The family outing – 20 of us in all – was to celebrate Gran’s 80th birthday. This year’s outing planners settled on the the Pongola Express just outside Machadodorp and it was a memorable experience.
Finding the place after dark on a rainy Friday evening was eventful, to say the least. We had not received the e-mailed instructions and had to ask at neighbouring farms for directions.
We had spotted two jackals on the road but the freshness in the night air and the quiet were, in themselves, worth the ride, until we glanced up into the night sky and it took my breath away. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen so many stars and clusters.
The Pongola Express is a set of railway carriages that date back to 1934. Guests are accommodated in compartments and there is even a dining car for meals.
We unpacked and settled into our compartments then retired to the huge front porch, which had long tables where we sat around and nattered. The boerewors rolls were prepared in the kitchen area, which has a fridge, gas cooker and sinks.
Our compartment had three bunks – and the top one was a bit too high for anyone other than an energetic youngster.
Talking of which, the beds are also railway standard, which means tight, so forget any romantic ideas you might have had.
Other compartments had four-berth booths, while the middle carriage housed the bathroom, which had toilet facilities and wash basins at both ends. Two shower units have been built on the end of the sleeper carriage with mirrors and washbasins for those who didn’t want to bath.
After a brunch fit for a king, most of Saturday was spent chilling: some went down to the river for a walk, some drove off to the look at the waterfall and the “God’s Window” viewpoint – not the real one, but just as pretty.
Some of us relaxed, read a book, played board games, or simply drifted off for another snooze… after all, life in Africa is not for sissies.
That evening we had to dress formally and attend the birthday bash in the dining carriage.
Dinner was amazing: mango with granadilla yogurt and whole litchis served in a wine glass as a starter, followed by a main course of steaks done to your individual taste with salads and a family traditional potato salad, followed by numerous puddings and cakes.
After dinner the tables were cleared and out came the games – snap, Boggle, rummy cards and dominoes. In this digital age, it was amazing to hear the laughter and howls of hysteria from the contestants. Later we all sat around a huge bonfire, telling stories and reminiscing of days gone by.
The cost of this wonderful weekend was the most surprising thing – yes, it was self-catering and yes, we did overindulge, but for 20 people in today’s prices, the final cost was so little I’m too embarrassed to say... but let’s just say I’ve paid more for a night out in Joburg than the whole weekend cost me.
This is not for small children, as they will get bored – there are no TV or video games, no music – but the peace and quiet is what it’s all about… with some good friends and family closeness.
l Five Assegais Country Estate – Pongola Express Camp
Contact details: Donna 079 902 4530; www.fiveassegais.co.za - Saturday Star