Lalapanzi Hotel & Conference Centre

South Africa has the variety of languages and cultures you'd expect in a country the size of Western Europe, stretching from Portugal to Poland. The Rainbow Nation name fits. Even marriage customs can be very different, from one wife to as many as someone can afford. And nowhere else in the world, in my view, offers that mix. South Africans are also the friendliest, most genuine hosts anywhere. Lalapanzi means “lie down and sleep” in Xhosa, and it's in the Venda, Tsonga and Pedi area. Here you can get a glimpse of the bitter conflict between two white tribes. The Boers were 34% Dutch, 33% German, and 25% French. They were republicans, shaped by the spirit of the French Revolution in the 1800s, and fought two bitter wars against the English monarchy. The English created concentration camps as a way to win this modern guerilla war, something that would be called war crimes today. Two generations later, the groups had merged into one white tribe. At Lalapanzi, there's top class food, and you can also visit a museum about that struggle. It's small and not overwhelming, more like watching a movie, but it makes you see how futile war is. The museum gives the hotel a different character. Rainbows are beautiful, aren't they?

The owner and staff lined up to see our group off, and the place has an old world charm you don't come across much anymore. A friendly cat came over and settled on my lap. What could be better?

After a long trip, this was a lovely place to stop. We had everything we needed.

A convenient, welcoming place to rest and recharge along the N1. The staff were friendly and professional, with a high standard of hospitality. It really feels like you've arrived in the North.