This is the welcome my wife and I would like when arriving at a lodge.
Unfortunately, this youngster was NOT in attendance when we parked our car, but he and the rest of the pride were spotted a few days later during a game drive.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
We have stayed at Kingfisher Villa previously, and were pleasantly surprised to see that NO changes had been made to the spectacular reception area.
This wide open space greets arriving guests, and even though we had been here before, it still took our breath away.
Step out of the far side of the reception area, and this view will entrance you.
This was the last blue sky that we were to see for the next few days, as those small clouds visible turned into veritable storm clouds that obliterated the sky for the rest of our stay.
And caused a couple of missed game drives, which was something most unusual for me.
It is wine o’clock somewhere.
How much wine would fit into a glass like this? A LOT, I would imagine.
This young male Nyala was wandering past the door of my accommodation in the company of a small herd of females.
At this age, they all seemed to be interested in food, rather than making more Nyala offspring.
FYI:
Juvenile males are born with the same bright chestnut coat and striping as adult females. This clever camouflage protects young bulls from the territorial aggression of mature males, allowing them to grow up peacefully within the herd.
Only males grow horns, which can reach up to 80 cm and feature beautiful, yellow-tipped spirals. The more white colouring present on the tips of their horns, the older the bull is.
Bulls stand out for having vibrant golden-yellow to tawny lower legs, often jokingly described as looking like they are wearing knee-high socks or a raincoat.
If you did not know before reading this post, you do now.
A splay of elephant tusks forms part of this light fitting that is suspended over the dining table.
But don’t believe for a minute that they are real, even though it took me a while to confirm that they were, in fact, very good replicas.
Similar tusk light fittings can be found on either side of the front door.
Our accommodation…
Big enough to host more than just a couple and laid out with precision and an excellent eye for detail.
Another perspective.
Before suitcases are unpacked, I like to wander around and photograph different angles that allow prospective guests to get a feeling of what they can experience when they come to stay.
All the rooms lead out onto a veranda that runs the length of the Villa and includes a swimming pool that can be used if it is warm enough. Or, perhaps you like to swim in the dead of winter, and if that is what you like to do, no one will curtail your fun.
The bathtub is almost large enough to hold an Olympic swimming event in.
I watched a program on YouTube recently where they discussed how Japanese architecture utilises deep baths you can sit in, rather than the more traditional Western baths that people tend to lie down in.
The reason for depth vs length is that, in the former, you can sit and be almost totally covered, while the latter uses much more water and there are ALWAYS body parts left exposed.
And if the bathtub is not your choice, then the double shower should meet your requirements.
The other bit of useless information that I gleaned from the YouTube video was that people wash in the shower and then utilise the bath for relaxation.
I have to admit that one of my secret pleasures is to lie in a bath and read a book.
I tried that in a shower once, but the book turned into pulp as it was not water-resistant.
Breakfast is served.
Usually I opt for a ‘full English’; however, this time my choice was something completely different.
French toast, syrup, fried banana and bacon (crisp, of course)
Was it a good alternative to my usual? Most definitely!
And while I was having MY breakfast, this lioness and her sibling were munching on theirs.
At night, with the lights on, the Villa assumes a mantle of subdued elegance and the expectation of a fine meal and good company and conversation.
Bush TV…
The rest of the brotherhood appeared on the final game drive.
We were able to follow them for quite a distance as they wandered down the road without a care in the world.
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Travel & Things is the proud winner of these prestigious awards from the digital British lifestyle magazine Luxlife.
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Best Travel & Experiences Blog 2024 – South Africa
Best African Game Reserves & Lodges Travel Review Site 2025.
Best African Resorts and Retreats Award 2025.
And the most recent accolade… Most engaging Travel & Lifestyle Blog 2026.
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