Rocherpan Nature Reserve enchanted us with its stark beauty over the Easter holidays.

We stayed in the new Kingfisher cottage that, like all the other cottages, blends well with the environment, while boasting all the luxuries you’d need to have a comfortable yet eco-friendly stay. I most enjoyed our bed, with its luxury white linen, that looked out into the veld.

The park is also 100% off the grid thanks to its solar energy plant, which meant that we did not experience any load shedding during our stay.

My son most enjoyed the hammock and even insisted on sleeping in it. We all loved the hot tub and spent most of Friday evening stargazing from it.

We got up early Saturday morning, to go on a 9km circular hike, combining the Rocherpan Trail with the Beach Trail.

The veld was teeming with life and our senses were heightened to observe small insects and the glitter of dew drops on spider webs – things you miss in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

A small antelope shot out of nowhere past us, adding to the excitement.

We made our way up a dune to the new lookout point, where we, even my children, were silenced into awe by the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The new lookout point is accessible by car and has a stunning picnic spot.

I don’t know what I liked most about the beach – all the different kinds of seabirds flocking together in front of the waves and then swooping up and flying as we moved closer, or the school of dolphins that swam in a long line only a few meters from us.

On our way back to the veld, we saw the other picnic spot, close to the bird hideouts on the pan. The picnic spot has a braai and ablution facilities. It must be awesome to watch waterfowl there when the pan is full.

My daughter’s highlight of the weekend was the putt-putt. She managed to play three holes in one making her the overall winner for the weekend. She also loved the swimming pool, which gave a welcome respite from the heat.

We were told at reception that the best time for birdwatching was around August and September when the pan was full, but I think you can go at any time and will, like us, still have plenty to see and be well rested when you go home.