Charming understatement aside – Kaia is slang for shack in these parts – Old Joe's Kaia is a comfortable and enjoyable place to stopover en route to the Kruger Park from Joburg. As you descend over the Patatanek Pass into the picturesque Schoemanskloof Valley, Old Joe greets you with technicolour grin and a manic look in his eye. His namesake guesthouse a little farther on is riddled with local charm and festooned with country comforts.

Accommodation comes in three shapes and sizes: the original rondavels built in 1954; the log cabins on stilts beneath the trees; and the kaia rooms overlooking the garden and pool. All have en suite bathrooms – with bath and shower – and private balconies. The restaurant, with an evening set menu, is popular with the locals and that should be commendation enough. Fresh trout and game feature regularly and a good selection of wines accompany.

Old Joes Kaia – explore the Panoramic Route

There is much to do that rewards an extra night or two – and the relaxing country atmosphere and friendly hosts will do you good. Birdwatching is excellent with many rarities and over 200 species on record; and the kitchen produces some fabulous picnic lunches that you can take with you on one of many hiking trails of varying difficulty. And the quad biking, abseiling, cave tours and day trips along the panorama route will fill your time between meals admirably.