This was our second destination during our stay
in the Mluwati Concession in Kruger Park.
Hoyo, Hoyo means “Welcome” in Tsonga/Shangaan.
And their staff were most welcoming,
nothing seemed to faze them or was too much to ask.
It looked like the elephant was waiting to welcome us!
He was…but at the waterhole on the far side of the riverbed
and NOT in the reception area.
This area is the focal point of the main lodge building.
Meals are served here and game drives start an finish here.
The lounge can be found in the building in the rear of this image
and there is an indoor dining area to the right.
One never needs to leave the comfort of your chair.
There were several elephants that made this waterhole their domain
for the duration of their stay and they did NOT
want to share the space with anyone.
This is the public lounge.
Welcoming as it was, the guests tended to eat
and congregate on the deck rather than indoors.
One of the interesting pieces that seemed to be
guarding the entrance.
Our accommodation from the outside.
I was concerned that the interior might be cramped,
but I could not have been more wrong if I tried.
Inside was a riot of colour…
Not the usual subdued neutral palette that one expects
when you are in a game lodge.
It was a joyous space and we were sorry that
we were only spending one night here.
This bathroom had an outdoor shower as well.
I have to say that I found the egg shaped bath to be comforting.
Warthogs might be ugly but The Lion King
has given them a celebrity status.
“Pumba” is probably one of the most heard words
on any game drive.
A pre-drive snack!
Even though lunch had only finished only a short while earlier.
A drinks stop during a game drive.
And at a very special tree.
This Baobab is said to be almost 1000 years old.
I can only imagine what fire-side tales it could tell,
should it be able to vocalize.
Perhaps one day, in the not too distant future,
scientists will be able to attach instruments to trees
and via electronic readings
gauge what events they had witnessed.
Or perhaps not…
Time to head back to the lodge and the awaiting dinner.
A treat for the international guests…as well as the locals.
A braai (barbecue) for dinner.
By night the lodge takes on a whole different look.
The subdued lighting makes it conducive for quiet conversations.
It was so hot that the pool was inviting late into the evening.
Dinner done, and conversations completed
it was time to head back to our accommodation for a well deserved night’s sleep.
My camera brand of choice for more than 4 decades!
When it is time to print out my special images,
this is the company that I rely on to do that.
A new clothing sponsor has come on board…
Welcome to Kallie Khaki.
Bush gear to make me blend in…
I have worn these shoes in the jungles of India
and on the beaches of Croatia.
Not to mention, many game reserves in Africa.
They are probably the most comfortable pair of shoes
that I have ever owned.
When I get home. I rely on this ISP
to provide me with high speed fibre connectivity
to enable me to get my postings published in record time.
www.cisp.co.za
This powerbank is my constant companion
while I am travelling.
It can do up to 4 full re-charges of my phone before
needing to be charged.
Supplied by…
When offered an option…
ALWAYS be Batman.
This time he was standing at the foot of a Baobab Tree,
estimated to be between 800-1000 years old!
The newest of my travelling companions.
To find out more about the collectible Funko range of figurines,
visit:
My new addition, this awesome laptop bag from Solo.
Padded for protection and with enough pockets to keep
almost everything INCLUDING the kitchen sink in,
this is definitely an stylish addition to any business presentation.
Be it in the boardroom or the bush.
This bag can also be worn as a backpack.
There are straps in a hidden compartment that can be deployed
when you need both hands for other purposes.
To find out more about the stylish Solo range,
visit:
A new “tool” in my camera bag.
This locally made product was indispensable when using a long lens.
The ball and socket might look simple…and it is,
which is why it should be in the gear bag of every serious photographer.
This locally made, deceptively simple device is ideal
for tracking birds in flight or animals in motion.
The base can be used on a beanbag or a tripod,
with the ball being fitted to the camera.
The simplicity of the device allows to to move from supported
to hand held in a fluid motion.
There is also a version that can be used on a car window.
To see more about the product,
visit their Facebook page:
Or order directly from:
www.sablogawards.com
All images are the copyright property of
and may not be used without permission
Follow me on Twitter: @davidbatzofin
Visit my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/david.batzofin
Travel & Things Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/travelandthings
Coming soon: http://www.db-photo.co.za/ and www.fbtours.co.za
