After an uneventful drive from Johannesburg with each kilometre leaving the hustle and bustle of our urban life behind, this was a most welcome sight. The first view of the main camp building that visitors are treated to when they arrive at Klaserie Sands River Camp. A very impressive and imposing facade that hides the tranquillity and friendly staff that awaits arriving guests. My wife and I were going to be staying at this property for 4 nights and we could not wait to get the paperwork done so that our stay could begin in earnest.
Although overcast it was humid and warm. I dipped my toe into the pool to discover that the water was colder than I expected but inviting never the less. This is a great vantage point to watch animals utilizing the waterhole.
Leah, doing what she does best…juggling the guest’s requests…all the while keeping her beaming smile and her sunny disposition. Her joy is infectious and I defy anyone to feel miserable while in her presence. Her Dad, Steven, is the head chef at the property and as the adage goes, the apple does not fall far from the tree. He is gregarious and his storytelling is legendary. I met him on a trip to the sister property, Klaserie Sands Safari Trails a while ago. I was hoping to introduce him to my wife on this visit, but he was away on leave. Leah has an almost Ninja-like ability to appear at your side to ask you if you would like something to drink or to announce the start of a meal.
With game lodge decor, it is all about the detail. And Klaserie Sands has that in spades. The public and private spaces have been decorated with style and panache. Each piece has been chosen with care to add to the beauty of the overall visual, rather than just to fill space or be seen as ‘clutter’.
An old fashioned safari hat (Pith helmet) hangs on a hall stand in the lounge. A far cry from the modern-day bush headgear that can be rolled up and carried in a backpack.
Fun fact: First worn in the mid-1800s, the pith helmet was designed for the military and modelled on a German helmet. This form of headgear was worn predominantly in  Africa, the Middle East and Asia from the 1850s until after World War 2.
Part of the main public space, looking from the fireplace towards the bar area. Decorated in muted neutral colours, the interior leads almost seamlessly through large folding doors to the outside deck area. From there, guests can look out over the waterhole and enjoy the views as the various species come to enjoy the sustenance that it offers.
A view of the lounge, taken from the deck near the swimming pool. Just one of several seating areas that offer guests the opportunity to either mingle or be quiet and contemplative in a public space.
There are interesting ‘pieces’ scattered throughout the public spaces. Each carefully chosen and displayed in such a way so as to make the experience of being at Klaserie Sands River Camp one that you would like to repeat…more than once.
Lunch is served. The camp serves three meals a day, each perfectly prepared and delicious in the simplicity and presentation. I have had the most perfect rack of lamb I have ever tasted at a meal here. Breakfast, served after guests return from the morning game drive, offers both continental as well as a hot option. (There is a rumour circulating here that the Chef does not believe you have eaten unless you have had a hot breakfast.) Lunch is usually a light meal of protein and salad while the dinner is kept as the piece de resistance. A full three-course plated offering of starter, mains and dessert.
The guest book is a testament to the fantastic service, overall experience and quality food that past visitors have enjoyed.
This interesting lamp caught my attention.
The area abounds (literally) with these Ground Squirrels… Visiting the bush should not only focus on the dangerous game species but should include those mammals that do not necessarily appear on a ‘bucket list’.
And eventually, we get to see our accommodation! Like the public spaces, the rooms are tastefully decorated to keep the clutter to a minimum. A comfortable bed, great views and private decks are what guests will discover when they open the door.
Mirror, mirror on the (bathroom) wall. With the exception of the family room, that offers a bath, all the other rooms have showers and toilets. Due to the layout of the camp, outdoor showers are not an option.
Visits to game lodges are all about the wildlife sightings. And we did not even need to leave the lodge for the first sighting… Two bull elephants that visited the waterhole, as seen through the succulents on the deck.
The end of just another day in Africa. As the sun sinks the western horizon, briefly lighting the cloud formations before vanishing from view, my wife and I share a moment of gratitude for being allowed to share this experience. A moment to savour and enjoy and one that I never tire of, no matter how often I visit the bush. With thanks to all the staff and management for making this trip such a special experience. We leave with hearts overflowing with joy and at the same time tinged with the sadness of having to say goodbye to people that we have come to regard as family.
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