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18 September 2015

Media Release: Doornhoek guesthouse ready to re-open its doors in MZNP

The renovated guesthouse is ready to welcome its first guests again from 1 October. Park Manager, Megan Taplin, says the historical monument will be even better than before with some new furnishings, but still keeping within the old historic style and feel of this cultural gem.

The house was occupied by guests, including a 96-year-old woman, when the fire broke out in the early hours of 15 September two years ago. They were, however, not in any danger as they were evacuated before it got too large, and who managed to retrieve most of their belongings undamaged.

This restored Victorian homestead has a scenic view, overlooking the Doornhoek Dam in the Park”s game viewing area. It was originally built around 1838 and was the first farmhouse in the area. Six people can be accommodated in three bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. It has a fully-equipped kitchen as well as a comfortable lounge and stoep area. The guesthouse is tastefully decorated with Victorian style antiques providing guests with a unique experience.

Situated near Cradock in the Eastern Cape, this national park was originally proclaimed in 1937 to save the dwindling Cape mountain zebra population. Now, at over 28 000 hectares, the Park boasts a conservation success story, protecting over 1 000 zebra as well as a wide variety of wildlife such as and cheetah and lion.

It currently holds the title of Best Performing Park not only in the Frontier Region of South African National Parks (which includes Addo Elephant, Camdeboo and Karoo National Parks), but also of all 19 national parks in the country.

Other accommodation on offer are family cottages, each sleeping four people in two bedrooms and two rustic mountain cottages, accessible only with 4×4 vehicles. The camp/caravan site is also a firm favourite with repeat visitors.

Activities at the Park include morning; sunset and evening guided game drives, guided walks, hikes to San cave paintings and a rare view of an Anglo-Boer War relic as well as cheetah tracking. Alternatively, there are short walks in the fenced in rest camp area, as well as self-drive game viewing, magnificent bird watching opportunities and 4×4 trails.

before
Before the fire

fire
Fire

view
View

Issued by:
South African National Parks (SANParks) Frontier Region Communications.

Enquiries:
Fayroush Ludick
Regional Manager: Communications, SANParks
Tel: 012 426 5371/082 888 0201
E-mail: [email protected]