Mount Sheba Lodge - where the silence responds to silence ..

Life and wisdom are the collective results of authentic experiences rather than the collection of things. And, more often than not, bucket lists reflect those many wanted experiences. It may be that your wanted experiences include adventure activities, or perhaps just reading a good book next to a crackling fireplace with a glass of red wine - a walking meditation in a rain forest - the rush of panning for gold or perhaps you'd like to be transported into the intoxicating history of the environment.

This is Daniel Sibiya. Daniel is an old hand at panning for gold and has participated in the World Championship in America but has, alas "not won anything as yet."

The 1st gold rush took place in 1873 when gold was discovered on Geelhoutboom farm near Sabie and was referred to as New Caledonian Gold Fields by President Burgers. Alec "Wheelbarrow" Patterson was one of the first diggers top arrive here - pushing a wheelbarrow with all his belongings around. He struck it rich near Pilgrims Rest. Although quiet by nature and not sharing his findings, another digger , William Trafford also found gold in the same stream, registered his claim and this triggered the biggest gold rush of the time. The result - Pilgrims Rest was proclaimed a gold field. 

Life was tough and many diggers died because of illness. At one time some 1500 diggers were working on about 4000 claims. Initially, they found what is called alluvial gold - gold dust recovered from washing gravel from the banks of streams but they did find nuggets as well. The biggest one at the time was called the "Breda" nugget which weighed in at about 6kg. 

In its heyday, these mines were the first to use electricity and Pilgrim's also had the first hydro-electric power plant.

It is said that the famous "Jock of the Bushveld" slept on the site of the Mount Sheba with his master Sir Percy Fitzpatrick. The rain forest which is part of the Mount Sheba Reserve with its natural hiking trails is home to trees that are more than 1500 years old. Now can you imagine walking among these giants while listening to the calls of the Nightjar, the Knysna Loerie and more?    

If the kids absolutely have to be indoors - there is this playroom - and yes, there are play stations also.

The recent revamping of the three-star Mount Sheba, a Forever Lodge, near Pilgrim’s Rest did not remove any of its authentic old-world charm and warmth. Whether you stay indoors when the fog hugs the outside world or go for a walk in the rain forest - the place offers an enchanting warm welcoming supported by service levels way beyond the star rating. This is a place where the "what is your room number?" question does not exist because the staff knows your number. Where "what did you think of the desert?" is an authentic non-commercial inquiry to wow at every occasion and with every dish.

The Lodge was built in 1968. A slow drive down from the highway and through part of the rain forest to the lodge uses part of the old wagon trail which formed the alternative route from Lydenburg to Pilgrim's Rest. The Lodge offers 14 King Suites and ten exceptionally spacious family rooms each featuring its own fireplace.

Mount Sheba also offers two conference rooms. For a truly magical wedding inside a rain forest (and now I do have your attention), there is a suitable and prepared spot just 200 meters from the Lodge. Mount Sheba's other secret is its authentic cooking and please do the Digger's evening - Ryk en lekker soos moedersmelk!

Whether you visit the "Grand Old Lady" as a couple, family or group, activities have been designed to involve everybody outdoors in nature. The Mount Sheba Nature Reserve offers wonderful views, excellent fauna and flora and bird-watching for those so inclined and is also home to the endangered Samango Monkey. Mount Sheba offers no less than 11 walks ranging from one to 10 kilometres and these will take you to a number of waterfalls.

We did not, on this trip explored any of the hikes. We have however booked for the last weekend in August during which we will definitely explore (at least) the Waterfall route and I will add some comments about it then.

And, there is more. Visit their website and book your stay, conference or wedding. I have a feeling that rush-hour is about to arrive at Mount Sheba – a lodge where 3 is higher than 5…

And when the fog sets in - magic whispers are abound for those willing to listen.