This is how arriving guests at Chacma Bush Camp are often greeted.
To paraphrase A Teddy Bears Picnic.
“If you go down to the woods today,
you’re sure of a big surprise”…
We have all heard or sung this song at some point, but did you know that the melody was written in 1907 and the lyrics were only added in 1932?
Always an exciting moment at Chacma Bush Camp when these grey giants appear out of the foliage.
There is a waterhole in front of the camp, and the elephants visit there several times a day to either quench their thirst or to play and wallow in the shallow water. Their presence provides entertainment for guests and relief from the heat for the pachyderms.
A great sighting for guests, who do not even have to leave camp.
I have visited this intimate camp on several occasions, and upon my arrival, this view always makes me feel as if I have returned home.
At this camp, I have met the nicest people, some of whom I am still in contact with and whose family growth I have followed over the intervening years like a distant relative.
The camp is named after a species of baboon, and you could feel like part of the troop if you clamber to the top of this koppie behind the camp.
A good way to get in some of your daily 10k steps in, or not. The choice is yours.
A view of the camp from not quite at the top of the koppie.
I decided to leave the entire climb to the younger and fitter guests.
This area of the property is about to undergo some major changes, so watch this space. I took this photo for reference purposes.
The pool was being used by a couple of the young guests while I was in camp, but too chilly for me to take the plunge.
This waterhole in front of the camp that I mentioned earlier is a magnet for game species large and small.
From graceful impala to impatient elephants and buffalo, and even a leopard would you believe?
The leopard was an interesting story. It happened on a previous visit where we had spent an entire afternoon/evening drive looking for this elusive cat.
Returning, unsuccessful in our quest, we found it drinking at the waterhole!
Choice words were directed at this predator by the guests, but at least the guide could prove a point that there WERE leopard on the reserve.
If guests do not feel like leaving the camp, all they have to do is sit here for a while and the game will come to them.
Eventually, I decided to check out my accommodation. I had postponed this moment as there had been elephants at the waterhole on my arrival and therefore settling into my accommodation was not THAT important as it was not going anywhere.
When you step into the accommodation, there is a small area which has a coffee and tea station as well as a bar fridge to keep your favourite beverages chilled.
An overview of the room from the doorway.
The stone walls made me feel that I had stepped into underground accommodation, but nothing could be further from the truth.
This particular room has a private verandah that gives guests staying here a slightly different, private angle of the waterhole.
Animals that arrive or leave the waterhole to the east of camp have to walk right past this spot making game viewing an exciting experience.
Although some guests spend only a short time in them, beds in game lodges need to be comfortable and the occupants need to feel as if they are being cocooned by the linen. Both sensations happen in Chacma Bush Camp.
I always feel that a bush holiday should be followed by a holiday somewhere where I can spend an entire day in bed without feeling guilty about missing a game drive and the possibility of exciting sightings.
My office for the duration of my stay.
I used to believe that I was alone in requiring a desk, or I felt guilty about rearranging furniture to give myself somewhere comfortable to sit and work.
But more guests are bringing electronic devices to record their visits and post pictures to social media.
Well done to the design team for seeing this need and addressing it.There is nothing worse than having to sit, hunched over, at a table that was designed for this purpose. Or not having a chair of the correct height.
From the comfort of this sofa, I was able to see the comings and goings at the waterhole.
Aside from a colour change on the bathroom walls, this oval mirror was the only other noticeable change from my last visit.
Rectangular mirrors, although JUST as effective as an oval one, are not as ‘gentle’ and therefore, for me, the latter is the better option.
Not that I spend hours in front of a bathroom mirror you, dear reader, must understand.
It was merely a comment on a decorative element.
The pool and outdoor seating area.
Guests for breakfast.
Just another African sunset?
No two are ever the same and that is what makes the end of each day special.
To find out more about this camp, click on the logo.
Travel is the proud winner of this prestigious award from the digital British lifestyle magazine Luxlife. The award is in the category Best Travel & Experiences Blog 2024 – South Africa.
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