Mansfield Private Reserve

We didn't get the privacy we'd expected from the six-sleeper farmhouse, because its attached office was in use every day. We could hear conversations whenever people came to check in. Nobody else was supposed to be booking in, according to the man who welcomed us, but that wasn't how things turned out. He wasn't very friendly, and we were left to figure out that the office was attached to the house by a door, which was locked. The listing didn't mention the office connection. Had we known, we wouldn't have booked.

The farmhouse on Mansfield Estate has been a lovely stay so far: spacious, well equipped, family friendly, and fairly priced, with lovely staff and peaceful surroundings. It's a little secluded and out of town, so bring your immediate essentials. If you're looking to get away from city life, it's a good fit.

The birdlife was rewarding, with 55 species spotted, and the camping area has lawn. But earthworms push little muddy heaps up through the grass, which gets messy when the morning dew is wet. This is only about the camping experience. The dirt road from the main road has plenty of potholes, and the reserve's internal roads are in very poor shape. I wouldn't take a regular road caravan there. We walked a lot on those roads because the hiking trail no longer exists. Planes from the nearby training airbase make constant daytime noise. I think the campsite is best suited to groups.

The scenery at Mansfield is stunning, and there were plenty of animals. We missed out on giraffes, but saw loads of zebra, gnu, and buck. We stayed two nights and had a wonderful time. The front cottage is modern and nicely decorated, with comfortable beds, and the staff were friendly and attentive without intruding.