Africa travel blog

Natal, most popular with South Africans is one of the most underrated destinations in South Africa.

One on my personal favorite African safari destinations, without a doubt. Lets me give you a small personal tour of the province;

Zululand: – Northern areas of Natal, the more tropical and coastal areas, home of the Zulu Nation, home of Kosi Bay, Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Phinda Game Reserve, Lake Sibaya, Tembe Elephant National Park and much much more…..

Getting here is not difficult as the N2 (highway) pretty much goes straight though the centre of Zululand, you might have to travel on a few gravel roads to get to your destination but nothing too bad (OK – there are a few 4×4 only routes but these are becoming far and few between).

On the side of scenery and wildlife (mammals and birds) there are few places in South Africa that can touch Zululand or for that matter even come close.

There are a few lodges that are worth the mention when looking for Zululand Accommodation

• Phinda Forest Lodge
• Rocktail Bay Lodge
• Thonga Beach Lodge
• Shakaland
• Thula Thula Game Lodge

Natal Battlefields: – Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, two world famous battlefields that are visited by thousands and thousands of interested people from all over the world. Fugitives Drift Lodge and Fugitives Drift Guest House are the most popular Natal Battlefields Accommodation establishments that we have on offer, the story telling and hikes are two of the reasons why these establishments are so popular.

This area of Natal although scenic is only really for those who have interests in Battlefield history, I would not recommend this area to just anybody. If history is not your thing then this is simply not your area.

The Drakensberg: – Most definitely one the most scenic areas of South Africa – without a doubt. Basically when visiting South Africa include this area in your itinerary, why because you must! OK seriously now intesested in hiking, walks and just getting out there in the mountain air then the Drakensberg is for you. I must point out though that most if not all your viewing will be done from the base as getting to the top is via a few days of hiking and / or helicopter (the easier option if you ask me).

Drakensberg accommodation that in my opinion is superb includes the likes of Three Tree Hill (more of a battle field lodge – battle of spionkop – with good views of the mountains) and Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse (Fantastic accommodation, fantastic food and awesome host – what more do you require) are my two personal favourites.

The above are the three main areas worth visiting, if you do not want to self drive have a look at our range of Natal safari and Natal Day tours.

We just heard from our friends at Bushmans Kloof:

It’s the height of the African summer and Bushmans Kloof is reporting that they are experiencing temperatures in the high 30’s and even 40 degrees Celsius. The Bushmans Kloof Lodge is chock-a-block, and here at midday, many of their guests are lounging in the cool shade, taking rejuvenating dips in the pools, and enjoying the signature beverage – chilled iced Rooibos tea.

Typical of the Fynbos Biome’s ‘Meditteranean climate’, Bushmans Kloof Game Reserve is undergoing its normal dry spell this time of the year. Guests are experiencing exceptional animal sightings as many large fauna make their way from the hills in the Northern and North – Eastern parts of the reserve, to their three large dams. One of these prominent species is the Gemsbok, which is almost entirely independent of standing water, and always provides a magnificent sight here in its natural habitat.

Summer has also brought with it many of Nature’s true wonders and miracles: newborn Springbok lambs making their debut and the beauty of Agapanthus in full bloom.

And talking about conservation, Fred was very proud to swap his khaki bush gear for a formal dinner suit to represent Bushmans Kloof at the recent glittering Relais & Chateaux awards that were held in Monaco in November 2006, where Bushmans Kloof received the coveted Enviroment Trophy 2007 for its outstanding conservation achievements.

They are also excited to bring readers news of plans to renovate a glorious traditional farmhouse on the reserve to create a private wilderness experience as an all – year round venue. This will provide exclusive accommodation to a family with children or couples travelling together.

More good news for Bushmans Kloof at the Staff Appreciation Ball in London

Natalie Wolf, Marketing Assistant of Bushmans Kloof, was one of six overjoyed Bushmans Kloof employees who recently jetted out to London to attend the Annual Staff Appreciation Ball of sister hotel group Red Carnation. In recognition of their outstanding service to Bushmans Kloof, our deserving young people were guests at the glamorous ball held at the Hilton Hotel on Park Lane.

For those readers who would be interested in a trip to this luxury lodge check out Bushmans Kloof Lodge

Also visit the Cape West Coast surrounds if you stay at Bushmans Kloof.

Honey was probably the most well known cheetah in the world and appeared in many episodes of the famous “Big cat Diaries”. She was loved all over the world and words cannot express how much she will be missed.

Honey was famous for jumping into vehicles to obtain a better view of her idyllic world – the Masai Mara Game Resrve. This special cheetah was killed on the 17th of February 2007 in full view of her three remaining cubs – a tragedy which is felt by many around the world.

In May 2006 Honey gave birth to five cheetah cubs on the plains in front of Kichwa Tembo. She remained in this area for many months giving hundreds of guests a small insight into the pleasures of her world. Unfortunately two of the cubs were killed by other predators.

She also provided many guests with some spectacular sightings of kills that she made to feed herself and her little cubs. The cubs had started to hunt with their mother but are still very inexperienced. During the migration, Honey spent most of her time around a lodge with her three sons and then returned to Kichwa Tembo plains just before the rains started in October. We were all so used to her being around , and making herself and her cubs available for guests, that it is difficult to accept that she is gone. Her death has left a huge cavern, and a devastating sense of sadness, in the mara that is felt by guests and guides alike.

Our hearts go out to her three little cubs that have been left without a mother to care for them. They have been traumatised by this untimely event and are still waiting for her to return. It is heartbreaking to watch as they keep looking out for her. They are however being cared for by many, and the Mara Conservancy will be feeding and protecting the cubs until they are old enough to fend for themselves. We remain positive that they will survive together and bring new cheetah life into the Mara.

Living with Elephants

Elephants can live for 50 years, so when Doug and Sandi Groves adopted Jabu, Thembi and later Morula, rescuing them from culling operations that had left them orphans, they knew they were making a life-long commitment to the trio. Doug and Sandi Groves had strived to find ways in which their adopted elephants can act as ambassadors to their wild counterparts.

In 1999, the Living With Elephants Foundation (LWE) was launched as an organisation that could help the Groves and their trio fulfil their elephant sized dreams. Living With Elephants ( LWE) is dedicated to relieving conflict and competition between the African Elephant and human populations in Botswana. Sanctuary Lodges & Camps is proud to be a partner of this important endeavour.

You are invited to discover the elephants, from the bristled ends of their long tails to the tips of their powerful yet sensitive trunks. Marvel at their big ears, thoughtful eyes and enormous padded feet. Trace the textures of their skin and the silken polish of their ivory. Explore the astonishing bonds of kinship formed over more than a decade between the elephants and their guardians in a wilderness of mesmerising beauty. A delicate blink of Morula’s long lashes reveals her sensitive yet powerful personality. Jabu takes you , trunk in hand, with his bold and generous nature and together you slowly uncover the age-old secrets of the African elephants and the mysteries of the surrounding wilderness. Thembi, cute, boisterous and impossible to ignore, infatuates you and transforms your understanding of elephants to a deeper and more personal level

Come and join them on this unique and educational expererience that will leave you in awe of these gentle giants.

If you’re keen to go on an safari in Botswana