Date: November 2013
Reviewer 2 Name: Brightline1
Simply Fabulous.....
We enjoyed our stay at umSisi House so much that we recommended that my
brother, who was planning a trip to Southern African with his family for
the first time, stay there too. Whether you are looking for truly luxury
accommodations from which to visit Kruger National Park, a base for exploring
the attractions of Mphumalanga, or a place simply to unwind after your
flight from overseas before embarking on other excursions, umSisi is an
outstanding option. As relatively frequent visitors to southern Africa,
we had stopped by umSisi house in the past to scout it out, but this was
our first stay. My wife and I, our ten year old daughter and thirteen
year old son, plus my parents (in their 60s and 70s), stayed for three
days. Each day was completely different (see details below). But what
made the stay so special were the accommodations themselves and the tremendous
hosts, Amanda and Paddy. umSisi House, while built from the bones of an
old farm house, is completely modern, both in amenities and in style.
Rooms are extremely comfortable, with high-quality mattresses, fabulous
sheets, duvets and decorative pillows, as well as beautiful wood furniture.
The en suite bathrooms are first class, with huge bathtubs and spacious
showers, and lots of sunlight. The house is loaded with gorgeous African
art (not your standard pieces, but a carefully chosen mix from around
Africa, accumulated over more than a decade of exploring, and tastefully
displayed in the house’s many open spaces) as well as dozens a fantastic
photographs taken by Amanda in her travels around the world. The house
is incredibly inviting and comfortable and, had we been traveling without
children, we would have spent even more time relaxing and soaking in the
stunning vistas from the verandah.Amanda and Paddy, the house’s
owners and hosts, have a great knack for making you feel welcome and comfortable
without overwhelming you or intruding. They genuinely want you to have
an outstanding visit, so they do their best to learn your preferences,
can arrange all kinds of activities, and will share well-informed suggestions
(they never steered us wrong). They also help with little details to make
your life easier. For example, one day, I discovered that I had left my
sunglasses at a shop in Hazyview. While we enjoyed ourselves the next
day, Amanda called the shop, tracked down my glasses and arranged for
the shop to hold them until we were able to return.
A small touch, but one that is totally consistent with the level of attention
to detail and customer service that Amanda and Paddy provide. By the time
we left, we fully understood why many visitors to umSisi House become
friends with Paddy and Amanda and visit again and again.On top of the
great service, Amada and Paddy ensure that you are truly well fed, not
just with a full belly, but full of delicious, gourmet food cooked to
order by Paddy. umSisi House has an immense list of meal options from
which you choose in advance of your arrival. Based on your selections,
Paddy will shop for the necessary ingredients (if in season and available)
and then cook your meals at whatever hour you agree. Each of our meals
was outstanding and it was a blast to chat with Paddy as he prepared the
meals and served as bartender. (Breakfasts are top-notch, too, and Paddy
and Amanda can provide breakfast-to-go if you’re headed in to Kruger
at sun-up.) Paddy also is a wine lover and has put together an impressive
cellar with price points ranging from truly modest on up.
So, if you are a wine enthusiast (or just enjoy a good bottle of wine),
you are highly likely to be pleased with the options. For beers and soft
drinks, there is an “honor” bar, you just help yourself and
note it in a record book, and Amanda totals up the bill when you leave.
In short, we truly enjoyed our visit to umSisi House and look forward
to returning. For details of our main activities while staying at umSisi
House, here is a not-quite-brief description: On our first day, we arrived
mid-afternoon after driving down from Joburg. We spent the afternoon lounging
on the verandah drinking in the gorgeous view of the valley and mountains
behind it, which lie between umSisi and Kruger National Park (a short
drive away). The kids enjoyed walking on the trails near the house and
playing with the two resident dogs. The peaceful gardens, soothing dove
calls, and warm hospitality were just what we needed after the drive (and
lingering jet lag). My son and I even managed an excellent run along the
dirt road that passes by umSisi House and twists through the valley.On
our second day, Amanda had arranged for us to partake in an ”Elephant
Encounter,” which was far more informative and hands-on than expected.
Even if you think you know all about elephants, the Encounter is worth
a visit, not only do the rangers share detailed information about elephant
physiology, eating habits, social structure, etc., but they also bust
some common myths about elephants. In addition, the ability to interact
with the elephants is much more than a simple pat and photo. You are not
forced to interact, but you have the chance to feel various parts of the
elephant (body, ear, foot, tongue) and you can walk with or even ride
the elephants. Certainly, it’s a worthwhile stop for anyone who
would like to know how such a large creature can walk so quietly, how
many sets of teeth elephants have (and what happens when they run out),
or what it’s like to walk with an elephant, holding its trunk.
After the encounter, we popped into Kruger for the rest of the day, since
Phobeni Gate was just a short distance away. About three hours later,
we exited the park near umSisi House (via Numbi gate). While we drove
ourselves in Kruger, umSisi House can arrange for a top-notch guide with
open Land Rover to take you in and maximize your chance of seeing whatever’s
on your wish list.On our third day, we visited the Hoedspruit Endangered
Species Centre, which historically has focused breeding cheetahs for reintroduction
into the wild, but which has expanded to other endangered animals, such
as wild dogs, in recent years. The tour is led by knowledgeable (and if
you’re lucky, funny) guides who share a tremendous amount of information
about the animals, how the center has been successful protecting them,
and the challenges that still lie ahead. After the tour and a tasty lunch
at the Centre, we headed back into Kruger for another afternoon’s
game viewing. That’s what makes the region and staying at umSisi
so great: everything is close enough that you can do plenty without over-exerting
yourself, an essential consideration if you are traveling with children.The
next morning, it was time to leave. It was a very early start (we wanted
to have a full day in Kruger before driving to Swaziland), but Paddy and
Amanda were still there to send us off with boxed breakfast and hugs all
round. We’ll be back. |
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