Experience tranquillity at the Mountain Sanctuary Park, North West

HHiking is also a favourite pastime, with trails that range from 15 minutes to eight hours traversing more than 1000 hectares of countryside.

After a hard day’s hiking and biking, flop into the swimming pool set on a deck overlooking a picturesque valley. Then, when you’re cool and relaxed, throw some traditional South African boerewors (spiced sausage) on the braai (barbeque), as the locals do.

Relaxing with a book under a shady tree is the best way to absorb the peace and tranquillity that has become the hallmark of the Mountain Sanctuary Park. If you’re very quiet, you might be lucky enough to spot endemic fauna such as klipspringers, monkeys, jackals, warthogs and an amazing array of birds and butterflies.

CCome for the day – but be warned, it’s addictive, so rather set aside a weekend if you can.

For those with a heart for heights, a number of abseiling sites are available, but guides and gear are required. Traditional rock climbing may also be enjoyed at designated points in the sanctuary.

One happy visitor summed up the Mountain Sanctuary Park experience this way: “If you can't relax here, you need medical attention!”