President of the East Coast's wet and wild weekend away
It’s been a crazy couple of months and for those of you who aren’t active on Facebook and Twitter you might not know that I recently returned from a truly memorable vacation in the land of Koala’s, Kangaroo’s and Kookaburra’s.
Australia most certainly does have its “shiny sparkly” attractions but at the end of the day – Africa has a heartbeat and a spirit that is in unsurpassed! There truly is no place like home ….
And what better way to settle back into the swing of things than with a trip to the bush!! I have to be honest and confess that when one spoke of Game Reserves in KZN, my thoughts would go North Coast bound. Well who would have thought that nestled in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, just 3 ½ hours from Durban lies a private game reserve that offers its guests an unforgettable experience and Big 5 viewing!
The weather wasn’t exactly conducive to ideal game viewing, but then Springbok Lodge, located in Nambiti Private Game Reserve, offers its visitors much more than just a chance of seeing animals in a natural environment. They are renowned for their service excellence, superb cuisine, exquisite luxury tented accommodation and breath-taking views, all of which make for an awesome “Wet and Wild Weekend” away!
We were welcomed to a cool, breezy 10 degrees and after a warm hearty lunch, we embraced the elements and headed out for our first game drive donning a “sumo wrestler” like rain mac; thankfully the lodge is as equipped for rain as much as it is shine. As we rounded the bend back to the lodge later that afternoon cold, wet and having not seen any game, we were treated to a herd of Ellies frolicking in a small dam nearby! The playful nature of the adults and babies was an absolute treat to watch. We were eventually sent on our way after the matriarch felt it necessary to stand her ground, with a short sharp charge towards the game vehicle.
(Above: It was that cold!)
The fireplace in the bar & communal lounge area of the lodge was the perfect environment to warm the cockles of the heart – with the aid of a glass of red of course! The chef at Springbok Lodge never failed to impress and the cuisine lived beyond expectation. We were well fed and watered throughout our stay and it was made sure our every need was seen to by an incredibly friendly and engaging staff.
Saturday saw more game drives in super wet and muddy conditions, but our guide, Jonathan entertained our enthusiasm and did his best to add to the excitement of each new siting. As the sun set that evening and the weather started to turn, sightings of giraffe, kudu, warthog, zebra, impala, wildebeest, hippo (out of the water) and the bull BFE (Big Friendly Elephant) meant we’d only be in for great things the next day.
SUN-day!! Literally – as the sun rose and with a hopeful attitude, we drove out and headed straight for a lion sighting!! Not just one – but a pride! Whoop Whoop!! They weren’t close enough for a good camera shot, but distinctly visible to the naked eye. True story! As we drove around the reserve, it came alive and the welcomed increase in temperature saw animals venturing out from the thick of the bush. Unfortunately we didn’t get any buffalo or rhino this time round but another encounter with BFE and 2 smaller bulls tussling for dominance, as well as a rare sighting of two caracal bought our weekend to a successful end.
For those looking for a relaxing weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city, I highly recommend Springbok Lodge. In addition to the activities on offer at the lodge (Game Drives, Boma Dinners, Conferencing Facilities etc.) it is also conveniently located in another of KZN’s popular attractions – the Battlefields.
I’d like to extend a BIG Thank you to Wendy, Jonathan, Nicole, Mike and the Staff of Springbok Lodge for a FANTASTIC weekend!! Your love for what you do and how you do it, add to the overall experience that Springbok Lodge has to offer. I look forward to returning one day to witness that lion kill in action J
For more information on Springbok Lodge and to book your stay visit www.thespringboklodge.co.za
- Loryn