LUXE Travel Magazine - Safari Getaways

LUXE TRAVEL MAGAZINE

CONTENTS

MAKUMU PRIVATE GAME LODGE

SOUTH AFRICA

y Makumu Private Game Lodge

In the Xitsonga language, the word “Makumu” refers to an intangible explanation of open space, an uncluttered lookout over distant horizons, or endless views. The breathtaking views and location of the lodge complement a deeply inspiring sense of space and place, leaving visitors rejuvenated with the ancient spirit of the African wilderness.

Situated within the bustling Mall of Asia Complex, Conrad Manila is the premier haven for smart luxury amid panoramic views of Manila Bay and its famed sunsets while being just minutes away from the domestic and international airports, business and leisure districts.

ENDLESS, BREATHTAKING VIEWS

The ‘Big Five’ Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is one of the largest privately owned nature reserves in South Africa, covering some 60 000 hectares and forming part of the greater Kruger National Park.

Makumu Private Game Lodge is an intimate oasis in this vast wilderness, surrounded by the African bushveld's harshness, unpredictability, and unspoiled appeal. Six luxurious and beautifully appointed suites, accommodating a maximum of twelve guests, ensure an exclusive blend of absolute comfort, style, and privacy.

Provided By Makumu Private Game Lodge

AN INTIMATE OASIS

SENTINEL MARA CAMP

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Provided By Makumu Private Game Lodge

Sentinel Mara Safari Camp is situated in a prime area of the Masai Mara National Reserve. The Musiara Marsh area renowned for its outstanding game viewing is where both the BBC “Big Cat Diaries” and Disney’s “African Cats” were filmed. You are assured of an excellent game-viewing experience. During the annual migration, various crossing points are easily accessible from Sentinel.

The camp itself is set up along the Mara River with wonderful bird life and the private and natural setting ensures that guests have a most enjoyable and authentic experience of the bush. Being on high banks above the Mara River means that there are always hippos and crocodiles in the river below to be seen with other animals coming to drink or cross the river at times.

A home with many possibilities indeed, the camp and its team welcome all guests just like a family would and settle you in as you begin your journey of self-discovery within the surrounding wilderness. Owned by Peter and Wendy Twycross, Sentinel is proud to be standing in the highest concentration area of large mammals in the world! Peter, who spent much of his life in Africa and worked with the Africa Conservation Trust, says there is something extraordinary to experience at Sentinel.

Provided By Sentinel Mara Camp

RENOWNED GAME VIEWING

AN AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE

STEFAN BREUER OF MAKUMU PRIVATE GAME LODGE

OWNER

Please give us a short introduction about you and your journey to Makumu Private Game Lodge.

Stefan Breuer, a German native who currently resides in Ascona and South Africa, has gained the moniker of "Barefoot Bushman" due to his constant lack of shoes, whether in Africa, Switzerland or anywhere in the world. After years of visiting and embracing Africa's authentic essence, Stefan has become free without effort. His ownership of Seven Group in Ascona and enthusiastic attitude reflect his belief that his journey has only just begun.

Could you tell us more about the history and background of Makumu Private Game Lodge?

With the help of his family and a great support team, Stefan's dream transformed into a reality. Every detail mattered to him, from the sunset lighting on the lodge to the stunning vistas visible from each culturally-inspired room, and even to the wooden walkways that interconnect the entire lodge. His envisioned "Endless View" is now Makumu Private Game Lodge.

As A Safari Lodge Destination, what makes Makumu Private Game Lodge Special?

Makumu Private Game Lodge is considered a special safari lodge destination for several reasons, including its:

Location: Makumu offers endless views, which is also the meaning of the name Makumu, due to its unique location atop a hill within the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. This reserve is renowned for its thriving wildlife, and visitors to Makumu can expect to witness a wide range of diverse and abundant animal species.

Luxury and Comfort: The lodge offers a luxurious and comfortable stay, with spacious suites and amenities like air conditioning, wooden decks, hammocks, and outdoor showers. Moreover, to preserve the authentic feeling of the bush, the lodge is illuminated by night with over 300 candles, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Personalized Service: The lodge ensures personalized and attentive service throughout your stay.

Wildlife Experiences: Makumu offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with guided Big 5 game drives and bush walks that allow you to see and learn about the animals and plants of the reserve. As the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve limits the number of vehicles allowed, you can experience the original safari spirit and enjoy the tranquility of the reserve while spotting the wildlife.

Sustainability: The lodge is committed to sustainable tourism practices, minimizing its impact on the environment and supporting local communities.

All of these factors contribute to a memorable and unique safari experience for visitors to Makumu Private Game Lodge.

Working at an incredible establishment such as this, could you give us some insight into your day-to-day?

Working at a lodge like Makumu Private Game Lodge can be an exciting and ever-changing experience. Every day is different, and it all depends on what the bush surprises us with, as well as the guests who come to visit. One day, you might be leading a safari drive and spot a pride of lions on the prowl, while the next day you might be helping a group of guests track a rare bird species.

The unpredictability of each day is what makes working at a lodge like Makumu so unique. You never know what to expect, but you can always count on it being an adventure. Furthermore, the guests who come to Makumu are always interesting and special in their own way, which makes the experience even more unique. You might get to share stories and learn from people from all over the world, making for an enriching and fulfilling work environment.

Overall, working at a lodge like Makumu Private Game Lodge is a special opportunity to be fully immersed in nature and wildlife while interacting with fascinating people from diverse backgrounds. The dynamic nature of each day keeps things exciting and guarantees that you will never experience a routine workday. Moreover, guests often arrive as strangers but leave as family, becoming part of the Makumu Family through the warm and welcoming environment and personalized service provided by the lodge.

What are your favourite aspects of Makumu Private Game Lodge?

Wildlife and nature: Makumu Private Game Lodge is located in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, offering guests the chance to witness the stunning African bush and its magnificent wildlife up close through exhilarating safari drives and walks. It's worth noting that the reserve strictly limits the number of game vehicles allowed, providing a more exclusive and authentic safari experience.

iThumbela: Guests have the unique opportunity to capture stunning photographs of the wildlife from the comfort of the Photographic bunker, called iThumbela. This underground hide offers a fantastic view of a watering hole, where animals come to drink, providing the perfect chance to capture incredible photos of various species. The bunker is equipped with comfortable seating, camera rests, and power outlets, ensuring that photographers have everything they need for a memorable wildlife photography experience.

Accommodation: The lodge offers luxurious accommodation, with each room designed to reflect African culture and art, while also providing modern amenities.

Dining: Makumu's dining experience offers guests the opportunity to enjoy delicious African-inspired cuisine in a unique and romantic setting.

What goes into the creation of a successful experience for a guest at Makumu Private Game Lodge?

Creating a successful experience for guests at Makumu Private Game Lodge involves several key factors. Personalized service is essential, and guests always feel welcomed and cared for from the moment they arrive at Makumu. Our management and staff are extremely attentive to their needs and desires, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure they have an enjoyable stay. Comfortable accommodation is also crucial, with rooms that are clean, well-equipped, and provide guests with a relaxing and peaceful environment to retreat to after a long day of safari drives and activities. The lodge's dining experience are also exceptional, with delicious and creative cuisine that reflects the flavors of Africa. Finally, offering guests exhilarating safari drives, bush walks, and other activities that showcase the African bush and its magnificent wildlife is an essential aspect of providing a memorable and fulfilling experience at Makumu Private Game Lodge.

How do you and the team keep such impeccable luxury standards while keeping the at one with the nature and the outdoors feeling?

Makumu Private Game Lodge is renowned for its exceptional luxury standards, which are carefully balanced with a deep commitment to the natural environment. The lodge achieves this by blending thoughtful design, attention to detail, and sustainability. The lodge's design features natural materials and African-inspired decor to foster a connection with nature, while personalized service ensures that guests have an unforgettable experience. Moreover, the lodge's commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through the use of solar power and a comprehensive waste management program. Additionally, at night, the lodge is illuminated by the warm glow of over 300 candles, further enhancing the magical and authentic atmosphere of the African bush.

Any exciting plans Makumu Private Game Lodge in 2023?

Exciting new experiences are on the horizon at Makumu Private Game Lodge! Keep an eye out for updates on unique offerings that will take your “Out of Africa” adventure to the next level. With surprises in store, you won't want to miss what we have planned for our guests this year. Stay tuned for more exciting developments at Makumu Private Game Lodge.

KOLOLO GAME RESERVE

SOUTH AFRICA

Kololo Game Reserve is situated in Limpopo, the northern most province of South Africa, in the heart of the protected Waterberg nature area, close to the village of Vaalwater. From Vaalwater it is another 36 km drive of which 29 km on an untarred road. From Oliver Tambo International Airport is about 3,5 hours drive.

Kololo is a large, malaria-free and child-friendly nature reserve where harmless African wildlife roams freely. The guest houses are located in the northern part of this reserve. From your accommodation, you can walk and cycle freely and safely into the reserve. Kololo Game Reserve is part of Welgevonden Game Reserve, an even larger nature reserve and home to the Big Five and many other large and small African game. Kololo has its own gateway to this area, the starting point to visit the wildlife in an open safari car (with roof).

A stay at Kololo is nothing less than an adventure: you know you are surrounded by the African bush where game roams freely. Kudu, wildebeest, impala, and wild boar, regularly walk past the terrace of your chalet or villa, looking for water and food. You will also come face-to-face with these animals during a walk or bike ride through the reserve.

There are 15 chalets and villas on the site, each of which can accommodate 2, 4 or 6 people. Each building has its own beautiful location in the bush or in the park-like landscape.

HOSPITALITY

Provided By Kololo Gane Reserve

IN THE WILD AN ADVENTURE

ROYAL ZAMBEZI LODGE

A PURE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE

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This family-owned and managed safari lodge offers the perfect combination of contemporary luxury, simplistic style, and extreme comfort while providing a pure wilderness experience. Guests are provided with a private guide, vehicle, and boat throughout their stay, and it is both family and solo-traveler friendly.

It is located on 3km’s of river frontage on the banks of the Zambezi River, overlooking Mana Pools National Park. Based only 5 minutes’ drive from the private Royal Airstrip on the GMA, the location provides the best of both worlds. Choose activities into the Lower Zambezi National Park (a 15-minute game drive or boat cruise from the lodge) or the GMA, which doesn’t incur any national parks fees.

Provided By Royal Zambezi Lodge

WHERE LUXURY MEETS THE WILD

KILIMA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE & SPA

Provided By Kilima Private Game Reserve

Deep in the African Bushveld, at the foot of the Murchison Mountain Range – “something courageous lies in wait” – Kilima Private Game Reserve & Spa, offers world class standards in luxury accommodation, close wildlife encounters, true wellness and relaxing spa experiences and delicious cuisine.

Kilima’s philosophy “COURAGE ABOVE & BEYOND” stems from the Schütte Legacy that has endured against all odds. A Legacy where the family, in harmony with nature execute business for generations to come. Kilima Private Game Reserve & Spa invites you to experience their warm hospitality that echoes through the style and flavour of each and every one of their guests.

20 ultimate luxurious ensuite rooms with aircon and thatched roof offers guest a stylishly decorated, yet comfortable haven to rest and relax with a beautiful view of the bushveld and sparkling pool. Section XV Restaurant, with 2 Springbok Culinary Medallist Chef’s serves authentic cuisine made with passion and locally sourced produce.

Kilima Private Game Reserve and Spa is proudly part of The Kilima Collection, of which Kilima Franschhoek and Kilima Garden Route are their sister jewels in the Schütte Legacy crown.

COURAGE ABOVE AND BEYOND

INTERVIEW WITH CARLINN

DIGITAL CREATOR

How did you get to where you are today?

I started my digital creator journey back in 2007 when I moved from South Africa to Malta. I started off with posting makeup and fashion on YouTube and my blog and from there grew my business into travel content when I moved back to South Africa in 2011. Since then I have grown to where I am today creating content for top properties and brands around the world as well as being a Sony Alpha camera ambassador.

Focusing on Safaris Getaways this month, can you tell us about some of your best experiences and and where they were?

I love going on Safari and my first one was actually back in 2014 when we went on a 10 day luxury tented trip with andBeyond through Botswana and ending off at a luxury lodge in Victoria Falls. The amount of wildlife we saw was amazing.

We have also stayed at an exclusive lodge in Sabi sands in South Africa with electric game vehicles which was an incredible experience!

Lastly you can’t mention safari and not talk about the Masai Mara in Kenya. We weren’t there for the migration but the sheer amount of animals you see on the

What is your favourite and least favourite part of your job?

My favourite is definitely experiencing some bucket list activities, places and staying at incredible properties. I also love the creation part when I edit images and videos.

My least favourite would definitely be sometimes not being able to be present in moments when we have to create for clients or the long hours and airports of course! There is no off switch so you are constantly working and creating!

List the top 3 countries on your bucket list and why?

Iceland - A photographers dream spot but quite a flight from South Africa so it hasn’t happened.

Greece - Even though we lived in Europe for quite a few years we never made it to Greece. I would love to live out all my Mamma Mia fantasies!

New Zealand - Another place on my list for all the beautiful landscapes.

What does your daily work routine look like?

It changes so often I don’t even know anymore. Right now I am sitting in the middle of nowhere about 3 hours outside of Cape Town in an area called the Cederberg. A very rocky mars like place with a lot of red rocks and incredible stars shooting for a few clients.

Other days I will spend the entire day at home in my pj’s working on videos and images for clients.

Tell us why you love what you do.

I absolutely love creating. Planning, shooting and then putting it all together is like a magical process to me. How I can take my vision and make it into a reality and something I can share with other people is really cool. I also love experiencing so many different things. I feel like I get bored easily so being exposed to different places and challenges all the time actually makes me happy.

Do you have any exciting trips coming up and could you tell us more?

I have a few exciting things coming up. First a trip to Zambia to a beautiful lodge right on Vic falls, then taking a stunning train all the way back to South Africa. After that we are heading to Portugal for the first time to shoot for a

Your top Safari Getaway recommendation and why

As I mentioned previously Botswana, South Africa and Kenya are definitely my top Safari destinations. South Africa is probably what I would recommend to travellers first as it’s super easy to get to, has a lot of lodges to choose from and there is the added bonus of visiting Cape Town on the same trip! company out in the Azores which is super exciting.

CHEETAH PLAINS PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

SOUTH AFRICA

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Home of the definitive private, sustainable safari in South Africa’s most celebrated wildlife area, Cheetah Plains’ exclusive-use villas epitomise the ultimate luxury safari experience.

Each exquisitely appointed Plains House villa accommodates up to eight guests and boasts a formal lounge, living and dining room areas, expansive swimming pool deck, entertainment lounge, wine gallery, curated art collection, chef’s kitchen and four sumptuous Private Guest Suites.

A complete hospitality team consisting of an accomplished host, private chef, spa therapist as well as best-in-class field guide and tracker team, are dedicated to your Plains House villa for the duration of your stay. Together, this talented group of professionals deliver a luxury safari experience of the highest standard, tailored to your individual preferences

Provided By Cheetah Plains

THE DIFINITIVE PRIVATE, SUSTAINABLE SAFARI

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