Lodge of the Week: Ivory Tree Game Lodge

Pilanesberg Prominence

Ivory Tree Game Lodge is a 60-roomed camp situated in the eastern corner of the renowned Pilanesberg National Park near Sun City (+- 30 minute drive). The camp can host large groups of up to 120 people and has modern conference facilities, hosting up to 60 delegates in the largest hall, and up to 20 in a smaller conference venue. There is an extensive spa which provides a variety of different treatments.

For such a large private camp, the rooms are well-positioned to offer reasonable privacy and are located in a natural setting within the camp’s electrified perimeter. All meals are served buffet-style and the food is of a high standard. Meals are served indoors, on the deck around the pool or in the boma around the campfire. The rooms are adequately furnished, and guests can read a book or snooze away during the daylight hours on a couch bed found on each patio. Each room has an outdoor shower and is fairly compact. Unfortunately the lodge is situated within a National Park and as such some sightings may become crowded with public vehicles. However after the main gate closing times guests are treated to an exclusive game viewing experience – often at night searching for nocturnal creatures with a spotlight.

Ivory Tree Game Lodge is situated within a hilly section of the eastern edge of the Pilanesberg National Park. The park provides excellent general game and regular big cat viewings – lion, elephant and both black and white rhino sightings are common. Lucky visitors will have the opportunity to view leopard, a herd of buffalo, the African wild dog, or cheetah. However these sightings are rare, as these animals are usually found within the wilderness sector of the park where no visitors may traverse. There is a vast array of smaller creatures from aquatic reptiles to good birdlife. The Pilanesberg is an extinct volcanic crater, where eruptions 1.3 billion years ago have set remarkable geological formations as a mountainous backdrop to open grassy plains, savannah woodland and the large Mankwe Dam. The terrain offers a varied game drive with all members of the Big 5 inhabiting the park. The road network is good and a large portion of these roads are tarred, making for a very comfortable game drive. Pilanesberg is easily accessible with a tarred road network that’s an easy two and a half hour drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Ivory Tree Lodge is perfect for groups, both large and small. It is also ideal for conferences or team building events and is easily accessed from Johannesburg.

Lodge of the Week: Rocktail Beach Camp

 Untouched Coastal Bliss

Rocktail Beach Camp is the newer sister camp to the recently closed Rocktail Bay Lodge and contrary to what the name suggests, the camp itself is not situated directly on a beach. Instead it is neatly tucked away in a beautiful coastal forest within walking distance of the beach – a pleasant 15 minute stroll of the beachfront. The main lodge area accommodates up to forty six guests and is extremely spacious and minimally furnished. There is a children’s activity room and a renowned dive school offering all levels of scuba diving courses and various diving and snorkelling activities. The rooms encompass a modern tented design with simple furnishings, most of which have distant sea views. The family suites are ideally suited for families travelling with younger children whilst the standard tented suites offer the perfect private setting for couples. The honeymoon suite is spectacular. Guests staying at this camp are guaranteed an experience that is conducive to relaxation and relief. The buffet styled menu is delicious, the service satisfactory and the staff extremely friendly and courteous.

Rocktail Beach Camp is situated within the coastal forest belt of the Maputaland Forest Reserve. Although there is none of the usual larger game synonymous with the African bush, there are several small species which guests might have the opportunity to see such as the Red Duiker, Reedbuck and the indelible Honey Badger. The bird life is excellent with several endemic species found in the area. The nature focus, however, is on the coastline and marine environment. The scuba diving and snorkelling on the reefs within this section of the Maputaland Marine Reserve is what makes Rocktail Bay so special. There are no other dive boats using the same dive sites so exclusive diving is guaranteed. The environment is in a perfectly pristine condition. The sunset drive to Lake Sibaya provides guests with a lovely way of experiencing the Maputaland area for what it is. Although very little game still occurs the scenery is stunning and you pass through a number of local villages. Lake Sibaya itself provides a spectacular sun downer setting with hippos and crocodiles as the only other guests.

During the summer months (from mid November – mid February) guests staying at the camp have the option of going on a late night turtle tracking drive. Here an experienced guide takes trips along the beach to try and locate Loggerhead and Leatherback Turtles laying their eggs in the beach sand. This truly is a once in a lifetime experience and the funds raised from these trips help sponsor the on-going research on these vulnerable creatures.

Rocktail Beach Camp is great for couples, groups and families with children of all ages who have a fondness for exploring unspoiled coastlines. There are unfortunately very few undeveloped coastlines such as this left on this planet.

Lodge of the Week: Blue Zebra Island Lodge

Located on the stunning Nankoma Island in Lake Malawi, Blue Zebra Island Lodge is a truly unique experience. Completely uninhabited and far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, there is truly nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world. Under the protection of the Lake Malawi National Park, these three Islands offer a unique opportunity to see rare species of Malawi‘s colourful Cichlid fish that have earned this site its UNESCO World Heritage Site accreditation. The Islands are also renowned for their dazzling array of bird life. There is a diverse selection of tented chalets set on the hillside with spectacular views over the lodge below and out across the Lake. These range in size and luxury class to accommodate couples and families.

Whether it’s to explore the stunning, natural archipelago, enjoy a spot of fishing, or simply experience the pleasure of cruising across the calm and clear waters of Lake Malawi, at Blue Zebra you can do it all. The lodge offers its guests a complimentary trip out on a boat to enjoy activities of their choice and to fully appreciate everything that makes this world heritage site so special.

Experience an awe inspiring Lake Malawi sunset.  Out on the water, sun downer in hand, you will witness an unforgettable event as the sun gently dips below the low lying Nkhotakota hills in the distance. Rarely, if ever, does one have such effortless and immediate access to a site teaming with aquatic life. Literally just a few meters off the shore, you will experience Malawi’s renowned cichlids in all their natural splendour.  Famed for their vivid and vibrant colours, the Islands are home to species unique not onlyto Lake Malawi, but many to these islands!

Lodge of the Week: Bukela Game Lodge

Bukela Game Lodge is a small and intimate 5 Star game lodge in the malaria-free Amakhala Game Reserve – an hour’s drive from the city of Port Elizabeth. The lodge is situated at the lip of a small hill with the reserve fence line running behind the lodge. There are great views of the surrounding area from the main lodge and room decks. The 4 luxury suites are all furnished to a high standard and all rooms have a turbo bath and an outdoor shower. The fantastic ‘Sala’ area at the edge of the main deck is ideal for private meals. Intimate boma meals around the camp fire can be arranged if the weather permits. The food is first rate and the service is top rate. The camp and rooms are fairly compact but have been accessorised suitably and long wooden walkways link the separate rooms to the main lodge.

Accommodation at this tranquil Game Lodge is provided in four suites (3 suites and 1 honeymoon suite) each individually styled in African simplicity while never compromising on luxury. This secluded safari destination is tucked away into indigenous trees and bushes at the top of a hidden valley and is the perfect setting for the intimate and romantic guest experiences for which it is renowned.

Connected by a wooden walkway, the thatched suites offer a remarkable private wildlife-viewing experience. Savour a crisp glass of wine in your sun-soaked spa bath, opening onto trees alive with birdsong. Indulge in sumptuous high teas, private candlelit dinners or exciting fireside boma dinners under African stars. And as you fall asleep, hear the silence broken by the unmistakeable sounds of elephant and buffalo making their stately progress through the unfenced camp.

Morning, afternoon and evening Game Drives under the guidance of qualified rangers are offered. The lodge may also be booked exclusively as a restful and beautiful venue for small team-building,conferences and weddings.

Lodge of the Week: Bomani Tented Lodge

This luxurious tented lodge is situated in a private concession of the magnificent Ngamo Plain, on the edge of the pristine south eastern corner of Hwange National Park. The main lodge overlooks Bomani pan and comprises of an open dining room, bar area and lounge, built on a spectacular viewing platform. You can enjoy your breakfast whilst watching zebra and wildebeest, or sip a sundowner as giraffe and elephant meander by.

The lodge consists primarily of nine large luxury tents and one thatched bungalow. Every tent is elegantly furnished and comfortable, each with a private en-suite bathroom, hot running water and electricity.

Bomani is famous for its unique scenery as well as its large herds of elephants and abundant bird life. Game activities in the area include drives, walks and night drives conducted by fully licensed professional guides. If you are looking for an exciting safari destination – in an exclusive area – with great game viewing all year round, and one that actually makes a difference to the local communities and wildlife, then you need look no further than Bomani.

Lodge of the Week: Bakubung Bush Lodge, Pilanesberg

Bakubung Bush Lodge is concealed within the rich expanses of the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park and offers you everything you need to get in touch with the bush. These Pilanesberg lodges are set in an area where the Big 5 roam, a mere 2 hour drive from the hectic lifestyle of Johannesburg. Bakubung, or “People of the Hippo”, offers you everything you need with regards to comfortable and luxury accommodation. With the bush just outside your window you will be able to relax and take in the spectacular natural landscape. Bakubung Bush Lodge has some of the best accommodation in the Pilanesberg and offers an amazing family holiday experience.

Set in the crater of a long extinct volcano, the Pilanesberg National Park, which is home to Bakubung Lodge, ranks amongst the largest of the parks in South Africa and covers an area of some 55 000 hectares. The Park offers guests sightings of a wide diversity of animal and plant life. This includes 360 species of birds, the Big Five and many other South African animals. Experience the BIG 5 with our trained field guides who will also show you Africa’s other beautiful fauna and flora.

The studio rooms either have two double beds or one king size bed, en suite bathroom, including a shower, air conditioner, direct dial telephone, tea/coffee machine, colour TV (with DStv bouquet), a hairdryer, plug for electric shaver and internet connectivity. All hotel rooms have doors leading onto either a balcony or a patio, and have panoramic views of the Park and the Hippo Pool.

Lodge of the Week: Bushmans Kloof

Bushmans Kloof is a timeless yet aesthetically striking camp with traditional thatched Cape Dutch style architecture set amid stunning green lawns and bright flower beds. The camp appears to rise out of the harsh dry vegetation and red coloured rocks of the Cedarberg Mountains creating the illusion that one is in a desert oasis. A crystal clear stream runs for most of the year in front of the camp. Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to having a dip in one of the four pools in camp (one of which is heated) or finding their own secluded natural rock pool on the reserve. The rooms are spacious, furnished with antique furniture, and are fairly private. The staff are young and passionate, the service is excellent and the food delicious. The lodge is promoted as a wellness retreat and hosts a world renowned health spa. The reserve takes part in an array of worthwhile conservation and social projects.

Bushmans Kloof offers a range of beautifully proportioned rooms, suites and a private villa. It can accommodate 34 guests, all in sublimely appointed spaces. Award-winning service, generous hospitality and luxurious finishes, such as its outstanding private art collection, enhance the extraordinary environment of the Bushmans Kloof lodge.

Koro Lodge is an existing farmhouse, nestled in the reserve, that has been completely renovated and transformed into a spectacular intimate villa, surrounded by open vistas of wilderness and wildlife, combining ultimate luxury with nature. Koro Lodge is available for larger groups, ensuring effortless and hugely enjoyable family breakaways for up to 10 guests.

Guides are available to take you on walking tours or drives of the spectacular nature reserve. Explore the wilderness in all its diversity. Enjoy ever-changing landscapes and some of the Cape’s most rare species. Sundowners and picnics are ever-popular, served at scenic spots throughout the drive.

In this extraordinary environment, there is much to be seen (and heard) after sunset. You may want to explore this dark world on an after-dinner drive under a canopy of stars. Enjoy unparalleled stargazing and spot elusive, nocturnal wildlife highlights such as the Aardwolf, African Wildcat, Bat Eared Fox, Cape Fox and Porcupine.

Lodge of the Week: Singita Boulders Lodge

A Modern Masterpiece

Boulders Lodge is the younger sister lodge to Ebony and is also set close to the banks of the Sand River. The staggering architecture of the lodge is something to celebrate – a wonderful mix of stone, natural materials and flowing modern design sets the lodge apart. Ten private suites are spread out along the river bank – in addition there are two family units that can accommodate groups of four together. These family units can be used as exclusive residences away from the rest of the lodge – each has its own private entrance and personally catered meal options can be prepared in the attached kitchens. The rooms are inspiring and are all fitted with everything one would expect from a luxury lodge: bar, satellite TV, private pools to dip in during the heat of summer, personal fireplace to sit by on cool winter evenings and a host of accessories. As is synonymous with the Singita brand, no attention to detail or expense has been spared. The service is of the highest standard, the staff gracious and efficient and the setting is incredibly beautiful. A variety of meal options and a selection of fine wines from a remarkable wine cellar (built in to the rocks underlying the main lodge) make for an exceptional culinary adventure. For those looking to be further pampered a luxury on site health spa offers a selection of treatments. Industry-leading and on-going staff training is in place to ensure that everyone from guides and trackers to front and back room staff cater to the guest’s every whim.

Boulders Lodge is situated in the Singita Game Reserve in the centre of the world renowned Sabi Sand Wildtuin on a 6000 hectare portion of the Sabi Sands. Singita has an additional traversing area of 12 000 hectares which gives it access to one of the largest traversing areas in the Sabi Sands whilst still maintaining exclusivity for guests – no more than three vehicles are allowed per sighting. With a lower density of vehicles and lodges than many other areas in the Sabi Sands, sightings are not rushed. Singita offers a very memorable safari experience with consistent lion, leopard and elephant viewing. The wildlife in general is placid – allowing vehicles to approach at a fairly close distance. The birding is good and the scenery is typically enchanting. Apart from game drives, an impressive assortment of activities is offered to guests from walking and cycling to archery and target shooting. One of Singita’s least sung praises is its active involvement in various social upliftment initiatives, where it greatly assists in projects in its local community.

Boulders Lodge is an ideal destination for the discerning traveller looking for a safari and lodging experience that is unparalleled. Although the rates are high, they are justified with what the lodge offers making it relatively good value for money. Everything from beverages (excluding French champagnes) to a good selection of daily activities is included in the price.

Lodge of the Week: Khulu Ivory

 

Khulu Ivory (meaning “Grandfather of Ivory”) is located on a private concession of 6,000 acres near Hwange National Park. One of the many charms of this camp is that it offers guests luxurious and private accommodation accompanied with old world hospitality. It is accessible by using the Bulawayo / Victoria Falls main road and is only 180 km from Victoria Falls. Khulu comprises of 6 bespoke, thatched safari-style suites built onto slightly elevated platforms. Each well-appointed room is designed in a modern and contemporary style but has minimal impact on the surroundings and environment. One room is an exclusive honeymoon suite with a bathtub which overlooks our private waterhole. The units have an indoor and outdoor shower and balcony for game viewing as well as an individual tea and coffee service. The beds are twins but can all be converted to king sized for double occupancy.

The 4-star Lodge’s facilities include a full bar with a wide variety of
local and imported beverages, as well as a tea and coffee station. There is a plunge pool located on the deck of the main area as well as a fire pit for stargazing and night caps. Borehole water is used throughout the camp, and an on-site laundry service is available, as well as a study / library area, wine cellar and bar.

Khulu Ivory offers guests a private guided experience – this
exceptional service is highly acclaimed and sought after by
discerning safari enthusiasts. On offer are; half day game drives or full day game drives, night drives, visits to the Painted Dog Conservation Centre, walking safaris, pan/hide sits, game counts (on request).

Lodge of the Week: Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge

Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge is a wholly community-owned camp in the Madikwe Game Reserve. The lodge is a pioneering project that gives the local Balete community (of the Batswana tribe) their own lodge and the direct transfer of benefits from ecotourism to the rural community. The camp is set along a rocky ridge with magnificent views of the bushveld basin below. The 8 rooms are spacious, comfortably furnished and are privately positioned.

The main lodge is settled neatly among rock fig trees along a broken rock face. The views from the dining deck and the pool are stunning. The atmosphere is extremely laid back and informal. Good food and friendly staff add to the holistic safari experience. The rooms are situated a fair way from the main lodge and the camp is only protected with a single electric strand fence – deterring larger game such as elephant and rhino, but allowing smaller species through.

Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the few malaria-free reserves in southern Africa. Located in South Africa along the Botswana border and 20 kilometres from Gaberone, the Reserve lies within a transition region between lowveld bushveld and the Kalahari thornveld. As a result, the region is host to an incredible diversity of species from both eco-systems. Geographically the region has enormous volcanic intrusions known as Inselbergs, which are prominent throughout and create a spectacular backdrop to the reserve.