending the afternoon at the showground, I headed to my accommodation on night one and had to drive through mist thicker than a bowl of cold oats. I arrived

at Summerveld Country lodge pale and jittery and more stressed than after the entire trip towing a horse from Johannesburg. Within minutes I had a glass of red wine in hand and a slice of chocolate cake placed in front of me by Cath (front of House) before I had even looked at the dinner menu (all homecooked by her hubby).

The rooms are extremely spacious and are ironically converted stables - the property was once owned by well known rider and former race horse trainer, Clodagh Shaw. With newly renovated bathrooms, kitchenette, and the most comfortable beds, Summerveld Country Lodge is perfect for weary riders, business travellers and families alike. The property boasts an all-weather, decked restaurant, a pub, a HUGE jungle gym for the kids, their own little slot machine room and 2 arenas used for horse and dog shows alike. A mere 5 minutes to the Summerveld training Centre or 10 minutes into Hillcrest/Assagay - it is as comfortable as it is convenient AND they’re pet friendly.

For anyone making the trip down to Shongweni, or if you’re just looking for a quiet country escape, I can highly recommend Summerveld Country Lodge. We all know how hard hit the hospitality industry was during lockdown so I encourage you to support small business – especially owner-run and managed businesses who truly go the extra mile for guests.