Feature: Safari

Thula Thula

Thula Thula Private Game Reserve

The story of Thula Thula is unique

Thula Thula is very special. The reserve is the brainchild of Lawrence Anthony and his Parisian born wife, Francoise. Their story is immortalized in a series of books starting with Lawrence’s “The Elephant Whisperer”. Following Lawrence’s premature death in 2012, Francoise has written two sequels, “An Elephant In My Kitchen” and “The Elephants of Thula Thula”. The story of how the reserve was established and the challenges they had with local politics and especially their initial elephant herd are fascinating and heart warming. You will be left marveling at the extraordinary behaviour of the elephants.

Thula Thula has developed into so much more than a sanctuary for wild elephants. The reserve has a significant diversity of animals so you will be rewarded on a game drive with thrilling encounters with elephant, rhino, cape buffalo, and a variety of plains game including giraffe and zebra. Although this is not a ‘Big Five’ reserve, there are predators such as hyena.  Guided game drives into the adjacent Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve can be arranged for a full Big Five’ game experience. But, it will be the elephants of Thula Thula that will provide you with lasting memories.

Accommodation is provided in a number of well appointed thatched  rooms and suites. There is also a luxury tented camp. This is rural Africa and so you may encounter the occasional bat in your room and you will need to keep doors closed so you are not visited by the adorable, but very destructive, vervet monkeys. Food has always been a passion of Francoise stemming from her French roots. A package including Thula Thulu provides three gourmet meals each day, two game drives and much interaction with the experienced and long standing rangers and other members of staff. Transfers to and from Durban’s King Shaka Airport are included.

Isandlwana Lodge, Isandlwana, Battlefields

Isandlwana Lodge is a magical, thatched lodge overlooking the site of one of Britain’s worst military disasters

Isandlwana Lodge will provide you with a magical experience at one of the most moving and inspiring locations overlooking the battlefield of Isandlwana which marks one of the worst military defeats ever inflicted on the British Army by the might and cunning of the Zulu led by King Cetshwayo in 1879. The Lodge has been very sympathetically built into the side of the hill overlooking the battlefield and from where the Zulu commander astride his white horse guided his troops to victory. This was immortalized in the film ‘Zulu Dawn’. The Lodge has an almost fairy tale quality with the 12 large suite style rooms built into the rock face. Each room has a balcony overlooking Isandlwana Mountain. The rooms are beautifully appointed reflecting the American owner’s style and attention to detail. The cuisine is beautifully prepared for a mixture of tastes. You will receive a warm Zulu welcome from the attentive and friendly staff – most of whom live in the little village below the hotel.

About Isandlwana Lodge’s Location

Idle over a beer in the bar around the log fire on a crisp winter’s evening and learn about modern day Zulu culture. By day, the resident historian will provide you with a very graphic description of the battle of Isandlwana. In the morning you will be seated in the middle of the battlefield and then in the afternoon at nearby Rorkes Drift where the small British garrison drove off the Zulu attack. This was the subject of the film ‘Zulu’. This is a fascinating location approximately two and a half-hours drive from Durban. You can easily visit the site of the Battle of Blood River (1838) which has become legendary in Afrikaans history. The Anglo Boer War battlefield of Talana is close by just outside the town of Dundee. There are also several Boer War battle sites within easy reach. This location can be easily combined with a visit to the Private Game Reserves of Zululand and the Drakensberg Mountains.

Makakatana Bay Lodge, St. Lucia

A stunning location in a romantic lodge in a World Heritage Site

Clients who have spent time at Makakatana often wish they had stayed longer. Although rated 4 star by the South African Tourist Grading Authority, the lodge has a number of luxurious rooms in individual ‘huts’ set among the trees over looking the southernmost bay in Lake St Lucia.

About the Location

This lodge is fully inclusive of all meals and full day safaris throughout the iSimangaliso Wetlands including Lake St. Lucia. You will see many animals and as well as elephant, buffalo and zebra you may also see leopard and hyena. In the underwater canyons in the Indian Ocean close to where the lake connects to the sea, coelacanthes are found. These are a strange primordial form of fish that until relatively recently were considered to be extinct. It is possible to arrange a day trip for scuba diving at Sodwana Bay which is a 2 hour drive from the lodge.

Amakhosi Lodge, Mkuze River, Northern Zululand

Amakhosi Lodge translates from Zulu as ‘The Palace of the Kings’ which is an apt description for this romantic hideaway

Amakhosi Lodge is in the Amazulu Game Reserve. Here you will find the Big Five. These include Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhinoceros but you will also see Hippo, Crocodile,  Antelope and 400 bird species. This small, select lodge is set on the banks of the Mkuze River. The 6 suites overlook the river from a private deck. Each suite is complete with a lounge, luxurious bathroom and has the necessary benefit of air conditioning. Game viewing and safaris are under the strict supervision of experienced rangers. The lodge is renowned for its cuisine and there is a beautiful pool to cool off in after a day in the bush viewing game. This is a fully all-inclusive property and the price includes accommodation, all meals, game drives and local beverages.

About Amakhosi Lodge’s Location

You can easily combine a safari here with a trip to the hauntingly evocative KwaZulu – Natal battlefields.  Within a short drive are Blood River, Isandlwana, Rorkes Drift, Ladysmith and Spioenkop – all reminders of the tragic history of this beautiful land. In this area you will still experience traditional and fascinating Zulu culture even though it is fast disappearing.This area is approximately a 5 hour drive from Johannesburg International airport and is 3 1/2 hours from Durban International Airport.

The Sands, St. Francis Bay, Eastern Cape

The Sands is an exclusive beach-side boutique hotel set alongside a pristine beach

The Sands is perfect for couples seeking  a retreat close to the beach with the soothing sounds of the Indian Ocean. There are five luxury suites and one honeymoon suite. All have sea views, a private deck overlooking the beach, a jacuzzi bath and the finest linen. The decor is modern, light and very tasteful. The property has two pools – one overlooking the ocean. There is a steam room for guests and spa treatments can be arranged. Accommodation is on a B&B basis but the in house restaurant can provide light lunches and an extensive al la carte dinner menu. The wine cellar has to be seen and sampled!

About The Sand’s Location

St Francis Bay is a quiet beach-side town set around a series of canals opening onto the Indian Ocean. Beach and countryside hikes are available. The beaches at nearby Cape St. Francis are pristine, dominated by the historic lighthouse which is the tallest in South Africa. A Penguin and seabird rescue centre is adjacent and there are numerous paths to hike into the coastal nature reserve. For the more adventurous, take a 4X4 excursion into the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve which is one of the last remaining natural wilderness areas in South Africa. The close by Port St. Francis has some excellent fish restaurants featuring locally caught seafood. The area is known for the squid caught in the bay and called, locally, chokka. Additionally, you will find excellent hake, kingklip and Cape Salmon. For golf enthusiasts, St. Francis Bay has two rated courses including the Jack Nicklaus designed Links. Both courses are within a 5 minute drive. Day Safaris can be arranged at the sister property of Pumba Private Game Reserve where you will encounter their famous white lions.

!Xaus Lodge, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

!Xaus Lodge provides rustic-style accommodation with a touch of luxury in one of the most remote locations on earth

!Xaus is really different! The 12 well appointed and air conditioned chalets are set in a remote corner of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The park spans both South Africa and Botswana. The lounge and dining area has a cosy fireplace for the cold winter nights (June – August) when the heat of the day can plunge to close to freezing. Accommodation includes all meals and two game drives each day of your stay. There is an observation deck which is wonderful for star gazing in this pristine, unpolluted wilderness. The lodge also has a great pool for cooling off after the heat of the day.

About the Location

The Kgalagadi Park is larger than the Kruger Park extending to 3.5 million hectares. 50,000 hectares was given back to the  ‡Khomani San and Mier communities (Bushmen) in 2002 and the land was then leased back to South African National Parks. SAN Parks are responsible for the environmental management of the land and !Xaus Lodge is owned by the two communities. !Xaus means ‘heart’ in the Nama language and was proposed as a name for the lodge by a group of visiting Bushmen. This was confirmed by the representative bodies of both the ‡Khomani San and Mier communities. The   name, ‘!Xaus’, symbolises the healing of relationships, the restoration of dignity and the aspirations of these communities, who after many years of deprivation are now owners of the lodge and the land on which it is situated.The lodge overlooks a large salt pan with a distinctive heart shape in its northwest corner. This location inspired the name. The rustic -style lodge is located at the ‘heart’ of the land restored to each of the Mier and Bushman communities. The vision of the settlement agreement was stated as ‘in the national interest, to finally settle the land claims of the community parties and to establish a positive, co-operative relationship between the community parties and SANParks.’ The symbol ‘!’ denotes a palatal click in the Nama language.  !Xaus is pronounced ‘kaus’.’ !Xaus is a unique property  and among the experiences you will enjoy, guided walks and visits to a Bushman Village are also included.Game drives

  • Sunset pan drive and dune walk to ‘listen’ to the sun set over the Kalahari.
  • After-dinner night drive. You will hear sounds of barking geckos, insect shrills, and larger animal calls to break the silence.
  • A complimentary six to seven hour game drive through the dunes and along the Auob River.  A packed breakfast and picnic lunch, is available for guests staying four nights or longer. At an additional charge, this game drive is also available to those staying for two or three nights.

Ghost Mountain Inn, Mkuze, Northern Zululand

Ghost Mountain Inn is a great inexpensive alternative to staying at a private game reserve

Ghost Mountain Inn is an old established, family run inn is situated in a particularly attractive part of Zululand. The hotel is in the little town of Mkuze with views of the almost mystical Ghost Mountain (inspiring many legends among the local Zulus). The atmosphere here is very relaxed and continues to get excellent reviews. The hotel has 51 bedrooms that are well decorated in simple furnishings and each room has air conditioning, a ceiling fan and each night insect repellent systems keeps the mosquitoes at bay. This is particularly important during the wet summer months. Some family rooms are available. Each room has its own patio and from these there are views of the garden or mountain. Guests eat in the comfortable restaurant and there is a choice of buffet or a la carte eating. The guest lounge is open to the terrace in front of the generously sized pool, which is very welcome after the heat of the day. The hotel does cater for conferences so at times the atmosphere is busy. The gym and wellness centre caters for those needing exercise and massage treatments, There is also a small but interestingly stocked gift shop.  On certain nights, guests may watch Zulu dancing around the bonfire in the boma.

About Ghost Mountain Inn’s Location

The hotel can arrange game drives into the adjacent Mkuze Game Reserve.  For us, however, a trip to the Hluhluwe National Park (a half hour drive) with one of the hotel’s excellent rangers is an unforgettable experience. Fishing on the Jozini Lake can be arranged as well as horse riding. Therefore, whatever your requirement there is something for most tastes here. You are ensured a warm and friendly welcome just two and a half hours drive from Durban and close to the border with Swaziland. Although the accommodation cannot be compared with the exceptionally luxurious private game reserves, your game experience from Ghost Mountain will compare with the best.

Ants Hill Bush Houses, Waterberg, Limpopo

Ants Hill is a truly different experience where you are able to experience living in your ‘own’ cottage in the African Bush

As well as the main Ants Hill lodge house there are four cottages  providing a home from home…in the bush. The cottages are at your complete disposal together with the staff, resident chef and ranger. Guides will also lead you on exhilarating horseback safaris into the reserve. This will provide you with the ability to view rhino, giraffe, zebra, a host of antelope species and baboons. Night drives can be arranged to try to spot some elusive nocturnal species such as aardvark, bush babies and wild cats. The properties can sleep up to ten at Ants Nest and twelve at Ants Hill. The unique accommodation is decorated with extensive use of traditional furnishings at Ants Nest and bright African colours at Ants Hill. Beds are huge and the baths have to be seen to be believed! Both homes have beautiful pools and the one at Ants Hill is spectacularly situated on the edge of a cliff overlooking a gorge.

About Ants Hill’s Location

Ants Hill and Nest are located in the extraordinarily diverse biome of The Waterberg. The reserve is made out of 12 different ecological zones from open grassy plains to thick montane bush to savannah bushveld. Drives into the nearby ‘Big Five’ Waterberg National Park can be arranged. This is a wonderful location and experience for children of all ages and babysitting can be arranged.

 

 


Jembisa Bush House

Jembisa Bush House, Waterberg. Limpopo

Jembisa is a gem set in the non-malarial African Bush with your own chef, wine butler and game ranger

Jembisa is perfect for families wanting to try something completely different or couples traveling together.  Jembisa offers, in our view, a unique experience. Your family or friends will occupy the house which has been set up as a family home… with a difference. Accommodation comprises five large and beautifully decorated, en suite bedrooms and a childrens’ bunk room. In addition,  you will have your own compliment of staff catering to your every need. Game rangers are included who will teach you tracking, how to survive in the bush. They will also introduce you on game drives or on foot to many of the animals in the reserve which do not include the predators. However, most of all, you will be in the African Wilderness with a wonderful canopy of stars at night and just the sounds of the wild. The house can also be rented by couples at a rate that compares very favourably with the top game lodges. The food at Jembisa ranks with the best we have encountered in South Africa from their long-standing chef from Malawi.

About Jembisa’s Location

The Waterberg National Park is very close and drives into the park are provided to give guests the opportunity to see the ‘Big Five’ in this wild location. Elephant back safaris can also be experienced nearby. As well as the pool Jembisa has  a floodlit tennis court, children’s games room and babysitting is also provided if required.


Thanda Private Game Reserve, Elephant Coast

One of the great Private Game Reserves of KwaZulu-Natal

Thanda has 9 luxury bush villas each with their own lounge, boma and, heated, splash pool. The bathroom features indoor and outdoor showers. In addition to an exclusive villa, there are also 16 luxurious tents with sweeping views of the reserve. These enable guests to get even closer to nature yet benefit from the height of luxury. The central facilities include full bar, lounge and ‘wellness centre’. The beautifully crafted food features traditional Zulu as well as interesting fusion between Western and African cuisine.

About the Location

There are a variety of different activities and experiences on offer. In addition to ‘Big Five’ game viewing on the reserve where the original ecosystem is being restored, Thanda can also arrange bush walks,  excursions to the nearby Indian Ocean beaches and a variety of Zulu cultural experiences. Private game drives can also be arranged. Accommodation is provided on an ‘All Inclusive’ basis including game drives. the best time of the year to visit this area for a wonderful game experience is during South Africa’s winter season between May and November. This is the dry season for this region and this will help with game viewing. The humidity which can be intense during the summer months is much less in winter.