A guest posting.
This is what my wife thought of our visit…
This is what my wife thought of our visit…
“We need places and moments that makes us pause and take time out.
Time to think. To listen . To return a smile. To write a letter.
Things that make us focus on what really matters in life.
On friendship and feelings. Thought and dreams.
Jamala Madikwe is that place”
Such was the vision of the late Shaun Roe, co-owner of Jamala.
Image by Joe Dreyer
His legacy has been fulfilled and is maintained by the wonderful owner Rodney Steyn
and his left?/?right hand man, the superb executive chef and general manager Nico Verster
This is what Rodney had to say about this bushveld “jewel”
.
As soon as I arrived the tiredness and stress of fast city living melted away
in the face of incredible comfort, hospitality and scenic beauty.
I was simply in heaven for those 4 nights and days.
Admittedly I did not do much thinking,
but instead was counting my blessings in life
and what was truly important to me.
I found Jamala had more to offer on my second visit in 3 years.
This glorious Watchtower became my second home for my “Sofa Safaris”.
This beautiful place has added a spa and a gym.
I did try out the treadmill and a couple of spa treatments with the lovely therapist Enge.
Both the gym and spa rooms open up to the waterhole view
and one can watch animals walking past while you are pampered…
or sweating!
On our final morning there were 45 elephants at the waterhole!
Zebra, impala, giraffe, warthog, kudu,buffalo and rhino,
made their way to the waterhole throughout the day and night.
I slept through a lion roaring on our first night.
My husband went out onto our Villa deck at 4am to see if he could see it, alas not.
However, he did manage to record the roaring.
Take a listen…
There is also a boule court which I had every intention in trying out.
Somehow never quite managed it – was too chilled !
Our ranger,Lazarus,was just terrific –
always ensuring we had something to see on our drive
(well, one can’t force the animals come out,
but he always somehow found us lions, a leopard, wild dogs, cheetahs
and a variety of plains game).
Image by Joe Dreyer
Nico Verster wears two hats.
He is Jamala Madikwe’s Executive Chef
AND
General Manager…
How does he manage both?
Hear what he had to say:
Our awesome waiters, Lawrence and Happy,
always ensured everything was attended to.
Chef Bongi,along with Nico produced the most beautifully presented and delicious food
Every night, under starry skies, I found myself admiring the spectacular table
décor that varied at each dinner service.
Chandelier like candlesticks, red ruby napkin rings, flowers
and wonderful glassware and table mats…
I just loved the library – there are so many types of books to browse through.
Attention to detail is still a vital part of what Jamala offers, and that touch has not been lost.
The Jamala rate is fully inclusive.
There is a selection of non-inclusive drinks but the variety of the inclusives
are so wide (including the house wines) ,
that it is probably not necessary to spend extra.
To find out more about what this wonderful Lodge has to offer,
please visit their web site:
A welcome fit for a king ? Absolutely, and a feast for all 5 senses.
The majority of the guests that we met were international visitors,
as the exchange rate currently favours them
Jamala is for those discerning guests who want the best and not to have too many people around. (Jamala only accommodates 10 people in 5 Villas).
Madikwe Game reserve has many lodges with varying types of accommodation to suit different budgets.Most of them are luxury but Jamala is undoubtedly the king of them all. It was a special and honoured time for me to celebrate my 50th birthday in peace and beauty.
Carolyn and I on our final evening game drive
Sherffeurs Shuttle Service.
Give Leon Sher a call on:
sherffeurscharter@gmail.com
This posting is brought to you DESPITE
Eskom load-shedding…
Thank you to BP fuel and a home generator!
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