Did you know? The longest tunnel in South Africa is the Huguenot Tunnel near Cape Town at 3.9km long and is in fact a toll road.
My GPS tried to make me turn in at the staff gate that is at 12km, but do not be fooled into turning there as guests will be re-directed to the main entrance 4km down the road.
There is also more than one road to get you to the lodge, so pay attention to the guard at the gate. I did not, which is not unusual for me, and I ended up taking the ‘scenic’ route which is only 1km longer…
This is not the first time I have not followed relatively simple directions from a security gate to a lodge, but it is the shortest distance. A previous ‘detour’ at another lodge involved my wife and I doing a 20km mini game drive and all because we had missed the signboard.
But I digress…
I was met by a bevy of staff on my arrival, all of whom were most cheerful and extremely helpful. I had arrived a couple of hours ahead of the regular 14h00 check-in time, so while my luggage was whisked off to my room, I had an opportunity to relax and have a look at was was on offer in the public spaces.
Moditlo means ‘place of the elephant’, and it took me until the final game drive for our guide and tracker to eventually find this bull, just to prove that there are elephants in the reserve.
Much like the way that these huge pachyderms are able to negotiate the bush in almost absolute silence, the lodge and it surroundings exudes a quiet charm and elegance that is hard to beat.
For me it immediately secured its place in my Top 10 game lodges.
A Rock Shandy big enough to sink the Titanic in!
Being a non-drinker, I have discovered just how refreshing this particular drink can be. Given that it was served in a LARGE glass, with LOTS of ice, it was the prefect accompaniment to my lunch which was about to be served.
However, before I sat down, I thought that I would stretch my legs, post my drive, and visit some of the guest amenities.
The pool, obviously, the centre of attraction. Especially on a hot summer day. Although without guests when I took the picture, that all changed in a flash(or should that be splash) when a local family decided that it was a good place to cool of before they enjoyed their meal.
This deck runs the length of the main building and offers easy access to both the lounge, swimming pool and dining area.
Being covered it offers protection from some of the elements for those who want to be outdoors, but don’t want to be exposed to the harsh rays of the African sun. Something that international guests are often not aware of.
The main lounge which offers a space for guests to relax and enjoy a beverage of two either before lunch or dinner.
It is also here that guests meet before game drives to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a rusk before heading out.
This HUGE Leadwood tree and bar form part of the lounge.
Keeping me in or keeping me out?
The electric fence did not hinder this Nyala ewe from getting to the good bits and then exiting without being shocked.
Situated along the Nbesi River in the heart of the Blue Canyon Conservancy the views from the walkway to the accommodation is truly breathtaking.
I should imagine that when the river is flowing, it would be even more extraordinary.
I am in awe of the Northern Drakensburg range that stretches all the way to KwaZuluNatal.
There is an outdoor lounge are at the river end of the dining area.
Yet another space to sit and contemplate nature in all its glory.
After my tour of ‘discovery’ around the lodge, lunch was served! The meatballs were most delicious…so tasty in fact that I had to go back for a second helping just to make certain.
Lunch was presented in buffet style and guests are encouraged to have second helping, if they desired. Or perhaps even thirds, if they are of a mind to. No judgement from either staff or other guests.
BTW, here was a vegetarian option as well as salads for those who wanted.
A lunchtime dessert. I had to try, for research purposes only, you understand!
This wooden walkway leads visitors from the main building the the accommodation and it was only after lunch that it was my chance to meander across and along the walkway that lead to my room.
The camp is unfenced, so getting to your room at night involves being escorted by a staff member. Better to be safe than sorry.
As an aside…I always wonder why guests are offered the opportunity to ‘freshen up’ post game drive and before dinner. There are public ablution facilities where hands can be washed etc. and changing for dinner is not a requirement.
For me, I want to get off the vehicle, wash my hands, eat , share stories with fellow travelers(or not) and THEN go to my room. But that is just me.
The deck in front of my room. I was told that elephants sometimes used this as a highway, but during my stay it was only the Nyala and the Vervet monkeys that I saw out here.
This is just one of the 18 luxurious rooms that are on offer.
Each set far away from each other so as to offer privacy and solitude should you wish for that.
The room décor is minimalist but to my mind less is more and I was relieved to find that not every wall and flat surface covered with African themed curiosities.
The soft furnishings and calming colours even got me calling my wife to find out if we could repaint our bedroom back home as I found the colour very soothing.
The air-con was most welcome and the comfortable bed and linen made it difficult to leave the room when it was time for the afternoon game drive.
A first…a huge bathtub IN the main area of the room. The alcove on the left houses a cupboard and a bar fridge together with a counter for a tea and coffee station.
I did like the fact that the cupboard was ‘hidden’ as it kept the lines of the room clean and uncluttered.
On the right of the tub is the toilet and a double basin, together with shelves in a light coloured wood.
An indoor shower that can be accessed from the far side of the bed and it has a panoramic view of the bushveld and game paths.
I am certain that animals wandered past when I was not looking.
I usually make use of the shower, but given that there was a bath with a view on offer, I chose the latter…
So, being there alone, I treated myself to a long soak in the supplied bath foam.
Being in the water and looking out at the landscape was most conducive to a nap and I might well have nodded off for a moment or two.
A view of the main building as seen from the walkway as I head back there for afternoon drive.
Is it just me or does this happen to anyone else?
When I first arrived at this lodge and was taken to my room, the walk seemed to take forever. However, on the return trip to the main building, the walk did not seem as long. And thereafter, my perambulations along the shady, well lit walkway seemed to get exponentially shorter.
Full moon and a view of the accommodation as seen from the middle of the walkway where it spans the river.
From L to R: Christabel, Appearance and Serry.
These ladies were the best and they certainly made me feel most welcome.
To find out more about the camp and what it offers, click on the logo above to visit their website.
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