Tag: South Africa

Madikwe Safari Lodge: the Perfect Mid-Week Getaway

Posted on by James

One of South Africa’s lesser known game reserves, but one of its most ecologically diverse, the 75000ha Madikwe Game Reserve is a hidden gem of wildlife viewing.

A comfortable forty minute flight from Johannesburg – or just over four hours drive for those who enjoy a short road trip – and situated in a malaria-free area, Madikwe has been wowing visitors since 1991 when the park was first declared. Known primarily for its elephant herds – the park has a higher density of these huge herbivores than any other protected area in South Africa – and packs of African Wild Dogs, Madikwe boasts a number of full board lodges, and with the current midweek specials currently being run by Madikwe Safari Lodge, there is no better time to nip out for a few days bush break.

The beautifully appointed main area in Dithaba Lodge.
Madikwe Safari Lodger experiences some of the most amazing sunsets in Africa.

Three extravagant camps – Kopano (4 suites), Lelapa (12 suites) and Dithaba (4 suites) – are spread between two picturesque and boulder-strewn hills on the eastern side of the reserve.The two smaller camps offer a slightly more intimate experience and are perfect for romantic couples or small groups, whilst Lelapa the largest of the three camps is the more family-oriented, with specialised rangers and facilities for budding young naturalists.

Dining under the African night sky is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
Children are welcome at Madikwe Safari Lodge

The stunning camps are defined by a laid-back feeling and incredibly friendly staff, who immediately make you feel like you are at your very own holiday home. Experienced guides bring the complex biomes of Madikwe to life in front of your eyes, and the limit of a maximum of three vehicles allowed in a sighting maintains the intimate feel of the experience even when you are out on game drive.

The diversity of habitats found in Madikwe is part of what makes it so special.
Opulence abounds back at the lodge.

Madikwe rests on the edge of the Kalahari Desert. It is semi-arid, receiving just 350mm of rain annually but despite this supports an astonishing variety of fauna and flora. More than 60 species of mammal have been recorded at Madikwe and the bird list is now topping 350 species.

Lantern-lit pathways in the evening maintain a beautifully natural feeling.
Elephants are plentiful throughout the reserve.

In the east, Madikwe is bounded by the Marico River – a perennial stream that grows until it eventually forms the mighty Limpopo of Rudyard Kipling fame. To the west lies the Kalahari and the northern border is the national boundary with Botswana. The south is bounded by the purple and red Dwarsberg Hills. Undulating woodlands stretch north from the hills eventually falling over the Tweedepoort escarpment onto the low lying savannahs and grassland. The plains are dotted with inselbergs where baboons, hyrax and klipspringer keep a watchful eye for the attentions of Africa’s elusive leopard.

The views across the reserve are simply unbeatable.

Whilst maybe not as well-known as some of its counterparts towards the Kruger Park, Madikwe Safari Lodge offers an experience in every way as comfortable, exciting, widlife-rich and ultimately rewarding as any lodge in South Africa.

Contact us to find out more about the incredible specials Madikwe Safari Lodge is currently running…

 

 

 

Garonga Safari Co.: a Safari For the Soul

Posted on by James

The three luxury camps of the Garonga Safari Co. lie in the 25,000ha Makalali Private Game Reserve, in the north-eastern corner of South Africa.

This region of the country is wildlife heaven, from the Crocodile River in the south right up to the Limpopo River along the Zimbabwe border and flanked to the west by the winding foothills of the far northern tip of the Drakensberg Mountain range.

The landscape of the reserve is spectacular.

Nestled among spectacular granite outcrops, Garonga Safari Camp, Little Garonga Safari Lodge and the new and exciting MCH Private Tented Camp offer the discerning safari-goer a choice of exactly what type of bush retreat they are after, yet all three camps overlap in their safari-for-the-soul ethos, immersing guests in nature by slowing life down to the pace at which one can really get in touch with everything going on around you, but most importantly, with oneself.

Enjoy a refreshing swim in the drowsy warmth of the afternoon…
The game drive is the core of the safari experience, and the wildlife of Makalali won’t disappoint…

The Makalali Private Game Reserve in which the camps are situated is a stunning area of varying topography, offering ten kilometres of river frontage of the Selati River, and containing a superb diversity of wildlife, including Africa’s Big 5. Twice daily game drives with experienced guides and trackers are sure to keep your pulse elevated as the excitement of the bush unfolds around you.

Be prepared for close encounters with Africa’s spectacular wildlife…

The three Garonga accommodation options are as follows:

Garonga Safari Camp

The quintessential luxury tented experience, in which all your needs are catered for, every comfort is on hand, and yet you still feel utterly connected to the wilderness that surrounds you.
An open plan main area and deck at Garonga Safari Camp provides a stunning view down onto the riverbed below, which regularly plays host to a whole ensemble of wildlife, elephants in particular.
The six luxury en-suite units are really what it’s all about though,

Elephants are regular visitors to the camp.
Unobstructed views out into the bush are a feature of the rooms at Garonga Safari Camp.

With only canvas between you and the African bush, your experience is enhanced that much more by a heightening of the senses, reawakening those intrinsic primeval instincts that lie dormant in all of us. Lie awake at night listening to the distant roar of a lion, or the soft warble of the Fiery-necked Nightjar.

The main deck of Garonga Safari Camp provides a wonderful immersion into the bush.

Little Garonga

The smaller version of the Safari Camp, Little Garonga offers a slightly more private and personalised getaway, with only three thatched and air-conditioned suites. The Hambleden suite sleeps a family of four comfortably, whilst the slightly smaller Chiltern and Buckingham suites are designed for couples.

Little Garonga is aimed at those who want privacy and exclusivity, and is perfect for small groups or a travelling family.

MCH Private Tented Camp

The newest of the Garonga offerings, the solar powered and self-contained MCH Tented camp is ideally placed on a beautiful granite koppie (outcrop) with spectacular views over the bushveld below.
MCH has its own game drive vehicle, own staff, and operates independently from the other Garonga camps, meaning total serenity in a camp that is all yours.
Longer-stay guests need not fret about being isolated; a library featuring WiFi is available should you need to remain connected to what’s happening back home.

The luxury tents at MCH private tented camp make you feel as if you are part of the wilderness.
A bath under the southern stars is an option from all the Garonga camps…

If it is an African safari in its purest form that you seek, distilled down to the fundamentals of what makes it so moving, the Garonga experience is what you are after. Authentic bush accommodation, wildlife passing below your deck at all hours of the day and a diverse set of extra offerings – bathing under the stars or even sleeping on an open wilderness deck – that add that magical finish to your stay; all are part of the offering at Garonga Safari co.

Click here if you would like to contact one of our sales team to enquire more…

Notten’ Bush Lodge: the Sabi Sands’ Best Kept Secret

Posted on by James

Down towards the south-east corner of South Africa’s world-famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve lies one of its hidden gems.

Unobtrusively nestled between the old bed of the Selati railway line to the west and the Sand River to the east lies Notten’s Camp, a small, family-run bush lodge that redefines what it means to feel at home in the wild.

Owned by the Notten family since 1963 and open as a commercial lodge since 1986, this land has seen almost four decades of conservation-focused safaris conducted upon it, and the experience of the staff reflects that.

Like the rest of the Sabi Sand Reserve, Notten’s is a leopard paradise, and the greater area boasts the highest density of these magnificent cats yet recorded on the African continent. It is not at all uncommon to spot a leopard sauntering past the deck of your chalet, or even to catch a glimpse of one ducking off the camp walkways. Sightings are common out on game drive, and the Notten’s guides are well practiced in getting photographers into the right position for the shot.

Two young leopards spar playfully. Despite already possessing fiercely sharp claws, their play sessions generally cause no harm, and are important in developing the skills they will need in later life.

The rest of the Big 5 are sure to fill your frame just as fast, and elephant, buffalo, rhino and lion are also plentiful in the area. The waterhole situated in the open clearing directly in front of the lodge’s main area attracts a plethora of wildlife throughout the day, particularly during the dry winter months, and one simply has to glance up during breakfast to see herds of impala, stately kudu or the resident bull waterbuck sauntering by.

Lions are regularly encountered on safari at Notten’s…

It’s certainly not only about the larger stuff though, and it is the sheer diversity of life here that will astound you. Over 2000 species of mammals, birds, trees, insects, reptiles and amphibians have been recorded on the reserve; an incredible amount of biodiversity which makes game drives, bush walks, or even a simple stroll through the camp a constant stimulation.

The Notten’s camp is unfenced, and wildlife is regularly encountered on the lawns around the swimming pool in particular.

The rooms at Notten’s are what make the place truly special. Lit by candlelight and paraffin lanterns, they retain the feel and charm of an old-school bush camp, whilst sacrificing none of the comfort. The rooms are air-conditioned and charging facilities are available, so there’s no danger of running out of power for your battery or cellphone.

Whether it’s a romantic getaway you are after or a Big 5 photographic experience, Notten’s ticks all the boxes, and with their current specials there is no better time to visit. The winter months offer some of the best game viewing on the continent, and when summer starts rolling around again, visitors will be treated to the most remarkable changes as the bush flushes green once more, the migrants return, and the lodge comes alive with the buzz of cicadas and the galavanting of newborn antelope.

Click here to find out more about Notten’s Bush Lodge or to make a booking…

 

Tulela: a Place of Peace

Posted on by James

An African safari has the power to change you. To make you feel so truly connected to yourself and your surroundings that you feel that this is the way life should be lived. Far from the trappings of the fast-paced modern world with all its distractions, the African wilderness reaffirms the values that our humanity holds dear.
And almost inevitably, as your safari winds down, your mind lets itself wander into the fantasy of “If only I could live in the bush…”

Well Tulela, a magical 5-bedroom lodge in the Greater Kruger Park of South Africa, will make you feel like you are…

As close to a home in the bush as you can find, Tulela is an exclusive-use lodge that is so much more than just a base to see the Big 5 from. Bespoke safaris both in a vehicle and on foot, sleep-outs under the southern stars, conservation initiatives that guests can get hands on with… your stay at Tulela is far more of an immersion into the wilds of Africa than a simple stay in the bush.

The lodge was designed with that homely feel in mind. Situated on the banks of the N’tsiri river, the rooms and main area are nestled in the shade of magnificent riparian trees from which the gentle background ambience of the local birdlife emanates. A waterhole positioned in full view of the deck attracts a continuous procession of wildlife – particularly in the drier winter months – and the overwhelming feeling here is that you are part of nature.

With over 6000ha of the Klaserie Private Game Reserve to explore with your own ranger and tracker, you essentially are…

Tulela is child friendly, so is perfect for families looking to open their children’s minds to the wonders of nature.
Or, if it’s simply an exclusive getaway for ten friends that you are after, this is the perfect place to allow you to simply put your feet up and be free from worry, totally at peace in the tranquility of the African bush.

We can’t wait to share more about this amazing destination with you.
For more information about Tulela and all that it offers, feel free to get hold of us here…

 

I am an African

Posted on by James

We came across this written piece recently and felt it was too beautiful not to share. It has gone viral around the South African airwaves but we unfortunately don’t know who the original author is. Please get hold of us if this was your piece of writing…

In the meantime, enjoy…

“I sit here quietly thinking about what it means to me to be South African, a visitor to South Africa or even African. It seems easier to explain the effect that this land has on me…

The perfume of rain on African soil. The scent of woodfires drifting across the highveld on winter evenings. There’s a very distinctive aroma just as one starts coming into George / Knysna / Plett’ (I’ve never figured out which herb it is), in much the same way the smell of Wild Sage defines the area around Santawani in Botswana. The odour of thatch in a game lodge. The bouquet of dust and the various plants when one gets into the bush, sometimes a whiff of something dead. The tang of the ocean at the seaside. The smell of ‘moer’ coffee over an early morning fire, or the delicious aroma of roasting meat over flames – whether you call it a braai or shisa nyama (but definitely NOT a barbeque, a barbie, or a sausage sizzle!)

There is also something about the light here. “Santorini Blue”… I don’t know if that’s an actual colour, but it seems to describe the hue of the highveld sky on a winter’s day to perfection. We live in “big sky” country – whether blue, or orange in sunset, or dark grey and rent by lightening, or velvet black and filled with stars that seem close enough to touch – the sky is ever present. As is the moon. I am always aware of the moon, from a sickle moon to the full fecund globe that is full moon. Silver light gilding thorn trees, juxtaposed against dark shadows on the savannah, is not a sight one easily forgets.

The caw of the ubiquitous, raucous  Hadeda in suburbia, the burbling call of a rainbird (Burchell’s Coucal) when a thunderstorm is on its way, the beautiful Diederick’s Cuckoo announcing the arrival of spring, the screech of a barn owl or the evocative call of the Fish Eagle. Jackals calling as the sun goes down, a lion’s roar quite literally making the air reverberate, or the chilling whoops of the hyenas. The cacophony of barking geckos that start up as the sun goes down over Deception Pan, or a veritable orchestra of frogs around a pan in the summer months. Cicadas shrilling on days so hot that the air shimmers, or a nightjar calling in the dead of night in the bushveld.

Days of withering heat often followed by the lightest cool breeze, just as the sun is setting. A gentle little wind, which plays with your hair like an absent-minded lover, reminding you that the cool of the night will soon be with you. Walking in the bush very early in the morning, the sun’s rays catch the dew on spiders’ webs, reminding you that life, both seen and unseen, is all around you. Trout fishing as the sun peeps over the horizon in Dullstroom, so cold that the water droplets freeze on your line…

The colours of this land are not subtle either. The blood red of the coral tree, the green metallic glint of sunbirds, the striped black and white hide of the zebra, or sapphire blue of a kingfisher. The miles and miles of yellow and orange daisies in Namaqualand in September, or pink and white swathes of cosmos along the roads in April. The lilac and turquoise of the roller, the tawny hide of a lion or the emerald green of a little dung beetle that makes its appearance in the summer months. From the golden dunes of the Namib to an unimaginable number of greens in the Knysna Forest. All vivid and arresting.

Talk to me of Morrungulo or Tsodilo Hills, the great Drakensberg, Platteland dorps and the great Karoo. The warmth of Sodwana Bay or the icy kelp forests of the Atlantic Ocean. Of wine farms and fynbos in the Cape, to meerkats and diamonds in the north. Show me our people, in so many hues, with brightly coloured traditional costumes – and even brighter smiles.

All of this creates a frisson of excitement, passion each and every day, a vivid, immediate sense of being alive that I have found nowhere else….

These are my people. This is my land. 

Because I am, at the very core of my being, a child of Africa!”

A South African Braai – Explained

Posted on by Lexi Hall

The 24th of September was Heritage Day! Last month saw locals celebrating their heritage, culture and diversity and this nation-building tool definitely involved scrumptious traditions such as a good old “lekker braai.”

If you’re heading to South Africa on safari this is definitely something to add to your bucket list. As South Africans, we find any opportunity and occasion to get together as friends and family and have a braai (also known as a barbecue.). This is a social time when we sit back, relax and indulge in some of the country’s meat cooked to perfection on a hot flame. 

What is a braai?

A traditional method of cooking/roasting marinated meat or chicken over a grid on a wood fire. 

Wherever you go on safari in South Africa there will definitely be an outdoor boma and a safari braai. The boma symbolises an outdoor retreat, where guests gather to socialise, find warmth, eat good food and promises a really great time for all!

Whether it’s a mobile lunch or a sunset dinner, your camp will lead you to the bush braai site where they will prepare on display your magnificent flame-grilled meal. Enjoy a drink while your meat gets cooked to your satisfaction in front of you and bask in the fire’s warmth as you wait. Sit back, relax and listen for passing wildlife or to the rangers unmatched stories of their experiences in the bush. 

With a picturesque sunset in front of you, a G&T in hand, the calls of the wild surrounding you and a delicious African feast in front of you, … need we say more – there’s no place you’d rather be. 

How to make your own braai

If you’re sitting at home and aren’t able to visit us just yet you can still have a braai of your own! Here’s how:

Decide if you want to make a wood or charcoal fire, or braai on a gas griller. This will determine the taste of your meat. 

If you decide on a wood braai, the more wood, the better. The type of wood you choose will determine how long it will burn and adding/using coal will add a nice flavour. 

Use firelighter in between the logs to get the fire started. Make sure the smaller pieces of wood are at the bottom and the larger pieces on top. 

When you have decided that your fire is not too hot and will last you long enough to cook all of the meat, place the first meat onto the grid. 

Sausage (Boerewors) can be added on full heat and will cook quickly and is the perfect starter for those hungry guests who have been waiting.

Chicken is more difficult to braai as it takes the longest to cook properly and less heat is needed. 

Once the chicken is halfway done you can add your chops. This way, all the meat will be done at the same time and everyone can eat together. 

Don’t forget the garlic bread, salads and baked beans make the perfect side dishes. 

We hope you are looking forward to your next safari braai. 

The Beauty of the Sabi Sands

Posted on by Lexi Hall

Not only did our director John Holley spend two wonderful years working at Londolozi in the Sabi Sands but our team is often there visiting. In fact, we just can’t seem to stay away! Here are a few reasons why this wonderful place holds a special place in our hearts. 

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve was the first private game reserve in South Africa, founded in 1948 and now forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. 

Sharing a 32-mile unfenced border with the Kruger, wildlife can traverse freely creating an exceptional opportunity for big game viewing with some of the world’s finest rangers and trackers. 

The Sabi Sands is one of the most sought-after private game reserves for safari and this comes as no surprise with the unforgettable luxury accommodations available. 

This 65, 000-hectare wilderness should definitely be on your travel bucket-list – a destination that will see your many returns once you get a taste of all its magic! 

Here are some of our favourite luxury accommodations in the reserve; from romantic escapes to family retreats, there is the perfect bush escape for every reason, season and occasion. 

Singita

Singita means “place of miracles,” which truly embodies everything for which this incredible brand has become famous. Known for astonishing game viewing, Singita has won “Top Hotel in the World” more than 16 times.

Dulini Lodge 

Sheltered beneath the shade of ancient trees and embraced by the riverine setting, the tranquil haven offers a five-star luxury experience.  The subtle blend of pan-African art and the traditional safari theme creates an enchantment while ensuring Dulini feels like a home away from home. Dulini Lodge is also world-famous for its leopard sightings. 

Londolozi

Three of Londolozi’s five lodges, namely Granite, Pioneer and Tree are Relais & Chateaux properties and these lodges are true to the elegance and attention to detail that this world-renowned signature embodies. The remainder of the five, Founders and Varty are not to be overlooked. Varty Camp is adored for its deep history and endearing charm; and Founders is equally deserving of complimentary adjectives: sophisticated, warm and classic.

Kirkmans Camp 

This opulent Victorian-themed masterpiece conjures an atmosphere of bygone luxury and calm on the banks of the Sand River.

Chitwa Chitwa 

The sophisticated lodge is set amongst towering Acacia and ancient Ebony trees, overlooking the Sabi Sands largest waterhole. 

Lion Sands  

Lions Sands’ pride of four ultra-luxury lodges, all perched along the Sabie River, are a testament to a family’s passion and admiration for their pristine piece of wild Africa. It is nurtured as a gift passed down over four generations and each lodge endeavours to share its story and its beauty with everyone that visits. 

These properties are world-contenders for the best hospitality, food, architecture and luxury. But it is not only the lodges that provide the avid traveller with a lifetime of memories. 

The ultimate bush experience is made distinct by the quality of game viewing. The Sabi Sands is one of the best places to view leopards – on exciting night drives, the Big Five and other game. On a single outing, you may even get to see up to 10 different animals and birds and observe their habits. 

With hundreds of bird species and tons of recorded mammal species, you won’t have to leave your lodge to see a plethora of plants and animals, especially being close to either the Sand or Sabie Rivers – perennial water sources that attract herds of animals to their water source year-round. Watch hippos cool down in the water while you take in the lush surroundings in summer or watch how the wild bring new life to this unspoilt corner. During the winter months, wildlife are more active and you have a greater chance of seeing big cats on the hunt or young cubs playing. 

In addition to the safari classics; the giraffe, zebra and hyena, you could spot a rare pangolin if you’re lucky. And the best part is that your experienced guides will be able to drive the vehicle off-road to follow any tracks and get up-close and personal with some of Africa’s finest wildlife. 

The easiest way to optimise your time in this prestigious wilderness is to catch a flight from Johannesburg or Kruger Mpumalanga International airport or to an airstrip in the Sabi Sands and have a transfer take you directly to your lodge. 

Take the necessary precaution and get vaccinated. Speak to your doctor or travel clinic about anti-malaria tablets and pack in your long-sleeved tops, long pants, socks and closed shoes. 

First-time safari-goers and regulars always return time and time again. This private game reserve is always in high demand, so book your Sabi Sands safari now!

 

Cape Town Uncovered

Posted on by Lexi Hall

Cape Town has something which will appeal to all travellers – from honeymooners and romantics to big families. The multifaceted city caters for the more adventurous, as well as the leisurely who prefer beaches and spas. Without question, Cape Town is one of the world’s most spectacular cities resting against the iconic “New 7 natural wonders of the world” member, Table Mountain.

Here are a few interesting things you might not know about the Mother City:

Affectionately known as the Mother City by locals and travellers, this city’s nickname derives from theGreek word ‘metros’ meaning mother – as it was the first metropolitan city in South Africa according to Selwyn Davidowitz, a recognised Cape Town tour guide.

Another nickname you may have come across while planning your vacation to Cape Town is Cape of Storms. This name was given b the famous explorer Bartholomew Dias because of the unpredictable weather of the Atlantic Ocean that used to render ships and sailors forsaken just off our coast.

Did you know that Cape Town’s 2011 census survey indicated that 43.2% of the Western Cape’s population is 25 years or younger… This city is a hotspot for young solo travellers.

The celebrated and legendary Table Mountain which began forming around 280 million years ago witnesses at least two nuptial services a month! What better way to begin a romantic life with your beloved than overlooking candyfloss-clouds cascading down the mountain side.Did you know that the plateau of Table Mountaispans almost 22 000 hectares and claims more flora than the entire British Isles or New Zealand?

The Cape Floral Kingdom – a UNESCO world heritage site – is home to nearly 7000 indigenous plants such as the peninsula snapdragon.

Cape Town boasts the only tobogganing track in Africa…If you enjoy the thrill of downhill sledging then head 25km out of the city centre for a day of adventure at Cool Runnings.

Cape Town has been named one of this year’s top 10 cities in the world for surfing.

Meeting certain safety, security and cleanliness standards, eight Cape Town beaches have been given Blue Flag awards by the Blue Flag Campaign. These beaches include Clifton, Camps Bay, and Llandudno, as well as Muizenberg and False Bay.

 

Lion’s Head wasn’t name after wild felines roaming the mountain. In fact, around 300 years ago, Dutch settlers named the peak Leeuwen Kop (Lion’s Head) and what’s known as Signal Hill today as Leeuwen Staart (Lion’s Tail) because the two peaks formed what resembled a crouching lion.

The Castle of Good Hope was actually built using stone extracted from Signal Hill.

With an abundance of vineyards, it is undeniable that Cape Town is famous for its beautiful farms and wines – our key export!

For more on where to stay in our exquisite Mother City click here.