I stayed in a ‘cave’ and loved it

Lying on a soft and fluffy throw, gazing at stalactites hanging from the roof and the occasional zebra crossing by the terrace. Here I am lying underground, in a cave. A hotel barely visible from a hot air balloon. What if I told you we stayed two nights in a cave in the bushveld of South Africa and even went back a year later. Your first thoughts? To overnight in a cave can be rather daunting, dark, cold and scary, but not this one. This is a 5-star luxury ‘cave’ with all the bells and whistles expected from a luxury boutique hotel.

By far, one of my most memorable holidays yet. Not only did we stay in a 5-star luxury ‘cave’, but I also experienced my first hot-air balloon ride over the Cradle of Humankind, and the big finale, we got engaged.

Talk about Bucket list trips, this was one, sleeping in a luxury cave at Forum Homini.

Forum Homini

Set in the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site, hidden in the veld on a private game farm Forum Homini, a Luxury boutique hotel. Providing you with all of the comforts expected, whilst set in a luxury cave style room, offering fantastic views of the Highveld.

 

Seamlessly blending into nature

 Following the guard’s instructions at the entrance of the game estate, we were not sure as to what to expect. Slightly confused as we arrived at the said location, confirmed by Google maps. There was no hotel in sight, only a gravel car park and veld; grass. As we parked the car, a guard approached us, he pointed to which seems to be only more grass with a few small structures protruding out between, not a hotel. Walking along a pathway through the grass field, passing the beautiful sculpture “Sum of Us” by Marco Cianfinelli, we decent down to the hotels’ reception and restaurant. Emerging from between the grass, vast openness, with all other structures submerged below the grass veld. Seamlessly contouring and blending in with nature. 

A luxury cave boutique hotel

Wandering through pathways, you soon realise that you are basically on the hotels’ roof. While stairs reveal the large doors to the 14 unique luxury cave style suites.

They have paid incredible attention to details throughout the room, from the room amenities such as fruit, nougat and water, a coffee machine, and biltong to a decanter with sherry awaiting next to the fireplace. 

 The main focus of the room is the luxurious bathtub overlooking the Highveld grasslands through the large window. On the opposite side of the room and slightly elevated a large bed faces the window and the detailed handmade stalactite lights, which adds to the ambience. The ensuite bathroom houses a large ‘open-air’ glass shower with two rain showerheads, perfect for stargazing. As the rooms all face out to the high veld you are not to worry about someone passing by. As there are no pathways at the front of the building, but you might spot some of the local zebras grazing. 

Not only does each room have a beautiful fireplace to warm you during a winter visit. But the rooms are also heated by the underfloor heating and no worry about wrapping cold towel around you with the heated railings in the bathroom. 

All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning and wifi.

The facilities and in house activities

On-site the award-winning restaurant Roots, creates art not only on your plate but also with your taste buds. A 6-course meal is served with an optional and additional cost wine pairing if you wish. Wines are thoroughly selected to compliment the food. Not only do they serve dinner as a set course, but they also offer a 5-course set breakfast—no need for lunch. 

Your room can be transformed into a romantic spa, if you upgrade with a bath menu. This included a body scrub, body butter, scattered rose petals, candles, and sparkling wine. You can select to to have this all set upon arrival or after dinner on turndown. 

When we visited in 2018, they offered in-room Spa Treatments. *(Currently not sure if this is still available due to current world situation.)

Having spent a morning out on a game drive, the pool is the perfect place to relax during the day, if you are not making use of your own private balcony. The evening enjoy the warm fire by the fire pit.

Where is Forum Homini & how to get there

Forum Homini is a boutique hotel is situated on the private Letamo Game Estate, in the Krugersdorp area of Johannesburg, South Africa. It is about 48km from Johannesburg International Airport and 17km from Lanseria Airport. Best way to get around is by car.

When to visit

We have been both in winter and in summer and can honestly say both are good, each with its own perks. Summer months are beautiful lush and green, this however does make spotting animals on game drives more difficult. Being summer the sun does rise early, perfect long days to explore. Winter months see no rain so it is more dry and tones of browns but this is ideal if you wish to spot some wildlife.

Other activities (off-site)

• Sterkfontein Cave
• Maropeng
• Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve
• Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
• Hot air balloon

Sterkfontein and Maropeng

Situated in the Magalies area home to The Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a visit to both the Sterkfontein Cave about 5 km away, and Maropeng, about 6km from Forum Homini, is a must. At the cave you will be introduced to Mrs Pless and Little Foot. Some of the oldest human fossils before entering deep into the cool caves underground. When visiting, wear comfortable shoes as there are many stairs going down and slightly uneven terrain. They advise on their website that the cave tour is not suitable for people who suffer from claustrophobia. And not advisable if you suffer from acute asthma or chest problems.

Nature Reserve

About 2.6km away from Forum Homini is the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve. You will be able to see white rhino, lion, buffalo, and various species of game or explore the Bothongo wonder cave. They have a few cafes and restaurants to choose from. My favourite Neck and Deck cafe as some of the giraffes are right next to the cafe. And if you sit on the top level, one might just come can ‘greet’ you. 

Botanical Gardens

Another lovely outing would be the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens in Roodepoort about 9.5km away, with an abundance of wildlife, nature trails and Witpoortjie waterfall gushing down from 70m. Perfect for a picnic and the avid bird watcher, there have been about 240 bird species documented here.

Kromdraai Gold Mine

And if you like to know a bit more about the Gauteng’s gold rush, visit Kromdraai Gold Mine only 2 km away from Forum Homini.

Hot balloon

And last but definitely not least, a hot air balloon ride over the most awe-inspiring nature scapes of the Magalies. At 4:30am (depending on the season), you are ushered to where the balloon is prepared. While final checks are happening, you can enjoy a warm cup of coffee and snacks. Before sunrise, you take to the sky, watching as Johannesburg started taking shape as the sun rose. From here, trying to spot Forum Homini can be a challenging feat. You can see how beautifully they integrated it into nature. On completion of the balloon ride, the experience is rounded off with a tradition of sparkling wine. 

Our engagement

Hearing hot-air balloon ride and engagement in the same sentence. Your first thoughts would be to presume he asked while soaring high over the Magaliesberg, but no. He didn’t, he knew I would expect that, somewhat predictable. He kept me wondering, in suspense till, the little orange bird appeared. Yep, my memory of our engagement will always drift back to that little bird.

After our early morning hot air balloon ride we arriving back at the hotel.  Being up so early we were the only guest for breakfast at 7am. Taking a seat on the veranda, we enjoyed our 5-course breakfast.

After the third dish, I took my camera to the pond to photograph some of the early morning birds, the manager soon joined me. We started talking about the birds, especially the one I had in my viewfinder at that moment. I asked if he knew what type of bird it was, to which he replied in Afrikaans,’ its an orange one’. A phrase and bird that will always be in-printed in my mind as part of our engagement. As soon as I turned back to our table, my now hubby had the most giant bouquet of Proteas, my favourite. As I approached, I noticed the ring in the centre of one, which I saw at a jeweller earlier in the year. Down on to one knee he went, first time ever I saw him so nervous. And basically, the rest is history.

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Travel plan:

• Accommodation:                   Forum Homini
• Accommodation style:          Luxury boutique hotel
• Price range:                            $$$
• Interesting finds/souvenirs:   Memories and photos

 

*Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are my own from our visit in 2017 and 2018. Due to current time other restriction or regulations might be in place, do check with the hotel.