IOL
TRAVEL MARCH 2021
Escape into the wild
Contents 5 luxury game lodges to visit in 2021 Safari essentials Tintswalo Family Camp: Where guests become family Relax, unwind, repeat Safari on foot 5 minutes with a game ranger 5 things you shouldn’t do on your next game drive A view to die for Celebs on safari Cover: Thanda Safari
CONTACT US PUBLISHER Vasantha Angamuthu vasantha@africannewsagency.com EDITOR Clinton Moodley clinton.moodley@inl.co.za DESIGN Tanya Fynn tanya.fynn@inl.co.za EXECUTIVE LIFESTYLE EDITOR Nelandri Narianan nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za PRODUCTION Renata Ford renata.ford@inl.co.za
“If there were one more thing I could do, it would be to go on safari once again.”– Karen Blixen
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Keshni Odayan keshni@africannewsagency.com SALES Charl Reineke charl@africannewsagency.com Kyle Villet kyle.villet@africannewsagency.com ENQUIRIES info@anapublishing.com
Editor’s note
I TOOK my first safari trip to Thanda Safari Lodge for my birthday four years ago. With my sister as my plus 1, we spotted four of the Big 5 (sadly, we didn’t see any leopard), indulged in gourmet cuisine, heard fascinating tales from our game ranger Zee, and enjoyed a photography lesson from renowned photographer Christian Speka. By the end of the weekend, I didn’t want to leave. Safari travel soon became my new passion, and every game drive offered something remarkable. It made me appreciate nature and understand how the wild works. Safaris are ideal holiday options for the pandemic. You can social distance, put your feet up and unwind after a long week. Most lodges offer all-inclusive packages, so you know every last detail will be taken care of. I understand that safaris are not favoured by many or within everyone’s budget, but I hope this month’s magazine entices you to book a trip or make efforts to save for one. There’s plenty of content to keep you enthralled, from our spread on South African luxury lodges to walking safaris. We also provide you with tips on what essentials to take and what to avoid on your next safari adventure. Celebrities are big on exploring the wild. From Bonang Matheba, Somizi Mhlongo-Motaung and Hilary Duff, these celebrities spared no expense when it came to booking at luxury game reserves where they indulged in gourmet cuisine, bush inspired activities and wildlife sightings. Grab yourself a drink and let your safari adventure begin. Until next month.
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Luxury lodges to visit in SA in 2021 Luxury game lodges have attracted a string of celebrities and international tourists to our shores. Lodges have incorporated bespoke offerings to lure guests to their properties. Here are 5 luxury lodges that will surpass expectations CLINTON MOODLEY
Lepogo Lodges’ Noka Camp, Limpopo Lepogo Lodges’ Noka Camp offsets the carbon footprint of every visiting guest. The camp, located within the 50 000ha malaria-free Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, has five stilted villas. Perched atop a 30m cliff overlooking the Palala River, the villas offer pure luxury. The camp is off-grid, with energy self-generated by a 250m solar walkway. The lodge worked with awardwinning Japanese Architect Yuji
Yamazaki on Noka Camp. Each villa comes with a heated plunge pool, unique sky bed, sunken bathtub and underfloor heating. Activities offered include daily game drives, water safaris, yoga, spa experiences and tours of the iron-age settlements and bushmen paintings in the cliffs below the lodge. The lodge also offers luxury bush sleep-outs that follow in the footsteps of the forefathers of Lapalala. Visit www.lepogolodges. com/noka-camp
Royal Malewane, Limpopo Located in Thornybush Private Game Reserve, on the western border of The Greater Kruger National Park, Royal Malewane offers its guest a bespoke experience. Royal Malewane has six Luxury Suites, two Royal Suites with two bedrooms, Africa House, a bush villa with six bedrooms, Farmstead and Farmhouse. The award-winning property can arrange tours to nearby attractions at your own cost. Rates include accommodation, all meals and snacks, South African reserve wines and beverages, laundry service and two daily game drives and bush walks. Visit www.theroyalportfolio.com/royal-malewane/overview/
Nkomazi Private Game Reserve, Mpumalanga Nkomazi Private Game Reserve is situated above the banks of the Komati River in Mpumalanga. Boasting 14 900ha of protected habitat under conservation, travellers can try to spot 300 bird species, four of the Big 5 game, and learn about the endangered cheetah. There are 14 handcrafted luxury tents with either river or reserve views. Amenities include king or twin size beds, luxury 300 thread count cotton linen, outside bath and shower and a private sun deck with a plunge pool. Activities include birding safaris, guided nature walks, stargazing, fly fishing, and spa treatments at the River Retreat Spa. Visit www.newmarkhotels.com/ places/reserves/nkomazi-private-gamereserve/
Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge, Mpumalanga The Train on the Bridge is the newest safari offering to South African travellers. Suspended over the Sabie River in Kruger National Park, the hotel is located inside a restored and reimagined train. The hotel consists of 24 train rooms stationed on the Selati Bridge. Head to the lounge carriage for sundowners, or the pool where you can marvel at the animal sightings and sunsets. Rates include accommodation, all meals and selected beverages, two game drives and wi-fi. Visit www.krugershalati.com
andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal Phinda is among the most sought after safari establishments in South Africa. Described as ‘Seven Worlds of Wonder’, Phinda is home to 1 000 hectares of Africa’s remaining rare dry sand forest and close to unspoiled beaches. The 5-star-reserve has 6 lodges: Mountain Lodge, Rock Lodge, Forest Lodge, Vlei Lodge, Zuka Lodge and Phinda Homestead. Here, travellers will encounter the Big 5 game and 436 bird species. Activities include two daily game drives, nature walks, conservation and community experiences, sleep outs, village tours, night drives, specialist safaris and ocean activities. Visit www.andbeyond.com/destinations/africa/southafrica/kwazulu-natal/phinda-private-game-reserve/
Safari essentials
Clinton Moodley recommends you add these essentials to your suitcase
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Sunscreen Always apply some sunscreen before going on a game drive. The sun can get harsh, and you do not want to leave your holiday with sunburn.
A jacket Never underestimate the weather on a safari trip. The weather can get chilly during the morning or late afternoon safaris, therefore carry an extra jacket. Some lodges provide blankets, which you can use if you need extra warmth.
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Hat A hat comes in handy in all weather conditions. Not only does it protect you from the sun, rain and wind, it also makes for a cool fashion accessory. Camera Cellphone cameras are ideal for selfies, but it does not do much while on a safari. When you are in the wild, especially at night, carry a camera. If you are an avid safari-goer, invest in a camera with quality megapixels and zoom function.
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Snacks With the adrenaline and adventure that a game drive offers, it is always good to carry some snacks with you. Some game drives include refreshments and snacks during the trip, however, carrying a few items in your bag is never a bad idea.
Tintswalo Family Camp Where guests become family KEDIBONE MODISE
AS WE try and recreate normalcy during these uncertain times, many people can attest that safari breaks are always the best getaways. It’s the best way to reconnect with family and friends, unwind and recharge after a stressful 2020. Tintswalo Family Camp in Welgevonden Game Reserve in the majestic Limpopo province is everything and more. True to its Xitsong name, Tintswalo, which means an “intangible feeling of peace, love and gratitude bestowed upon someone", the place exceeded my expectations. Tintswalo Family Camp offers full exclusivity safari retreats for multi-generational families travelling together. For over 18 years, the Tintswalo Family Camp was a private holiday home for co-founder Gaye Corbett and her family. They visited the lodge with their children and grandchildren, friends and extended families until about nine months ago when the Corbett family decided to share their private space with other families. We arrived at the lodge on a Wednesday afternoon after a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Johannesburg. As soon as our shuttle parked at the gate, the safari vehicles were already waiting to take us to the camp. After welcome drinks and lunch, we went for the late afternoon game drive where we spotted rhino, black-backed jackals, giraffes and two young female lions taking a nap by the side of the road. That night, we enjoyed a boma dinner under the spectacular African sky before retreating to our room. I stayed in a spacious threebedroom cabin. The main ensuite bedroom, furnished with a kingsize bed, had an inside shower
and a massive bathtub as well as a viewing deck overlooking the lush forest. For those cold nights, there is a fireplace. The second bedroom, ideal for extended family or friends, is fully installed with a double bed and a sleeper couch. There is a sliding door that opens to a private porch, the perfect spot for reading. The third bedroom has two single beds and a couch. The cabin has a long corridor that leads to a separate bathroom with an inside shower. There’s also an outside shower. The next day, the group opted for a game drive after breakfast. Minutes into the game drive,
we spotted Thembi, one of the two male lions at the reserve, feasting on a zebra carcass. Nearby, we could see four black-backed jackals trying to score a meal from Thembi’s brunch. Thembi wouldn’t budge. We also witnessed a huge elephant bull sauntering about and a crocodile basking in the sun by the riverbank. Hippos were cooling themselves in the water nearby. The trees aren’t too thick, so you can see the animals from a distance. When we stopped for refreshments on an open veld, we saw zebras, wildebeest, rhinos, antelopes, wildebeest, waterbucks and kudus grazing under a fig tree. In the afternoon, we enjoyed an incredible sighting of a female cheetah and her two cubs, followed by sundowners with grand views.
The next day, our ranger spotted a leopard with two newborn cubs. We camped in the spot for over an hour, hoping to catch a glimpse of the leopard or her cubs. Though the wait didn’t yield any results, it was all worth it. Alistair Leuner, Regional General Manager of Tintswalo Safari Products, said the main market for Tintswalo Family Camp is an intergenerational channel for families, with a strong focus on catering to children. The camp offers a full kids program that includes a tailormade safari drive, tracking and bushwalk where the kids can spot the Big 5, the Small 5 and the Ugly 5. On arrival, they receive a backpack with goodies. There is also a large entertainment area kitted with educational toys, PlayStations, television sets and DVDs, and a table tennis table. The lodge offers buffet options of traditional South African meals such as pap served with braai meat, chakalaka, lasagne, fresh salads, garlic bread and malva pudding and homemade custard. There are also self-catering options. All you need to do is bring your own food, their chefs and butlers will take care of everything else. The establishment also has a separate halaal and Kosher kitchen. “We tailor-make the experience so that the stay at Tintswalo Family Camp will be something the families will never forget. It’s home away from home. As we always say, you come as our guest but you leave as our friend,” said Leuner. Tintswalo Family Camp is a malaria-free area. It has more than 500 different animals and 300 birds species. Kedibone Modise was hosted by Tintswalo Family Camp
Relax, unwind, repeat DEBASHINE THANGEVELO
WE could all do with a break after being confined to our homes for several months due to Covid-19. And an escape, where tranquillity and fresh air are your constant companions, does sound inviting. More so when it is accompanied by panoramic views of rolling green hillsides nestled against the resplendent Berg mountains. Montusi Mountain Lodge, a four-star establishment in Bergville, Drakensberg, proved to be the ideal getaway. This cosy retreat has 16-units on the property. It is also family-run. Lindsay Du Plessis, one of the owners, gave us a warm reception upon arrival. Of course, this was after we sanitised and had our temperature checked. With safety when travelling a concern, this was most reassuring. A quick history of the place. It was once a disused farm.
Du Plessis’s parents bought the property in 1994 and spent six years establishing it. They opened in June 2000 and this is their 21st year in business. Of course, tourism in SA, like the world over, has taken a huge knock over the past year. Now that we are on level 1 of the lockdown, the industry is slowly starting to recover. Shortly after arriving on a cloudy Friday, there was a quick tour of the facilities in the main reception area before lunch was served at the restaurant. We ordered a lamb curry and rice and a steak with pepper sauce and a salad. While waiting for our meals, we were joined by two furry friends, who snuggled up under the table, after a friendly greeting and a few tail wags. A bit knackered from our four-hour drive, we made our way to our garden suite, which is a short drive from reception. It had its own driveway and porch. The bedroom, fitted with a
kingsize bed, had an en-suite bathroom. There was a kitchen area, which included a fridge as well as coffee and tea amenities (and delicious biscotti), and a lounge with a gas-operated fireplace. The suite has wi-fi and a TV, too. If the weather is great, you can enjoy some downtime on the private patio, which overlooks Drakensberg’s famed Amphitheatre. The beauty of a stay here is that you can be as adventurous as you want by signing up for several of the activities on offer (hiking, horseriding, swimming or mountain biking) or you can bask in blissful idleness. A stone’s throw away is All Out Adventures which offers everything from cable tours, a hair raising free fall king swing, flying trapeze, bungee bounces (trampoline and bungee system), ziplining, forested paintballing and quad bike tours to the river. Following a hearty breakfast
on Saturday morning, we relaxed before enjoying a romantic picnic at a secluded spot with a waterfall close by. I’m told, this is popular with couples and families. After feasting on a buffet of salads, cheeses, grilled chicken and yummy dessert, hiking up the hill that was so effortless to stroll down, wasn’t easy. But the view and ambience made it worthwhile. I was grateful for the couples full-body massage in the afternoon. It rounded off the leisurely break I yearned for. Dinner can be enjoyed inside the restaurant or outdoors, which is decked out in fairy lights and heaters. The à la carte menu, which changes daily, caters for every palate and the dishes are beautifully plated with the flavours doing cartwheels in your mouth. I still can’t get over those freshly-baked scones at breakfast and divine desserts I tucked into every night. Every effort is made to ensure your stay is pleasant
here. The staff is friendly and always on hand to help. Du Plessis also flagged all their safety protocol measures, from every suite being fogged before it is cleaned after guests check out, to staff being screened when they come in as well as guests on arrival. Covid-19 has taught us that we all need a break from time to time. And it THE LOWDOWN made us realise that such Where: Bergville, stunning retreats are on Drakensberg our doorsteps begging to Contact: 036 438 6243 or 072 591 1210 be explored. Email: info@montusi.co.za Whether you want to Website: https://montusi. enjoy a break with your co.za/ partner or with the whole family, Montusi Mountain Lodge is a great choice. In fact, I watched in nostalgic amazement as kids frolicked in the swimming pool, chased each other around on the lawn and rode their cute little bikes along the pathways. It truly was magnificent being in this tranquil bubble for a weekend. Leaving was bittersweet but I took comfort in the fact that it was close enough to visit again.
Safari on foot Clinton Moodley recommends a few bush walks to consider on your next safari trip
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge bush trails take place at Hluhluwe iMfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve. You may spot lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and white rhino during the walk. Headed up by the legendary Nunu Jobe, a highly experienced trails ranger, who also goes by the name of “The Rhino Whisperer”, guests will hear about the wildlife activity and other interesting tidbits of the area. The three-hour activity costs R650 per person. Visit www.rhinoridge.co.za
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Explorer Camp Guests at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Explorer Camp in Montagu go on an authentic weekend walking safari to explore the Karoo area. Guests sleep in luxury tents and enjoy evenings around a campfire. The camp takes place from October to April, and each trail takes two days to complete. The guided walking safari experience is offered on an exclusive-use basis to a small group of up to six guests aged 16 years and older who are active and moderately fit. The distance walked can last up to four hours and include opportunities to encounter the Big 5. The off the grid accommodation comes kitted with comfortable beds, an outdoor bathroom complete with a hot shower under a tree, an open-air lounge and a dining area under canvas. Rates start from R4 000 per person sharing per night, including all meals, twice daily activities and non-alcoholic beverages. Visit https://sanbona.com/ safari-lodge/explorer-camp
Marakele National Park Guides at Marakele National Park take walking safaris to the next level, offering unique facts about the wild that would make your jaws drop. They host morning and sunset walking safaris, which offer travellers a glimpse of animals like rhino and giraffes without disturbing them. They share interesting information about each spotting and track print and stools. The activity lasts around 2-3 hours. Rates start from R59 per person. Call 014 777 6929.
Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape offers daily guided walking safaris. Their top rangers provide insight on the reserve and other tidbits on the fauna and flora indigenous to the region. If you are lucky, you may spot the Big 5 and other animals. Walking safari enthusiasts can stay at Explorer Camp where the focus is on bush walks rather than game drives. Walks are for inhouse guests. The time of the walk depends on the ranger and guests. Rates start from R4 150 per person per night. Visit www.shamwari.com
Mountain Zebra National Park Mountain Zebra National Park offers morning bush walks for overnight guests. The two- to three-hour activity introduces walkers to smaller creatures and plants, and if lucky, lions, cheetahs, buffalo or Mountain zebra. According to the SANParks website, these walks may include the existing 10km route or other areas of interest, depending on the group’s abilities and interests. Walks start at 5am and are available for two to six people from 12 to 65 years old. Walking safaris cost R445 per person. Visit www.sanparks. org/parks/mountain_zebra/tourism/activities.php
5 minutes with a game ranger Ruan van der Westhuizen, aka Ranger Ruan, is a 25-year-old ranger from Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge in Pilanesberg National Park. He chats to Clinton Moodley about his career, game drives to 3pm to read, during the pandemic and edit my wildlife the most challenging photographs or part of his job take a nap before the
What got you into this profession? My parents introduced me to the wildlife setting as a little boy. I remember spending time with them in the bush and feeling at absolute peace with myself. I guess my love for animals and my passion to educate people about nature sparked my interest in being a ranger. Can you describe a typical day in your life? I wake up at 4am to start prepping the safari vehicle, wake my guests for the morning safari and prepare their morning coffee. We are on a game drive for about 3 hours, which runs later if we spot a rare sighting. When the guests are indulging in their breakfast, I do maintenance checks and clean the vehicle. The rest of the morning is spent welcoming new guests and bidding farewell to others. I use my free time from noon
sunset safari that starts at 4.30pm. The safari lasts for three hours. What are the safari protocols in place for Covid19? Before departure, we screen and sanitise all guests and make sure everyone wears their masks. We make use of disposable coffee cups and individually wrapped snacks for game drives. We follow all Covid-19 protocols throughout the journey. What is the most challenging part of your job? It is juggling different interests from different guests. For example, a couple may want to learn about birds while a family enjoys more wildlife sightings. While we can’t predict which animals we will see on a game drive, I still want to give my guests the best sightings and make
their trip memorable. And the most rewarding? It’s seeing the smile on guests faces when they see an animal for the first time. All the hard work is worth it when a guest is happy with their game drive experience. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I hope to run a game lodge. I foresee being very hands-on and will go the extra mile to ensure that my guests have the best experience. What advice would you give a first-time safari traveller? Appreciate everything, from the smallest to the tallest creature. From experience, I have noticed that high expectations lead to disappointment and relaxed guests lead to leopards. *Laughs* The motto you live by? My mentor taught me to “Take only pictures, leave only footprints”. Respect the bush, and she will reward you.
5 things you shouldn’t do on your next safari While safaris are a laid back activity, there are 5 rules that you should abide by when in search of the Big 5 CLINTON MOODLEY
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Do not get out of the vehicle Many travellers, keen to capture that insta-worthy image, tend to do all sorts of crazy things for a picture. Some even stick their legs and hands out of the vehicle. This is a definite no-no when out in the bush, especially with dangerous animals lurking around. Not abiding by the rules set by your ranger puts everyone’s lives in jeopardy. Remain seated and inside the vehicle until the guide instructs otherwise.
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Don’t be a ‘know-it-all’ We get it, you are a seasoned safari traveller and know every last detail about the
animals. However, not everyone is as knowledgable about the fauna and flora in a particular area. Many travellers tend to blurt out facts before the game ranger gets to it, and it ruins the experience for newbie safari travellers. Do not interrupt the guide while he or she shares information or facts about the wildlife. Wait for him or her to finish before you share your facts.
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Don’t be a seat hog There is always that one person who wants to hog the “best safari seat”. Most opt to not sit in the middle, which can cause tension for other guests. Compromise goes a long way to ensure that
everyone gets the best viewing.
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Ditch social media Some travellers love social media so much that they prefer posting a live detail account of every encounter on social media rather than enjoying the experience. Unless you are using your phone to capture images, leave it back at camp. Switch your phone on silent mode and enjoy every last moment of the wild.
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Don’t wear bright colours Wearing bright colours could attract the animals’ attention. Opt for neutral colours like khaki, brown and olive to help blend in with your surroundings.
A view to die for Clinton Moodley spent two days at Mdluli Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park and shares his experience
The lodge is ideal for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life to reconnect with nature.
Location The lodge is located inside the south-western region of the Kruger National Park, a 5-hour drive from Gauteng and accessible via a private road from Numbi Gate, which is the closest gate from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport if you are flying. First impression The hour-long journey from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport was worth it. Driving into Mdluli Safari Lodge felt like I was entering a new world, especially since there’s plenty of space to social distance and get some fresh air. The real treat is when you reach the lodge, which offers many spots to enjoy nature and take in its exquisite design. Even though it was my first time at Kruger National Park, Mdluli may be a tough act to follow the next time I visit this famed national park. Check-in Check-in took around six minutes. After getting my temperature checked, I filled out a form that required Covid-19 related information and other personal details. The staff sanitised everything in front of me, from the pen I used to sign the form to the other surface areas at the reception desk. Staff The staff were friendly and accommodating. I enjoyed my time with game rangers, Promise, Lennox and Sonny Boy. The trio offered much insight into the lodge and Kruger National Park. The room Mdluli boasts 50 luxury tents. According to its website, it showcases a “carefully curated fusion of raw timbers and canvas textures with the authentic charm of Siswati tradition”. The tent itself (I stayed in tent number 28) is spacious enough for a family and finely decorated with all the luxury amenities for a modern traveller. The tent features free wi-fi, wheelchair friendly access and design, air conditioning and heating, mosquito nets, a double sleeper couch for children under 12, private indoor and outdoor showers, a mini bar fridge, a writing desk and more. There’s also a golf cart shuttle to/from your tent to the main lodge available. I particularly loved the oversized private patio
where I enjoyed my morning coffee and my afternoon reading. The view from the patio is worth a mention. Food Dining is a treat at Mdluli, and there’s plenty of options for vegetarian and pescatarian travellers. On our first night, we enjoyed a traditional boma dinner under the stars with a range of South African cuisine paired with some of the county’s finest wines. Breakfast includes a cold buffet spread as well as the option of ordering a hot breakfast. Enjoy a buffet lunch at the open deck area, poolside or in the restaurant. Buffet dinners at the restaurant are served by the staff. I tasted the best bread and butter pudding on my second night. The activities Mdluli Safari Lodge offers two game drives a day and guided bush walks where you get to learn about the flora and fauna of Kruger National Park. Guests can also take a walk to Granite Rock that offers a 360o panoramic view of Kruger National Park. The lodge staff can arrange for you to have sundowners at this spot. The infinity pool is another of the lodge’s features that you must utilise. Not only does it offer grand views of Kruger, but you may also see a few animals quench their thirst at a watering hole nearby. We enjoyed views of elephants, buffalo and warthogs during our stay. Final words The lodge is ideal for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life to reconnect with nature. Price Rates start from R2 150pp and include breakfast and dinner. Other rates also include game drives and all meals. If you are a member of the Cape Union Mart Friends and Family community loyalty programme, you will receive a 10% discount on weekends and 15% if you book on weekdays. Contact Call 087 980 0431 or email info@mdlulisafarilodge. co.za. Clinton Moodley was hosted by Cape Union Mart during a two day trip in November 2020
Celebs on safari SOMIZI MHLONGO MOHALE MOTAUNG-MHLONGO Where: andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp, Ngala Private Game Reserve Idols SA judge Somizi Mhlongo-Motaung and husband Mohale Motaung-Mhlongo enjoyed a bush adventure to andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp last year. Nestled between the dense riverine forest and the sandy bed of the Timbavati, in the unspoiled Ngala Private Game Reserve, the treehouse boasts four levels. “We should have stayed here from the beginning, from the onset. Oh my gosh. This is amazing,” he said during a tour of the treehouse on Instagram in September last year.
MIHLALI NDAMASE Where: Simbambili Game Lodge, Sabi Sand Game Reserve Award-winning content creator Mihlali Ndamase enjoyed a bush break at Simbambili Game Lodge at the Sabi Sand Game Reserve last year. The spacious suites at the property face the riverbed and woodlands, each with its private plunge pool, sala bed on the deck and a free-standing bath. During her stay, the influencer enjoyed spa treatments and game drives where she saw elephants, rhinos and lions.
UNATHI NKAYI Where: Umfolozi Big Five Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal TV personality and singer Unathi Nkayi enjoyed a glamourous safari experience at Umfolozi Big Five Game Reserve in KwaZuluNatal in May 2019. The bubbly TV personality got to experience both Mthembu and Biyela lodgesand managed to enjoy a massage in between all the game drives. During the game drive, Nkayi got to see three of the Big 5: the white rhino, buffalo and elephant. The other two Big Cats were in hiding. On her experience, she said: “Umfolozi Big Five Game Reserve is very different from many game reserves I visited before. Most of them feel like the animals have been placed on the property for human enjoyment. At Umfolozi, this is not the case. I truly felt immersed in Mother Nature. Being on the edge of the wilderness was breathtaking. “From the sunset drives, drinks on the river embankment to watching a rare sunrise, the wilderness and its animals were a wonder to experience,” she said.
BONANG MATHEBA
HILARY DUFF
Where: Lion Sands River Lodge, Kruger National Park TV personality Bonang Matheba and cousin Tebogo “Pinky Girl” Mekgwe took a luxurious safari to Lion Sands River Lodge at Kruger National Park last year. The pair relished the game drive views, indulged in sundowners and even saw a pod of hippos lazing in the river.
Where: Kruger National Park Younger star Hilary Duff and her singer-songwriter husband Matthew Koma spent their honeymoon in South Africa and Mozambique in late December 2019 and early January 2020. The pair shared a series of images and videos of their Kruger National Park safari on Instagram. The highlights of their bush escape included a view of 30 elephants from their villa, observing a leopard up close and encountering a hyena during a nighttime safari drive. “Honeymooning with my honey. Already seen the big 5 and had so many naps. Doesn’t get better than this...(sic),” she said.
