South African Lodges

At the close of 2006, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat was selected from among almost 300 properties across the globe to be named joint winner of the exalted Relais & Chateaux Environment Trophy 2007.

This exceptional award pays testimony to Bushmans Kloof’s outstanding environmental and conservation projects. These include its rock art conservation programme; providing a sanctuary for the endangered Cape Mountain Zebra and Clanwilliam Yellow Fish; its support of the Cape Mountain Leopard project; as well as alien vegetation clearing. Other environmentally friendly practises at the lodge include the cultivation of organic kitchen gardens; recycling waste material; and water and energy saving.

The global Environment Trophy, awarded for the fourth time, was jointly presented to Bushmans Kloof and The Little Nell (Aspen, Colorado USA) in recognition of the respect for the environment and nature demonstrated in such a remarkable manner by the two Relais & Chⴥaux properties.

In April 2006 Bushmans Kloof was placed amongst the top three in the International Tourism for Tomorrow awards, which was held in Washington DC during the 6th Global Travel & Tourism Summit. Today Bushmans Kloof can truly lay claim to an extraordinary conservation success story and this recognition serves to strengthen the dedication and commitment of the owners, management and staff to preserving the natural environment and heritage for future generations.

Selati Camp at the Sabi Sabi Game Lodge upgraded, receives praise

Selati Camp has long been a favourite with visitors from all over the world, and recent upgrades have seen the lodge becoming even more luxurious. A beautiful new thatched viewing deck on the banks of the Msuthlu Riverbed, refurbished farmhouse kitchen and sumptuous new soft furnishings all add up to a superb new look for Selati.

Selati Camp’s upgrades were completed taking great care to preserve the gentle, romantic atmosphere for which the lodge is renowned and loved. The warm glow of lanterns still light the camp at night and suites are lavishly furnished with the finest fabrics. Artefacts and memorabilia from the early 1900’s enhance Selati’s ‘Out of Africa’ style, while carefully concealed modern amenities ensure that guests have the best of both worlds.

Two new Awards for Sabi Sabi

This year, the exclusive Sabi Sabi Game Lodge has already been named Best Lodge by Resorts Web Magazine (Italy); and received the ASATA/Diners Club Award for Outstanding Service to the hospitality Industry (Independent Accommodation). This adds to the already impressive list of awards and accolades that Sabi Sabi has accumulated over the years.

Round the Clock on-site medical attention available

Guests at the Sabi Sabi Game Lodge now have access to round the clock on-site medical assistance, thanks to the implementation of a programme by African SAFE-T (Safari and Adventure Emergency Team). Any medical complaints, from minor ailments to more serious conditions and injuries are dealt with by a fully trained medical team, one of which is based on the reserve, with the others at an off-site facility.

Dr. Simon King of SAFE-T explains: “Traditionally, medical complaints in relatively inaccessible area were dealt with by evacuation i.e. moving the patient to the nearest urban medical facility. Our programme ensures on site response, with evacuation only taking place if absolutely necessary. In serious cases, evacuation time is reduced to 30 minutes as opposed to several hours, which is usually the case on a game reserve.”

Sabi Sabi operations director, Rod Wyndham says: “While we hope that we only have reason to make use of this facility on rare occasions, the reality is that having the SAFE-T team on site is very reassuring. We now have readily available resources for medical assistance, as opposed to being completely reliant on off-reserve resources.”

New airstrip license

Sabi Sabi Game Lodge’s private airstrip has been awarded a Category 4 (C4) Licence by the Civil Aviation Authority, after complying with all C4 requirements.

The new licence clears the way for large aircraft to land on the airstrip, allowing guests to charter flights directly into the reserve from anywhere in South Africa. The three daily Federal Air flights between Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo Airport) and Sabi Sabi will continue as scheduled.

All Civil Aviation requirements, including implementing comprehensive emergency evacuation and fire fighting procedures, are in place, with highly trained staff on site for all take offs and landings.

Sabi Sabi still maintains several stringent self-imposed restrictions. These include strict noise control levels and prescribed flight paths that least impact on guests and wildlife.

Since its inception in mid-2004, the Sabi Sabi airstrip has streamlined guest transfers to and from Sabi Sabi’s four 5 star lodges and has ensured seamless travel for visitors. On arrival guests are treated to a traditional Sabi Sabi welcome directly on the airstrip, with refreshments and invigorating lemon-scented towels. A similar reception is arranged on departure, with minimal transfer time between the lodges and the airstrip.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, situated on 22 000 hectares of malaria-free Big Five wilderness in the heart of South Africa’s Eastern Cape, has officially opened its newest lodge, Melton Manor.

Set in a beautiful location with sweeping views of the Great Fish River, Melton Manor is a sole-use safari villa with four ensuite bedrooms. This spacious u-shaped frontier farmhouse is characterised by high ceilings and deep verandas overlooking the central courtyard and its inviting swimming pool.

The bedrooms each have their own spacious bathroom and innovative “butler hatches” for discreet room service. The interactive farm-style kitchen is abuzz with chefs cooking up wholesome and delicious dishes with Eastern Cape flair. Experience the bush with your own ranger/tracker team and a 4×4 safari vehicle at your disposal 24 hours a day!

Safaris at Kwandwe include twice-daily game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles, night drives showcasing an exhilarating array of nocturnal wildlife, bush sundowners, picnics, and guided bush walks. The Carnivore Research @ Kwandwe Specialist Safari is a unique and informative introduction to Kwandwe’s fascinating carnivore world. Guests can also partake in the Frontiers @ Kwandwe Specialist Safari, a specialised historic adventure into Frontier Country, led by Kwandwe’s resident historian and raconteur, Alan Weyer.

A DAY AT INYATI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

INYATI GAME LODGE

Please note: times shown below are approximate and vary seasonally. Meal venues are also varied from time to time.

12h00 Arrive at Inyati Private Game Reserve reception for check-in, and enjoy a refreshing welcome fruit cocktail

12h15 Settle into your luxurious thatched chalet complete with air-conditioning, mosquito netting, and beautifully appointed en-suite bathroom

13h00 Join other guests and staff on the Lodge Patio for a drink before lunch. Absorb the superb view of the Sand River and Camp
Clearing, keeping an eye out for game activity.

13h30 An array of culinary delights await you at the lunch buffet, served under the Jackalberry Tree on the lodge lawn. There is always something to please every taste, and do remember to leave space for the delicious dessert or a bowl of fresh, tropical fruit salad

14h00 Spend the afternoon at leisure – visit the curio shop, work out in the gym then relax at the pool, or simply enjoy an afternoon siesta

16h00 An African drum beat announces tea, coffee and light refreshments served on the Patio

16h15 At last! It’s time to depart on the afternoon/evening game drive,in search of the game you have dreamed about Your experienced Safari Team will put their skills to the test to locate, and bring you close to, the legendary Big 5 and other fascinating wildlife.
You may have the opportunity to view some impressive antelope including kudu, nyala and waterbuck, as well as some of the majestic birds of prey such as the fish eagle, yellow-billed kite and gymnogene

Sundowner drinks and snacks are served whilst you take in the beauty of a classic African sunset over the bushveld

The night drive commences under a canopy of stars. There is, perhaps, a chance to view big cats (such as lion or leopard) on the hunt, and some unusual nocturnal creatures including porcupine civet and white-tailed mongoose may also be seen. Interesting birds are active after dark, and sightings of the spotted eagle-owl and fiery-necked nightjar occur frequently

19h15 Return to the lodge to freshen up and meet in the Warthog Wallow bar to reminisce over the excitement of the safari.

19h45 Pop into the walk-in wine cellar to select a top quality South African wine to complement dinner, and perhaps a bottle or two to take home with you!

20h00 A large appetite is required for the sumptuous, typically South African dinner served in the open-air Boma around the campfire. A venison item is always included on the dinner menu, and the selection of meats, vegetables, salads, cheeseboard, dessert and fresh fruit ensemble ensure you will not go hungry until breakfast the following morning

22h00 A nightcap around the fire is recommended prior to being escorted back to your chalet, to be soothed to sleep by the likes of lions calling in the distance

The Following day at the Inyato Game Lodge

05h30 Wake-up call

06h00 Tea, coffee and light snacks are served on the Patio

06h15 The fresh dawn air brings with it the promise of another adventurous safari and – you never know – a glimpse of cheetah or wild dog

09h00 Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast served on the Patio

10h30 The bush walk focuses on the ecology, geology and flora of the
area, as well as the small bush inhabitants including insects and birds. For those who prefer a more relaxing alternative, game and bird viewing from the River Deck is an option, or a selection of wildlife books and videos can be enjoyed in the Lounge

REMINDERS FOR YOUR SAFARI

· Anti-malaria precautions – please discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist
· A warm jacket for game drives (may even be required during the summer months)
· A comfortable pair of walking shoes
· Swimsuit, sun block and hat
· Dress code is smart casual
· All chalets have hairdryers, bathrobes, telephones and mosquito nets
· All extras such as curios, bar purchases, telephone calls, faxes sent, laundry charges and any other sundry items will be charged to your personal account.