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FIND A LITTLE HOPE & FAITH AT IRENE

Irene Country Lodge is renowned for the fact that it is a haven for birds, and recently this proved to be exactly the case for two orphan swans that wobbled their way into Irene, and have become star attractions at the property.

Hope and Faith, as they were aptly named, are two orphan swans that were rescued and brought to Irene for safekeeping. The two have settled into their new home and are thriving under the supervision of staff at the lodge, and the admiration of their visitors.  “We are very proud of our large variety of bird species on the property and they contribute significantly to the country atmosphere we are famous for. It seemed only natural to welcome these two beautiful additions to the family when we were asked by a member of the public if we could offer them a safe home”, says Cecilia McKay, General Manager at Irene Country Lodge. The lodge ran a competition with the public to name the birds and that’s how Hope and Faith came about.

“The swans are very popular amongst guests at the lodge and the restaurant. At the same time they are very curious and cheeky and often venture out of the water to grab a snack from the children that love feeding them. These birds are highly intelligent and it is quite an enjoyable experience to keep an eye on them during breakfast or lunch at the restaurant, as it is on the banks of the Hennops River”, says Mrs. McKay.

Irene Country Lodge is centrally located between Johannesburg and Pretoria and offers an exceptional weekend get-away opportunity for stressed-out city rats. Activities to enjoy on and around the property over the weekend includes: a lazy brunch in The Lakeside Country Kitchen Restaurant; a massage in your room; a picnic, prepared by the lodge, on the rolling lawns of the property; visits to Irene Dairy Farm; Irene Flea Market and the Smuts House Museum. One can restore body and mind by exploring the Hennops River hiking trail or the variety of wildlife in the Zwartkops Nature Reserve. There are over 100 species of birds settled in the sanctuary of the lake area on the property and is any nature lover’s dream.

Author : Leany Erasmus