Tshwene Lodge, Welgevonden Game Reserve. Waterberg.

ONLY in South Africa…
But I did wonder why drivers have to beware of Kudu,
but only “cautious” of Warthog.

Another South African sight…
A petrol(gas) station with hunting trophies!
I discovered this in the small town of Vaalwater.
The type of town that travelers usually go through,
unless they have to fill up their cars.

I arrive at Tshwene Lodge in Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg.
This was to be my home for a couple of days.
The property is owned by Rare Earth Lodges and is one of two
that they have in this reserve.

My first “game” sighting!
Does this count?
Of course it does.

It was such a glorious day,
that even this dung beetle was doing back stroke in the pool.
It did have a safe ending, as I rescued it with a broom.
(The water was a tad chilly to actually get in)

The main lodge building.
Instead of the usual muted shades associated with a game lodge,
bright colours are the order of the day

The main dining room,
but we never actually ate here as the weather was so mild
that we were able to eat all of our meals outside on the deck.

The aforementioned pool…

A quiet corner to relax…or access the Internet.

If the guests can have a pool,
then why not the wildlife?
During my stay, I spotted only baboons here,
however, I was informed that elephants do visit.

Attention to detail is a Rare Earth “trade mark”.
Looking around the lodge,
I spotted several exquisite pieces.

The steps and pathway the the accommodation.
The pathways are constructed out of gravel,
and for a good reason…
As it crunches underfoot, it warns the wildlife that you are on your way.
The camp is not fenced, which means that  guests have to be aware
of the possibility of encounters with the park inhabitants.

My accommodation.
A very comfortable bed!
And a great view out over the valley

The bath has a great view out of the interestingly shaped windows.
There is also an indoor shower.

But, as it was good weather,
I chose to shower outside.
Not something I would attempt in winter.

As there is no Internet connectivity in the rooms,
I spent time sitting here and reading.

And this was part of the view…
bushveld for as far as the eye can see.

And the food!
This lasagna is just one example of the meals that we were served.
Usually, Tshwene serves three meals a day.
But the food will be dealt with in a separate Blog posting
as both it and the Chef deserve that respect.

Two game drives a day produced some interesting sightings.
Several of which were “firsts” for me…
but more of that to follow.

My new bush hat gets to visit a camp for the first time.
www.sunhats.co.za