Few people would expect to find a trout fishing paradise a cast away from Africa's business capital, but the newly-opened Kloofzicht Lodge is proving to be a popular retreat for city dwellers seeking a luxurious weekend getaway without having to travel too far.

Situated in a nature reserve in the Zwartkops Mountains and Cradle of Humankind area, just north of Johannesburg, Kloofzicht offers all the tranquillity and luxury one would expect to find at a Mpumalanga trout or game farm, but without the hassle of getting there.

Mrs Ples wandered these hills

Indeed, it's only the occasional jumbo overhead that reminds you this is hardly the bushveld, but then, looking over the rolling hills which have changed little since Mrs Ples herself wandered these environs, you'd be forgiven for thinking you're a lifetime away from the bustling highways and city pace just south of you.

Driving through the imposing gates you immediately leave the city behind as you do an impromptu game drive, spotting zebra and various antelope while meandering the windy road to the lodge.

Privacy and luxury

Built in a valley whose stream has been dammed up to provide six dams, the lodge itself comprises the thatched reception, conference and entertainment building, with a rim flow pool overlooking the dams, while walkways and bridges connect to the 30 suites — all individual thatched cottages overlooking the dams and offering guests privacy and unparalled luxury.

While natural materials such as wood, thatch and face brick have been used extensively to create that bush lodge feel, the whole lodge manages to steer away from the kitsch safari décor and architecture that seems designed to impress only tourists. Instead, the owners have gone for stylish leather and suedes, with comfortable, neutral tones to complement the cosy, but decidedly African setting.

Kicking my shoes off and settling in for a drink on my own private balcony, I truly felt myself unwinding, and began to notice the profusion of birdlife, most notably two fish eagles.

A dramatic highveld storm, with the familiar purple clouds menacing overhead, giving the struggling sunlight an eerie glow and swirling atmosphere, with rolling thunder coupled with sudden bursts of lightning, lent a whole new air to the landscape, and forced me indoors where I lit a fire in the fireplace, flicked through the television channels and paged through the thoughtfully placed books on the history, fauna and flora of the area, before venturing out again once the rain had cleared, just in time for dinner.

Hearty bush cuisine

The main dining room is an impressive double-volume thatch hall, with the buffet meal offering a hearty and delicious array of truly African bush cuisine, with simmering potjie pots containing a variety of aromatic stews, including vegetable, chicken, lamb and venison casseroles, complemented with mealie pap, potatoes and a healthy variety of salads. Desserts included an exciting and exotic fruit platter, deliciously decadent sweets, and a comprehensive cheese board. The crisp white tablecloths and gleaming cutlery were matched with attentive and prompt service.

The adjacent Little Foot Bar, with its soft lighting and sumptuous leather sofas, proved the perfect place to unwind after the heavy meal, and I could have been tempted to linger a while longer and perhaps light up a cigar, which somehow seemed apt, but the enormous shower and soft cotton sheets of my suite were calling, and a good thing too, as I had an early morning start.

The suites offer all one would expect from a five-star lodge, with split level living and sleeping areas, and an enormous king-size bed draped in luxurious rich linen. An ingenious mosquito net curtain prevented any feeling of claustrophobia.

Waking to the sound of fish eagles

Early the next morning, I awoke from a heavy sleep to the sound of the two fish eagles and, following suit, went to one of the lodge's newly-stocked trout dams, to try my luck with the trout. There is nothing quite so beautiful as the sound of the line whipping through the crisp highveld air in the early morning, as the sun gradually rises from behind the mountains and nature comes to life in all her glory around you. Unfortunately, I was so wrapped up in the beauty surrounding me that I hardly concentrated on my casting, and somehow managed to spare the fish, while others around me had more luck.

A hearty, but quick breakfast in the dining room followed, before I took up one of the many activities on offer at the lodge — a game drive at the nearby Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, which offers most of the Big Five in an easy short drive. Other activities include archery, hot air ballooning, nature walks and hiking, while the Sterkfontein Caves and two golf courses are also nearby.

Although the lodge does host conferences, and will soon be doing weddings once the chapel is complete, the friendly staff give the impression they prefer to be hospitable on a smaller scale, which is one of the lodge's most endearing features — they even appoint a special host to look after you during your stay.

My stay in this little piece of paradise so artfully hidden from the city surrounding it was sadly over far too soon, but the call of the fish eagle and the lure of the line will drag me back someday soon, I'm sure.