As our dogs are getting older, leaving them with a family member or pet sitter isn’t really an option, and driving too far outside of Jo’burg isn’t an option either. So, having researched the various booking agency platforms, I came across a very quaint-looking hillside cottage in Magaliesburg, which was only 1 hour’s drive away from where we live—and it was pet-friendly.
What also drew my attention was that the unit of interest was on a 4×4 ‘only’ route. So, of course, this now had my attention, as it had the signs of “A Jimny Weekend Away With The Woos!” written all over it… The place was called Saamrus Guest Farm.
Taking our woos (Loki & Mika) with us meant we’d need extra packing space, so we decided to take our Thule cargo box along for the trip to carry our extra luggage.
What’s nice is that the box mounts ever so simply onto our Front Runner roof rack. There’s no need for additional brackets, as the box comes with x4 mounting claws. Simply, place the box onto the rack, open the box on one side, then line up the slots with the load bars.
Next, place the claw into the slot and tightly fasten the box onto the rack. You know it’s tight, as there is a torque system letting you know.
A practical addition to our already very versatile Front Runner roof rack. It amazes me, the number of different setups that can be had for various adventure activities with the Front Runner roof rack system.
Packed and ready to go, we headed out on Friday afternoon, just before peak hour traffic kicked in. Leaving the big smoke in the distance was very exciting!
On arrival, we were met by the staff who were very pleasant and guided us to our cottage for the weekend. They were not kidding about the 4×4-only route, as we passed the sign at the foot of the hill.
No problem for a Jimny, we cruised up in 4×4 mode without any hassles. The whole experience was made so much sweeter, knowing that our accommodation for the weekend was so secluded and private—it was exactly what the doctor ordered.
The location of the cottage was superb, on a hillside right next to hiking trails. The unit was self-catering, so we took enough food and stuff so that we didn’t need to venture out anywhere.
A very cosy little cottage; it had all the amenities needed so that we could just sit back, relax, and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature while staring into the sunset, enjoying a sundowner of sorts.
We ventured out once or twice with the woos, who both enjoyed themselves tremendously. So a big thumbs up from them all round.
Talking about woos, the other nice addition that we’ve added to our Jimny is Takla seat covers. These did wonders in keeping the seats protected from our 4 legged adventure travellers. Made from a highly durable fabric, Takla Products are well worth the investment as they protect your OEM seat covers, which in turn helps keep the vehicle’s value.
All in all, a great weekend was had. Short trips like these are so rewarding… We owe it to ourselves to—once in a while—take some time out from all the hustle and bustle of our busy daily lives. What a blissful and well-needed weekend it was!
If, like us, you drive a 4×4, have pets and live in Gauteng, then do yourself a favour and give Saamrus Guest Farm a look.
