Only three hours out of Joburg and just passed Dullstroom, lies the hidden gem that is Nooitgedacht Trout Lodge.
I say hidden gem because most people prefer to visit Dullstroom – its closer to Johannesburg and is quite built up with trendy restaurants, bars and fly fishing shops. While Dullies is always fun for a weekend getaway, Shaun and I both prefer more off the beaten track type places.
I had actually asked Shaun’s dad for advice (being a fly fisher too) and it turned out that this place was the ultimate LOW KEY fly fishing haven.
So, I booked a getaway for his 29th Birthday last year February, and we loved it so much we returned again in August the same year with his family.
Nooitgedacht Trout Lodge
The lodge provides comfortable, stylish accommodation and there are nine HUGE en-suite bedrooms, all with fireplaces. No matter where you are in the lodge – Nooitgedacht oozes that county life feeling.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included in the cost and it’s hearty comfort fare that is lovingly prepared by two dedicated and attentive chefs and then served in the dining hall.
And boy, oh boy do they feed you. I am talking about full-on English breakfasts, with juices, toasts, cheeses, beverages and fruit platters.
Lunch time includes packed-to-the-brim picnic baskets of salads, sandwiches, breads, cold meats and pasta’s.
And dinner’s? They don’t skimp here either – it could be anything from trout, to fillet, to curries, not forgetting all the desserts on offer.
And when you are done stuffing your face with food – which honestly is the best part of the day – you can go fly fishing (my thing – or at least I try ha-ha), horse riding (not my thing), clay pigeon shooting (not my thing) and hiking (my thing) or rowing a boat (my thing)
Nooitgedacht’s crystal clear water is fully stocked with trout – so you are bound to catch either a Rainbow or a Brown, or if you are lucky, both.
Another excursion for the day – guided tours of the hatchery can be arranged, where you can learn all about the process of trout breeding and cultivating.
A day in Nooitgedacht actually goes by so fast and by the end of it you are so full of food and tired from all the exploring that you curl up into a heap and sleep like the dead. (It also helps that it’s so insanely peaceful)
Nooitgedacht really is heaven on earth and one of the most tranquil places you’ll ever visit.
Special mention to the manager Arabel who runs the place like clockwork and is extremely attentive to all her guests.
Prices vary but on average it’s about R1700 per person per night. (All-Inclusive, except alcohol)
Travel Tip – You will need a high clearance vehicle to get to the Nooitgedacht Trout Lodge.
Looking for another fly fishing destination: Visit Woolly Bugger Farm
Need to get fly fishing gear? Shop at Reel Fly Fishing.
