REST ASSURED

SNUGGLE UP IN SABIE REST ASSURED

1. Fly me to the moon

No, we’re not suggesting you fly away to some distant outpost in Timbuktu. Nor is this tuktuk in fact anywhere near the Sahara Desert. The clue is the lush backdrop against which this, the entrance to beautiful Timamoon, is set – it’s right here, in the lush green tropical wonderland that is Mpumalanga’s Sabie River Valley; head beyond the entrance and you’re embraced by dreamy indigenous forest.

Things about Timamoon that’ll make you smile? The name is an homage to Timimoun in the Algerian Sahara where red-mud Sudanese-style buildings inspired Timamoon’s seven individual villas. Each is a unique trove of treasures collected on travels to exotic lands – Zanzibari poster beds, Indian temple windows, Tibetan doorways, and many more artefacts that contribute to Timamoon’s enchantment. In romantic Secret Moon, it’s clay tortoises, antique daybed, wild tigers, a crushed gold velvet couch and Moroccan copper basins, along with private pool, and outdoor bath and shower. Many Moons, meanwhile, sleeps five in two en-suite bedrooms –

Set forth

Positioned on the hills above the Sabie River, the valley that Timamoon overlooks is packed with birds and animals. There’s a 7km hiking trail on the property to explore between meals and stints spent staring out from your stoep. It’s also a good time to join a guided Kruger safari – game vehicles are less crowded and prices discounted. Lowveld Extreme Adventures and GZ Adventures are new outfits, both on the road between Sabie and Hazyview, offering activities such as quad biking and river rafting – the latter is a fine way to experience the Sabie with its massive matumi trees, birdlife and the odd croc or hippo.

Mention this article when booking your stay at Timamoon and you’ll get a 20% discount for stays until 5 August 2021

plus big lounge with fireplace, rim-flow pool, daybed and ceaseless forest soundtrack. And so it goes… OMG factors? It’s probably enough simply being here, but there are many extra touches, too. An outdoor cinema, for example, where they’ll lay out a private dinner for you – and by ‘you’ we mean just you. They also put together private picnics on the Sabie’s banks right next to Timamoon’s own little waterfall. You’ll relish the solitude, the chorusing birdsong, the shush of flowing water, the unsullied air. Everything, really. Even spa treatments in your villa. How deep are your pockets? From R5 400 per couple, dinner and breakfast included. timamoonlodge.co.za

2. Designer farm

in the very DNA of this lodge comprising just seven chalets, tucked away with either river or forest views, or (for honeymooners) in an even more secluded location. There are log fires and electric blankets, bath tubs big enough for two, and your own plunge pool. Meals can be served to your cushy quarters, enjoyed under the stars, or in the main part of the lodge where there are yet more

Beyond the valley

2. A familiar tune

Yes, as in that Cuban song ‘Guantanamera’… Tanamera – gorgeously situated deep in the Lowveld forest overlooking the Sabie River Valley – may well evoke similar feelings of nostalgia and old-school romance. And, to be quite honest, being here, staring out across the valley, a canopy of green unfurling below, makes your soul soar just like the song. Things you’ll love about Tanamera? Respite, tranquillity, nature all around… These essential elements for a restorative getaway are

spots from which to take in the serene views and crisp clean air. What’ll you get up to here? Nothing if you prefer. If you don’t mind extracting yourself from the lodge’s laidback comforts, though, you can head off on long walks to the Sabie River, with rock pools to rest at. How deep are your pockets? From R5 200 per couple, breakfast and dinner included. tanamera.co.za From Tanamera, Kruger National Park’s nearest gate, Phabeni, is a halfhour’s drive. You could also head north and explore the Panorama Route. It’s among the finest drives in the country, taking in such naturally scenic spots as Mac Mac Falls, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels on a more or less circular loop that will also afford opportunity to survey the Blyde River Canyon from on high. And you can visit the gold-rush town of Pilgrim’s Rest, too.

Be kiff

Howzit, outie! It’s me, Carvin. Durban-born, kiff, eksê!

I’ve had dogs most of my life. Everything from sausage dogs to pit bulls. I like dogs because they’re loyal, which can’t always be said of humans.

With me is Ewok, one of countless pets who’ve at some point been abandoned by people who don’t realise what it takes to care for a dog. Many think they’re accessories or playthings.

Look at what happened when Game of Thrones caused legions of fans to go out and buy huskies because – get this – they wanted to own a ‘dire wolf’. There was a huge spike in the number of abandoned, homeless huskies.

Last year was a huge year for dog adoption. Around the world, people prepared for lockdown by taking in rescues and picking up puppies for companionship and cuddles to see them through the isolation.

And while that’s great news in the short-term, things got a little depressing once households began returning to work and school. Suddenly there were animals who had grown accustomed to unbridled love and attention left to fend for themselves, no longer getting the kind of all-day love and attention they’d come to expect.

On behalf of all the voiceless animals like little Ewok here, remember that these loyal companions give so much and demand very little in return. So, if you can’t do right by them, rather leave them be.

Stay loyal to the end

DREAMS CAN COME TRUE:

TRAVEL NOW FOR AN AFFORDABLE OKAVANGO EXPERIENCE

Botswana’s Okavango Delta is one of the world’s greatest wildlife destinations, but there’s usually a hefty premium to pay to experience it. For SADC residents, that’s just changed.

A changing world brings rare opportunities. As part of the drive to restart the travel industry, Botswana’s top safari operators and lodge owners have made the most extraordinary deals available to SADC travellers. Imagine paying just 20 to 25 per cent of the normal price of accommodation in Botswana! And we are talking about the best safari lodges in the most beautiful areas of the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve.

You’ll enjoy daily game drives of course, but this is a highly diverse region of both land and water habitats. The Okavango experience includes motor-boat safaris and mokoro (canoe) adventures with local guides plus fishing and great birding. Stay in a private concession and you can add guided walks and spot-lit night drives to your activities – watch our See and Taste Botswana video to see more. and needs, whether you want to mix and match your accommodation or spend all your time at a single lodge. And, because we are independent, we have access to deals from many different hotel groups and operators, so you have more choice. The entire experience has all the appropriate COVID-protocols in place and more: you can, for example, get a PCR test done at your safari lodge before your return home.

Botswana has truly never been more affordable than now and these deals are valid for all of 2021.