Mziki Safari Lodge, NW Province

1784
Welcome to Mziki Safari Lodge, a charming family-owned and family-friendly lodge that embodies the essence of personalized hospitality. We take pride in creating memorable experiences for our guests, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere amidst the breathtaking beauty of the African wilderness. (from the official Mziki website)

 

 

 

To give this post some context, let me begin with an image of what the reception area USED to look like when I last visited in 2018.

As you will see, nothing of this remains and the renovation has totally transformed the feel and ambience of the Lodge.

 

 

 

Welcome to the refurbished Mziki Safari Lodge!

Cool and inviting under a new, high, thatched roof the entrance welcomes arriving visitors.

It has been 6 years since my last visit and I could not wait to step through the doors of the recently renovated main reception area.

I had no idea what to expect as I still had vivid memories of what I experienced on the previous visit. ( see the 1st image)

However, dear reader, I was in for a HUGE surprise…

 

 

 

Unlike the previous reception which had a dark wood countertop and cream paint, this new one makes arriving guests happy to be here and guests who are departing, sad to leave.

The tree motif is repeated throughout the space. A gentle reminder of how important trees are.

Did you know?  The Tree of Life represents the source of life, a force that connects all lives, or the cycle of life and death itself.

 

 

 

Can this ‘herd of elephants‘ be declared a game sighting?

The bird list (the green brochure) is extensive and the property is alive with the sounds of the various species competing for attention is a far cry from the sounds of the urban jungle I had just left behind.

The bird song in our garden at home is overshadowed by the raucous calls of the Hadedas that live in the tree on our neighbour’s property. They use our roof and garden regularly, often chasing off the species that I WOULD like to see.

 

 

 

Sounds of a cowhide drum?

Not quite, but many guests play with these as they fill in the ubiquitous paperwork that every lodge requires. Luckily the process here is quick and easy, and I could wander (and wonder) about the new and MUCH improved space.

 

 

 

But first a welcoming drink for my wife and me…

It seems that most of the lodges we visit no longer serve alcoholic ‘welcome’ drinks. A good thing for those of us who do not partake.

 

 

 

This coffee machine was well used by all the guests in camp. Even I, who would rather boil a kettle than tackle coffee machinery of any sort, found this one easy to use.

This is the view from the dining area, looking towards the lounge…

 

 

 

And the reverse view. From the lounge into the dining room.

 

 

 

The decor colour palette of earth tones is mirrored by the seating that is both comfortable and welcoming.

BTW. The large screen on the wall offers an excellent picture for those who wish to ‘waste’ time watching it instead of utilizing the outdoor seating to enjoy all that nature has to offer.

But let me NOT be judgemental…my wife and I watched an international rugby game once we had returned from the afternoon game drive and before dinner was served.

 

 

 

The fire was most welcome as it was a cold evening and sitting here was so inviting that given half a chance, I probably would have slept on the couch.

In the far left-hand corner of the room is the doorway to the gift shop which stocks a range of bespoke gifts that would look good in any home.

 

 

 

Have a seat? Don’t mind if I do!

More comfortable seating that has an aged look that adds to the ambience of the room and the lodge.

 

 

 

The seating area at the pool has had a new thatch room installed, however, the pool has remained where it was on my previous visit.

 

 

 

I do like the look of fresh new thatch. From this perspective, the lodge could almost be an island destination.

 

 

 

Another new addition…but she won’t be found IN the lodge is Edie the cheetah who has been relocated here from Australia!

Use this link to read the press release about her translocation.

https://www.mziki.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cheetah-WCCC-Media-Release-Edie-Returns-to-Africa-March-2024.pdf

We wish Edie well and I will certainly follow her stay at Mziki with interest.

 

 

 

Those of us who have visited Mziki know the food presented by Executive Chef Kego!

Be warned, you need to prepare to be introduced to a range of dishes that fill both your belly and your soul.

Kego is NEVER without a smile and even the most discerning (difficult) of dietary requirements can be catered for.

That being said, if you DO have specific requirements, let the lodge know in advance as the nearest supermarket is a drive away.

Kego is definitely part of the fixtures and fitting of the lodge and her food raises the bar for lodges in this price bracket.

 

 

 

The lodge is so laid back that this ostrich decided to become a traffic hazard…

The new building and the upgrade of the rooms (which will be covered in an upcoming post) have elevated this lodge and turned it into a destination well worth more than one visit.

Well done to Manuela and her team for keeping the legacy alive.

 

 

To find out what the lodge offers, click on the logo above.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Check out the archived and current interviews… click on the image above.

 

 

 

“Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance?”

Edgar Bergen

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