Publications
Partners
- I recently stayed at the Bakubung Bush Lodge in the Pilanesberg National Park, North West, with my niece and nephew.
- It was their first vacation ever, and it was beautiful to experience this with them.
- As I write this, reliving those moments with them feels good, but, as much as I got to be the 'rich aunt' for the weekend, it wasn't about me - it was for the little ones.
The one weekend I got to be that 'rich aunt' I have always imagined myself to be one day, and impress my niece and nephew, finally happened.
I don't mean to make a beautiful weekend away with my niece and nephew about me, but hear me out; in their eyes, I can afford nice things.
Tshimo is six, and Kea is nine. They didn't get much sleep the night before our trip to the Bakubung Bush Lodge at the Pilanesberg National Park, North West. Their excitement kept them up. While running a few minutes late to pick up the sassy Tshimo, she called to ask: "Why are you so slow, Aunty B?"
And Kea was apparently pacing around the house after waking up every two hours during the night, waiting for my brother to drop him off at my place, so the vacation they had been anticipating could start.
Tshimo and Kea were all smiles on their first-ever vacation. Image writer's own
I fed off their energy. The drive from Johannesburg was supposed to be two-and-a-half hours, but I could hear murmurs at the back while on the road. They discussed what they wanted to eat.
Tshimo wanted sushi, and Kea wanted the biggest burger available at McDonald's and nuggets on the side. I hoped they didn't believe I was really a 'rich aunt' when they pushed a trolley filled with the snacks they wanted for the weekend around the supermarket, because my bank balance wouldn't be in agreement - but I continued to play pretend with them.
After the detours and approved card payments, we hit the road to our home for the weekend.
Do you have a story to share? Tell us here.
Sign up to W24's Newsletters so you don't miss out on any of our stories and giveaways.
READ MORE | Not just for the retirees! First-time cruiser recounts a magical trip through Europe
As soon as we entered the lodge, we were greeted by an elephant. The look on their faces was priceless. It dawned on me at that moment that I never went on vacation when I was their age - maybe a picnic or the movies, but not a two-night stay at a 4-star travel destination.
And they, too, had never been on vacation, so for me to experience this with them was humbling. I can't count how many times I heard "Woooow!" this weekend as soon as we checked into our room, a standard queen room, a bath, shower, Wi-Fi connection and beautiful views from the patio.
Just as we settled in, a lady from housekeeping came in to get our beds ready for sleep and put toffees on our beds before a buffet dinner.
An elephant during our afternoon game drive experience. Image writer's own
I was winning the "Aunty Olympics" here. I thought their excitement would wear off after some hours, but it was all wishful thinking. I had to force them to sleep, this just after 23:00.
Our first morning at the lodge, Kea woke me up at 07:00. "Aunty B, we are going to be late for breakfast."
I was so annoyed, but, hey, I was the cool aunt remember? So I played it cool.
"Kea tsoga (I'm waking up)," I calmly said. The buffet breakfast was the land of milk and honey for Kea. He loves food and I was so happy to see him try whatever he wanted.
READ MORE | 'Being frugal and spending R550 on my Durban July dress almost ruined my style reputation'
It was funny how he critiqued the food while cleaning out his plate.
"I like this, but not that." Even the chef heard him when, pointing to the potatoes on the buffet table, he said: "This potato is flavourless, and it's written spicy potatoes here."
I was embarrassed, but it was too funny. And the chef took it like a champ. He offered him spicier roast potatoes, which he enjoyed.
While Tshimo asked the chef for sushi, which was laughable, he pointed her to cooked fish, garnished with olives. I loved the fish, but aunty's poised princess opted for chicken. Safer bet.
The only disappointing thing about the food was how much I ate. Even though the friendly staff said I was not eating much, I can tell you that the scale says different.
READ MORE | On the hunt for affordable holiday accommodation? Here's a beginner's guide to Airbnb
Playtime was fun. Image writer's own
Our Saturday was full of activity. We had a long day ahead.
Breakfast, pool, game drive, bushfire dinner and back at the lodge. I've been on many game drives and always need to see a lion. I was hoping we'd see one at Pilanesberg, but we didn't. Apparently, they might have been preoccupied with a kill for the afternoon.
But we did get to see cheetahs, while they were enjoying what looked like a leg of wildebeest. We also got to see elephants, zebras, a jackal, impalas, giraffes, an owl, rhinos and hippos. It was an amazing experience in the wild.
Animals in the wild. Image writer's own
Poolside, I looked the part, but didn't set foot in the water. I put on my sunscreen and a hat. Of course, with a drink in my hand, watching the kids and occasionally saying, "be careful".
They made new friends so easily while swimming. I was so happy to see other kids at the lodge because I was worried that this aunt, who usually spends hours with them, wanted to have an adult drink and chill, but wouldn't be able to.
READ MORE | Alphen Boutique Hotel and Spa | A perfect escape just an Uber ride away from Cape Town's inner-city
Our last day, Sunday, was sombre.
Quite obviously, they didn't want to leave. They wanted to go on another game drive at 06:00 and vowed that waking up at 05:00 was no stress. I wasn't so sure if that was possible for me, but knowing that this was their best vacation yet, I had to make an effort.
Our booking came with one complimentary game drive and the least I could do was not let it go to waste.
Vicky, at the reception, was so kind and gracious to offer to wake me up at 05:00, but the room phone disconnected somehow. I promise it wasn't me. But guess what? A gentleman knocked at the door just after five.
"Mam, we have been trying to call you, but your phone seems to be disconnected. We just wanted to wake you up, so you can be on time for the game drive," he said.
Sunrise during our game drive. Image writer's own
I didn't know whether to be impressed or disappointed at the time. But looking back, I must say, that was impressive!
Upon returning from the morning game drive, the kids' last request: "Can we at least go play for the last time?"
We spent some time on the trampoline and swings, and made more friends before it was time to go.
READ MORE | R4 million wedding: from Cape to Antarctica, travel company launches dream wedding package
As I write this, it feels good to relive those moments. I am smiling at the thought of it.
As much as I got to look like the 'rich aunt', the truth is the weekend wasn't about me. It was about them; the joy of seeing their faces gets me teary.
The little things excite children, from hashbrowns to seeing an elephant in close proximity or making new friends and having their favourite snack. Although I am far from being a rich aunt, at least this weekend, they thought I was one.
This aunt was happy to drop them off at their parents, even though they were not.
Oh, apparently, our next trip will be overseas. Who is going to tell them?
