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What should have been a great day out turned out to be one of the worst in December. The park is nice to walk through and the gardens fairly well kept. Unfortunately there are hardly anything to guide you around or give you an idea of what the sculptures are or where to go. We would follow a path only to be met with regular signs telling you that you are entering private property. Some of the sculptures are quite poorly maintained as well and this was a bit of a let down. The worst part by far was the terrible way we were treated when we dared to go to the restaurant. I completely understand the restaurant is separate from the park but as a visitor this does not matter as I expect the same experience. We were very rudely "chased" away by the owners girlfriend who was completely overwhelmed by a booking, which at the time we were there was nowhere to be seen. When we were told we could not get anything to eat we asked if we could at least get a drink as it was hot and we were thirsty, this also became an issue but she eventually instructed the staff to get us an orange juice. We did question why another table was able to get food and drinks and was told it was an exception..not sure why she couldn't do that for us maybe because we were a gay couple? All in all I think Nirox has potential but I would not based on our experience recommend it to anyone especially considering the high ticket price and complete lack of service ftom the so...
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One of my favourite places in South Africa. The only open air art sculpture and installation park I know of here. The installation artist and outdoor enthusiast in me loves it here! It is a beautiful outdoor park with lakes and rivers. So peaceful! Your walk in the park is interspersed with thought provoking art pieces from international and local artists. Make sure you get an art guide pamphlet and a map from the front desk to guide you. Every few months there is a new exhibition. The new restaurant here "and then there was fire" is simply divine. The food here is so tasty! You MUST book and make a reservation. If you just pitch up you are likely to not get a seat because the restaurant is very busy. If you are vegetarian book to sit at the tapas tables. If you are a meat lover book to sit at the firewood grill. Depending on where you sit there are two different menus. So you can only order from either the tapas menu or the grill menu depending on where you booked. I sat at the tapas table and loved the view and the selection of food. I like variety and more vegetarian meals. The lasagne was to die for. Everything we ate was delicious: croquettes, potatoes, nachos, focaccia, carrot cake, and all the cocktails. They have a wide selection of non alcohol drinks which was a delight. My hubby liked the alcoholic selection too. My highlight was the poached pear in red wine reduction...
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Who knew that this gem was less than 30minutes' drive from where I was based for the weekend? I had previously lived in Pretoria for many years but only discovered Nirox this weekend when a friend suggested we visit it. It was a Saturday morning very well spent: I clocked more than enough steps for the day while we were meandering through the beautiful park searching for the sculptures and at the same time we were serenaded by the breeze and sounds of gurgling water.
A word of advice...take along a sunhat or lather yourself with sunscreen if it's going to be a sunny day: you don't want to look like the evening's lobster main course.
We downloaded their app but it was not user friendly. It was difficult to pinpoint our location and we were unable to find some of the sculptures. The app could be improved showing the trails and helping the user 'plan' the stroll.
The restaurant only opens at 12h30 so be sure to have a hearty breakfast before venturing out and take a bottle of water along to keep you going. Picnics bare not allowed so plan for this.
I LOVED the sculptures and the size of some pieces, but I have to admit that I was unable to appreciate some of the very 'inspired' pieces which I just thought to be there 'accidentally' if the app had not told me otherwise.
Art in nature: it is the most wonderful combination. DO plan an...
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