There's more to South Africa Game Reserves than just visiting Kruger National Park

We visited Pumba Private Game Reserve and Spa for a weekend in March 2014. Pumba Private Game Reserve is the 3rd largest privately owned Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. We drove from our offices in Port Alfred taking the Alicedale turnoff on the N2 between Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth. Pumba Game Reserve is signposted off to the right off the Alicadale Road.  As you turn into Pumba you follow a gravel road for about 1km and then take a left into the entrance to Pumba.  Once through the gates there is a further track leading up to the Main Lodge at Pumba. As you head up to the Main Lodge you will start to see animals immediately with Blesbuck, Warthog and Blue Wildebeest grazing close to your track.

Pumba Main Lodge is an impressive thatched set of buildings joined by wooden paths. Pumba has two lodges the Msenge Bush Lodge and the Pumba Water Lodge where we were staying. The Pumba Water Lodge has the advantage of overlooking a beautiful lake which each cottage can enjoy from their balcony. The lake is a haven for birds, a variety of buck and of course the hippo which you can see and hear grunting in the lake. Occasionally these lumbering giants will come out of the water close to your accommodation which is an amazing sight. We even caught sight of a giant tortoise across the other side of the lake as well as two of the white rhino that roam around.

We went on four game drives during our stay at Pumba which were a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Our guide was called Peter and he had recently joined Pumba after working at Amakhala Game Reserve. Morning game drives started at 01h30 and finished at approximately 02h30. After each game drive you are welcomed back at the lodge with a hot or cold towel to freshen up along with drinks in evening. On each of the game drives there is a chance to stop and have a hot drink in the mornings and a sundowner on the evening drives. Pumba Private Game Reserve has a lovely relaxed feel to it along and along with the Big 5 that are on offer to see here it makes for a real alternative to travelling up to Limpopo to Kruger National Park. Pumba has white lions as well as normal lion and we were lucky enough to see the male and female who are simply magnificent. Late on during one of our evening game drives we caught sight of four Bat Eared foxes which is quite a rare sighting.

Evenings at Pumba are so relaxing as you sit and eat your delicious dinner whilst looking over the lake. A warm fire is always on the go and creates a lovely atmosphere. We got to know our fellow travellers on our game drives and on our last evening we enjoyed dinner together. It was lovely to exchange stories of other trips whilst listening to the hippos grunting in the lake below us.

The accommodation at Pumba Water Lodge is first class with lots of space, a large balcony and even a plunge pool to enjoy. There is an excellent choice of Game Reserves in South Africa and Pumba in the Eastern Cape offers a real alternative to the more traditional Kruger Reserves. For more information on South Africa and what to see and where to stay visit where2stay-southafrica

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Our friends trip to Bukela Lodge in the Amakhala Game Reserve in Eastern Cape

Des and I had the wonderful experience of staying at Bukela Lodge in the Amakhala Reserve a 5 star Eastern Cape Game Lodge last weekend.

We arrived at Bukela Lodge about 1 p.m. on Saturday afternoon and were welcomed by Steve, Kerry and Sandra.   We were taken through to the lounge where a welcome drink was waiting.    Sandra then went through the programme at the lodge and we signed the indemnity form – you can definitely see why this needs to be signed when you meet some of the guests who want to experience Africa.

Our room was everything that we had expected and more.    Each room is positioned so that it is completely private.    The rooms are large with a fire place, underfloor heating, air conditioning, jet spa bath, indoor and outdoor shower.    There is also a fridge in the entrance area plus a kettle and a large selection of tea and coffee. Each room has its own private patio – lovely to sit and relax and listen to the birds singing.

At 2.30 p.m. we went up to the main area where a scrumptious high tea was waiting.   Saturday was very hot with the temperature up to 30°C, so it almost seemed silly to be taking thick jackets, gloves and wearing denims at this stage, but the one thing I have learned is that Game Drives can get very cold, especially once the sun has gone down.

We set off on our game drive at 3 p.m. and drove towards a large plain where a cheetah with 5 babies had been seen in the morning.    We did not see the Cheetahs, but we did see lots of buck and Zebra.    We had been driving for a while when we came across the Buffalo who all seemed very happy.    There was 1 baby in the herd which was very cute.    The interesting thing I learned that day was that the baby buffalo goes through the mother’s back legs to drink – also for protection.   This section of the Amakhala Reserve did not have lions so the animals were pretty safe from predators as most of them were too big for the Cheetahs or any other predators.

We came across an area where the elephants had been earlier and followed their trail until we came across the elephants.   Steve decided this would be a good time to have our sundowners and watch the elephants.    Sundowners are always welcome – and that afternoon we had biltong and dried wors plus whatever drink you had ordered earlier.

The sun was going down as we followed the elephants for a while, amazing how quickly these enormous animals can walk.    The one elephant seemed a bit too interested in our vehicle – walked right up to it.  

On our way back to the camp we came across a snake in the road, Steve jumped down and showed it to us.    The reason the snake was around was that it had been so hot that day.

We got back to the lodge and were welcomed with a glass of sherry and then went to relax and clean up before dinner.

Dinner consisted of a starter of Camembert Cheese baked in pastry with Cranberry Sauce, butternut soup and a choice of a beef fillet or chicken plus a variety of vegetables.    The pudding was just the right end to the great meal.

We were extremely lucky with our fellow guests – a family of 5 from England and a couple from Durban.    Meals are eaten together and it lends to the whole experience, sharing what you have seen and finding out more about each other.

Wake up on Sunday morning was 6.30 a.m.    The amazing thing is that when I am in a game reserve, 6.30 is a good time to wake up, but when I am at home that seems very early.

The start of the day was cereals, toast, rusks, and biscuits with coffee, tea and orange juice and then we were off on the game drive.    We went in another direction and saw Hlosi Game Lodge.    We were looking for Rhino and Giraffes.   It did not take us long to find about 6 giraffes, mainly male with a couple of youngsters with them. We then drove around – the great thing about a good ranger is that they explain so much about the area you are in, picking up droppings to show you interesting things about it.   We found a lot of Rhino droppings and after our coffee break found a family of Rhinos, mother, father and baby.     These are such weird looking animals and when you look at them happily grazing you wander how anyone can injure or kill them for their horns.    We were close to a waterhole and watched them saunter across to drink water – watched by about 6 giraffes.   On our way back to the lodge we saw a lot of zebra and some wildebeest with of course a good number of buck.

Brunch is served soon after you arrive back at the lodge – fresh fruit and yoghourt followed by a cooked breakfast which will definitely mean that you do not feel hungry for many hours. After brunch it is time to relax until 2.30 p.m. and high tea.    

Sunday afternoon was very cold – the wind had arrived and a definite cold front was on its way through.    We now met the new guests, a couple from Hungary.    Perhaps this is the time to point out that although you are in a reserve with rangers who know their way around, the animals are wild and they do not have collars with radios in them, so the rangers have to find the animals on their own.    The other important thing to realize is that you have to listen to your Ranger – he is there to protect you and keep you safe, so if you do not listen to him, you put not only yourself in danger but the Ranger as well.

We were driving along the main road and just turning the way we had gone the day before when we saw the Cheetah and her cubs crossing the road ahead.    What a sight, mother and 5 babies.   We all agreed that this mother has got the obedience thing down to a fine art – those babies did exactly what they were supposed to do, no questions asked.    We spent a lot of time watching and looking for her and were really lucky to see the mother hunting an Impala (unfortunately for her, she did not manage to do it).    We spent a lot of time with the Hartebees and other buck and saw a really beautiful herd of Impala and Zebra.    It was really cold and Steve took us to a waterhole which was sheltered from the wind for our sundowners.

We all voted to go back to the lodge as the weather was really miserable and we were all very cold.    Steve took us up to an area where we looked over the plains surrounding the Bushman’s River (unfortunately very low due to the drought at the moment).    

Sunday night’s dinner was once against something to tempt your taste buds and ensure that you would not be hungry.     

On Monday morning we went to the other section of the Amakhala Game Reserve where the lions are.    In this section there is also Black Rhino and lots of buck.

We found the lions quite quickly and were really lucky as they decided to change their positions – I think they were cold and looking for sun.    We had a great view of the 2 lions walking and the male is really a magnificent animal.  

We got back to Bukela quite late that morning and by the time we had brunch it was time to say good-bye and get ready to face reality.

I would recommend Bukela to anyone – the service is absolutely amazing and from the moment you arrive you are made to feel extremely important and that nothing could be too much trouble to ensure your happiness. For more information on where to stay and places to see in South Africa visit where2stay-southafrica

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Expand your horizons on holiday in South Africa

When it comes to holidays; we are all guilty of it – sticking to our usual activities, swimming, relaxing, eating out, sunbathing, etc. How many of us choose a fabulous new holiday destination and come back thinking…  “well we had a good break but did we really experience the country we have just been to?”. 

Too many of us stick to our hotels and the trips on offer to us. With just a little research and an appetite to try out new experiences we can truly expand our horizons. 

When it comes to a destination such as South Africa; it is easy to get sucked into the classic holiday of Cape Town, Garden Route and Safari. Please don’t get me wrong these are good places to go but really only scratches the surface of what there is to do in this vast and culturally diverse country.

So let’s take the example of a Safari. Instead of taking the normal type of safari, why not consider a horse-back safari or perhaps a quad-bike safari. 

Both of these provide a uniquely different type of safari experience and miles away from the usual experience of queuing with lots of other tourists on the more typical jeep/minibus safari. 

If you are struck by the horse-back experience then why not try out one that includes a beach ride as well. The coastline along the Indian Ocean has vast expanses of deserted sandy beaches with huge sand dunes and you get the chance to ride through the shallow waves – a truly magical experience.

The countryside across South Africa is beautiful and just waiting to be explored. In the KwaZulu-Natal province you can discover the amazing Drakensberg Mountains where you can walk miles along hiking trails. The scenery is stunning with San Bushman caves just waiting to be discovered. Many of the peaks have names around the Drakensberg with Cathedral Peak being one of the best known. A trip up these mountains is well worth it especially on a sunny day with stunning panoramic views to be found.

Dotted all around South Africa you can find also Canopy Tours. These are a series of roped walkways between wooden platforms set high up in the forests.   Guides will take you through the forest where you can experience a truly different perspective of life in these indigenous forests. One place you can do this is at the lovely Tsitsikamma National Forest.

Many people visit the Garden Route driving through this pretty route en route from Cape Town. The route follows the Indian Ocean passing though or close to many pretty coastal villages and towns. But did you also know that you can try parasailing from one of the mountains that follow the route too. This is a fantastic experience soaring high above the route with amazing views of the Indian Ocean.

I have tried to give you just a few ideas but there are so many more. By exploring the web you can discover many other wild and different ideas for your trip to South Africa. Just think of all the photo opportunities you will get and be able to share with your friends. So next time you visit our wonderful country take the time out to try a few new ideas – you won’t be disappointed.

For more ideas on things to do in South Africa; accommodation and places of interest - go to www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

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Things to do in and around KwaZulu Natal

Suggestions on things to do in and around KwaZulu Natal including visiting Durban, eating curry, visiting the Drakensberg, St Lucia, Diving in Sodwana Bay, a visit to the Natal Sharks Board – go shopping at Gateway Shopping Centre; experience Zulu Culture and more.

Durban – Africa’s largest port, wide beaches, fantastic nightlife and bustling markets. Not to miss is a visit to Victoria Embankment, UShaka Marine World and of course the Golden Mile. Also try the Victoria Street Market which has over 170 stalls!

Drakensberg - Rising to over 3,000 metres in height the Drakensberg escarpment can frequently be seen covered in snow in the winter providing wonderful photo opportunities. The area is very popular with hikers, rock climbers, trout fishermen and general holiday makers and is served by Hotels, Guest Houses, Lodges and camp sites. For the more athletic among you there are many trails up the mountains where caves are used as overnight stops.

Natal Sharks Board - The Sharks Board is also worth a visit on Herrwood Drive. Here the life cycle of local sharks is studied investigating how best to protect the sharks as well as the swimming community.

Gateway Shopping Centre which is said to be the largest shopping mall in the southern hemisphere. In addition to the shops and restaurants here there is a range of activities from cinema to an artificial surf wave.

Valley of a Thousand Hills –with its dramatic scenery and landscapes – this is one of KwaZulu Natal’s best kept secrets. Many artists are attracted to the area.

Zululand Tour / King Shaka - Zululand attracts huge numbers of visitors keen to experience a feeling for the Zulu culture. The area certainly evokes memories of what once was the homeland of King Shaka early in the 19th Century. Visitors to Zululand can stay in a multitude of accommodation from guesthouses and hotels in the major cities to game lodges, Zulu homes or even floating lake chalets. The game reserves here offer excellent game drives as well as some good hiking trails. Inland from the sea you will come across tea plantations, farms and towns steeped in history such as Vryheid and Paulpietersburg. Here you can relax in the therapeutic sulphur springs

Midlands Meander - This truly is a beautiful area with fertile landscapes, crystal-clear water, forests and is also rich in history. The Midlands Meander which is very popular with arts and crafts lovers should not be missed.

The Dolphin Coast - The Dolphin Coast is a malaria-free stretch along the North coast of KwaZulu Natal from Zimbali in the South to the Tugela in the North. It includes holiday towns such as Ballito, Sheffield Beach, Blythedale, Zinkwazi, Tinley Manor, Salt Rock and Shakas Rock. It also includes inland areas Ndwedwe, Maphumulo, KwaDukuza, Shakaskraal, eNdondakasuka and Umhlali. Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, Surfing, Fishing, Dolphin and Marine excursions, museums, arts and crafts, bird hides, crocodile farms, game reserves, hiking, golf, horse riding and many more.

Umhlanga Rocks - upmarket resort with safe beaches, vibrant nightlife, great restaurants and much more.

La Lucia Wetlands and diving in Sodwana Bay - this area achieved World Heritage status in 1999 and incorporates Mkuzi (a Big 5 reserve), Sodwana Bay (a world famous scuba diving destination) and Kosi Bay (a natural paradise). There are ecosystems and a unique biodiversity which are found nowhere else on earth, it is not hard to see why the earliest name for St Lucia, given by Portuguese explorers, was "River of the Sands of Gold". St Lucia boasts 300 sun-filled days a year the area with magnificent sub-tropical forests, grasslands and lily-covered pans which abound in animal life.

Curry – don’t miss out on the wonderful Indian Cuisine whilst in the area – particularly Durban with a variety of Indian restaurants and markets. Do try a Bunny Chow which was created in Durban in the 1940’s. It consists of a hollowed out loaf of bread which is then filled with curry.

For more information on South Africa, things to do and places to stay –

see www.where2stay-southafrica.com

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The Best of Gauteng

Suggestions on things to do in and around Gauteng, including; the biggest zoo in South Africa, Theme Parks, Township Tours, the infamous Blue Train and much more...

Top things to do in and around Gauteng

• Visit the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria which is the largest zoo in South Africa. The zoo has 202 mammal species, 202 bird species, 190 fish species, 4 invertebrate species, 93 reptile species, and 7 amphibian species.
• Do a Soweto Township Tour – unique in that it is the only place in the world to have a street where two Nobel Peace Prize winners lived.
• Experience the fun and thrills of Johannesburg's Gold Reef City Theme Park with its amazing Tower of Terror ride
• Visit the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.
• Bring some luxury into your life and take the Blue Train from Pretoria to Cape Town with a stop in Kimberley (1600km); travelling at 90 kilometres per hour, you will experience spectacular scenery and luxury throughout your journey.
• Go clubbing in Johannesburg in one or more of the many fantastic clubs and bars.

For more information on Gauteng, other provinces in South Africa, Accommodation and things to do - go to www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

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Unforgettable Game Reserves in South Africa

For a long lasting impression, a South African game reserve is something not to miss whether you experience one of the game reserves via a safari or travelling on your own – it really is an unforgettable experience. South Africa has a huge collection of both private and public game reserves and nature parks situated all over the country. South Africa is home to the BIG 5 – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard and is of course Malaria free.There is a wide range of Game Reserves to suit all types of budgets from 5 star luxury to self-drive parks.

Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa and covers nearly 2 million hectares of land or an area greater than the size of Israel. Kruger is home to the Big Five, the Little Five (buffalo weaver, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, ant lion and rhino beetle), the birding Big Six (ground hornbill, kori bustard, lappet-faced vulture, martial eagle, pel’s fishing owl and saddle-bill stork) and more species of mammals than any other African Game Reserve. At Kruger Park it is possible to do your own self-drive although there are guided tour operators, with an excellent infrastructure that includes picnic sites, rest camps, waterholes and hides. The Kruger Park is a truly remarkable reserve offering everyone an incredible experience of Africa at its most wild.

Addo Elephant National Park - This finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 450 elephants and attracts more visitors per year than the Serengeti National Park. Elephant viewing at Addo is considered to be the best in the world and you can either choose to drive yourself around the park or take advantage of the guided tours on offer.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve - A favourite amongst international celebrities including royalty, Shamwari Private Game Reserve is home to the coveted Big Five. Situated close to Port Elizabeth, in the malaria-free Eastern Cape province of South Africa, Shamwari Game Reserve offers an unsurpassed nature experience. In an area blessed by the convergence of 5 eco-systems, it's a natural habitat for all types of wildlife makes it the ideal viewing reserve, for not only the Big Five flourish here, but so does a large variety of antelope and smaller wildlife, as well as about 300 species of birds. http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=037

Places to stay:

Buhala Game Lodge - Malelane, Mpumalanga - Buhala is an enchanting Game Lodge right on the banks of the Crocodile River, the border of the Kruger National Park. What a wonderful waterhole to have at the bottom of the garden! Elephant, buffalo, hippos and many antelope are just a few of the frequent visitors there. Guests sitting on the verandah sipping sundowners or lazing around the pool have wonderful sightings of these fascinating animals. http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=038

24 Riviere - Vaalwater, Limpopo -The Mountain Lodges are built in the mountains, out of the mountains. With rocks and thatch roofs these Rondavel designed lodges have cool day temperatures and nice warmth at night. The spacious lodges are finished and furnished in style to provide you with comfort and luxury http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=44

Plumbago Guest House - Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga - Superbly positioned on a ridge with a magnificent panoramic view of subtropical Hazyview & the Kruger National Park. Plumbago offers luxurious suites in the lush garden – Sauna, Pool & Tennis. http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=54

For more information on Game Reserves and places to stay, visit: http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/

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Our 5 star Shamwari Experience Part 4 - saying goodbye

The weather could not make up its mind if it wanted to rain or be sunny but by 16h00 it definitely looked like the rain was winning. We decided we needed to see Cheetah, hippos and white rhinos at coffee, so this was our order (although we all new that you can’t just order animals). We drove around for quite a while, going in a very different area to what we had been in before, much hillier. We were near the one boundary of the property where we found a mother and two cheetah cubs lying in the grass. They were all having their afternoon rest and were not at all interested in us. We then drove towards the river and found a family of hippos in the river.

The wind was decidedly cold as we made our way back up to the plain where a lot of different types of buck were grazing. We saw a jackal – at first we thought he had a snake but after much looking found out he had a bone in his mouth. We were lucky to see him as he is quite small and difficult to spot. We then saw 2 white Rhino grazing on the plain so realized that we had now seen all the animals we had asked to see. The afternoon was getting very miserable with a drizzle starting. We were given waterproof ponchos – definitely a good thing to have as they also stop the wind.

We drove a bit further and found a family of lions, a mother and her 4 cubs (although they were about a year old), lying cuddled up like big cats in the grass.

We decided not long after this that the weather had got really bad and we headed back to Long Lee for drinks and dinner.

The bar area is really lovely and what a great place to go to when you are cold and rather wet. Port and a log fire is definitely a way to warm you up.

The great thing about the lounge is that you mix with all the other guests and share your experiences of what you have seen that day, talk about the country, where they have come from and just relax.

Dinner that night was served in the dining room – starting with soup or starter, a choice of main courses which included fish, impala and a vegetable curry plus desert and cheese and biscuits plus of course wine to go with the meal.

We woke up to a very cold windy morning at 5.30 a.m. and were all ready to go and look for animals. The weather was not good as the animals try to find shelter from the cold in the bushes. We were given our ponchos before we left, thank goodness as the wind was really strong and cold.

We saw lots of buck – kudu and gemsbok plus a Rhino and her baby, but the animals were definitely hiding away from this weather, especially as it started to rain.

Back to the lodge for breakfast and then good bye to Shamwari!

Check out is very easy – while you are having your breakfast your bags are taken from your rooms and loaded into your car. When you go to check out they have water and biscuits for you to eat and drink on your journey.

We were very sad to leave Shamwari but all agreed that it felt like we had been away for longer than 2 days and it was a wonderful experience.

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5* South African Luxury Accommodation

When it comes to luxury, pampering, attentiveness and a great stay – South Africa’s guest houses don’t disappoint. Here’s a taste of some of the fantastic accommodation available.

Budmarsh Private Lodge - Magaliesburg, Gauteng - Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, in the heart of the magical Magaliesberg, Budmarsh Private Lodge awaits to welcome you to its world of understated elegance, tranquillity, and personalised attention.
http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=129

Villa L’Apparita - Salt Rock, KwaZulu-Natal - Nestled in a magnificent indigenous garden, a mere stroll from the Salt Rock beach on the Northern Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal, lies Villa L’Apparita, a stylish 5 star guest house, which pleasantly surprises at every turn with charming and thoughtful detail. This tranquil Tuscan Guest Home will leave the traveler or discerning business person well rested & recharged.
http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=48

Forest Manor Boutique Guest House and Spa - La Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal - Forest Manor is an impressive contemporary classic luxurious 5 star boutique guest house situated in the lush prestigious suburb of La Lucia a stone’s throw from the beach and its warm Indian Ocean.
http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=146

Bateleur Theresa - Camps Bay, Western Cape - This is where refined elegance meets casual simplicity. Where classic service is warmed by genuine desire to please. Where space comes in abundance, choices are both numerous and exciting, and quality is felt as well as seen. With Bateleurs House, the best South Africa has to offer is yours to experience
http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=132

Castle in Clarens - Clarens, Free State - Castle in Clarens brings you Rapunzel’s Tower. Rapunzel decided to open the fairytale book and let you stay in her Castle, just outside Clarens in the heart of the Maluti Mountains. This self-catering guesthouse (with breakfast on request) will introduce to you the world of royalty, fantasy and luxury
http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=42

Plumbago Guest House - Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga - Superbly positioned on a ridge with a magnificent panoramic view of subtropical Hazyview & the Kruger National Park. Plumbago offers luxurious suites in the lush garden.
http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=54

Highland View Executive - Johannesburg , Gauteng - Highland View is a distinctive contemporized Guesthouse offering double en-suites and self contained apartments, comfortable queen size beds dressed in percale cotton linen, each with its own spa bath and shower.
http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=73

Summerwood Guest House - Stellenbosch, Western Cape - Summerwood is a private mansion dating from 1904, and has been completely restored to the very highest standards. The property has been awarded 5 stars by the SA Tourism Grading Council. Winner: "Best B&B Guest House Style Large" 2002 AA Travel Guides & American Express Accommodation Awards
http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=66

Shamwari Game Reserve - Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape - A favourite amongst international celebrities including royalty, Shamwari Private Game Reserve is home to the coveted Big Five. Situated close to Port Elizabeth, in the malaria-free Eastern Cape province of South Africa, Shamwari Game Reserve offers an unsurpassed nature experience.
http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=037

For more information and accommodation options in South Africa - see www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

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