Sleep in an Ox-wagon

Q: I would like to take my son and his friends to the resort where you can stay in an ox-wagon for a night or two. I believe there is one near Pretoria and another in the Eastern Cape. Could you please give me details? - Samantha Durrant

A: The best-known oxwagon accommodation is at the Oxwagon Lodge located near Hartebeespoort Dam in North West Province. The rooms are converted oxwagons that date from 1840-1934. You can read up the history of each of wagon, which accommodate up to five people. For dinner, enjoy a "trekker's braai" under the stars or dine at a nearby restaurant. Things to do in the area include watersports on the dam, adventure sports, visits to a spa nearby and trips to art galleries. The bed and breakfast rates for staying in a wagon are R410 per person per night for adults and R205 for children (Tel: 078-075-0720, www.thering.co.za). The oxwagon lodge you have heard of in the Eastern Cape is probably the Witmoskloof Farm and Oxwagon Camp located near Cradock, about two-and-a-half hours' drive north of Port Elizabeth. Eight original wagons have been restored and pulled into the traditional laager formation. Modern touches include crisp white linens, mohair blankets and duvets. Cook on an open fire or enjoy fresh farm far. The daily dinner, bed and breakfast rate is R400 per person, with children at R200 and toddlers for free (Tel: 048-886-0630: www.oxwagoncamp.co.za). Yet another oxwagon resort lies near Ficksburg in the Free State. Known as Hoekfontein Oxwagon Camp, it comprises 10 oxwagons and one honeymoon wagon, with an outdoor lapa for cooking (Tel: 051- 933 3915). You can also sleep in an oxwagon at the Tussen-i-Bome Guestfarm, at Derdepoortpark, north of Pretoria (Tel: 082-511-1169). (21 June 2010)