This was by far the favorite place our extended family stayed on our recent trip to South Africa! From our arrival, where we were warmly welcomed by the manager Dale and the staff, to the day of our departure, the service, hospitality, accommodations and amenities were all first rate. Combined with thrilling, twice-daily safari game drives lead by friendly, personable, knowledgeable guides, the overall experience was delightful.
Upon arrival were welcomed and offered drinks while room assignments and luggage were sorted out. We noticed warthogs visible right off the balcony/viewing platform overlooking the bush and would soon find out that monkeys were frequent visitors to the lodge as well. Beware, though, because the monkeys will snatch food right off the table if you let down your guard!
Our 13-member family group would occupy 7 of the 9 total rooms/cabins for three nights. I didn't visit every room of every member of our party, but all that I viewed were extremely nice. My cabin may have been the nicest of all with a huge bedroom/living area with comfortable seating, a spacious, modern bathroom with glass shower and free-standing tub, an outdoor shower and tub, plus an outdoor sitting area which all combined to create a feeling of rustic elegance in the bush. One slight complaint by me that the heater wasn't working was quickly addressed by the Manager, Dale and my room had space heaters delivered the next night, along with a hot water placed in my bed. Throughout our stay, Dale was quick to inquire about our comfort and address any needs, of which very few existed.
Safaris took place daily at around 6:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. and lasted about 3 hours. As we convened in the main lodge we were quickly offered coffee and rusks to start the day. At the start of the morning drive we were offered hot water bottles and blankets to ward off the morning chill. Our guide/driver, Thomas, was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The wildlife viewing was exceptional and we were all thrilled with the animals we saw. Each morning's drive would include a coffee stop at about 2/3 of the way, and each evening drive included a similar stop for cocktails or "sundowners" and a light snack.
Thomas seemed to be able to conjure up any animal we wished to see. When we hadn't yet seen lions or leopards, Thomas made sure we did. When we asked to see a hippo, we saw a hippo. The same was true for a crocodile and a male lion when we had only seem females! Species we saw included: Elephants, African Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Rhino (the Big 5), Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, Warthog, Wildebeest, Hyena. Numerous Antelope species included Impala, Nyala, Kudu, Springbok, Steenbok, Eland & Duiker.
We were well fed throughout our stay. After returning from the morning drive, we would have a breakfast/brunch meal with fresh juice, smoothies, energy smoothies, fresh fruit, breads. muffins, croissants, eggs cooked to order, etc. Lunches would include fruits, breads, crackers cheeses, charcutier, salads, etc. Dinners were elegant, multi-course and akin to what you'd receive in a high-end restaurant. All-in-all, meals were delicious and plentiful.
When we booked our stay we had mentioned that the trip was provided by the matriarch of our family as gift to the family in honor of her 80th birthday. On our next to last night, Nottens provided us with a surprise birthday party in the bush! We arrived at a clearing to find the area lit by torches and a roaring bonfire in the center. At one side was a full bar with snacks, while nearby the staff offered up freshly grilled beef short ribs and sausages for hors d'oeuvres! There was even a (gluten-free) birthday cake for grandma, complete with candles and sparklers!
Our final night's stay included a celebratory braai. Manager/host Dale handled the gilling of beef and prawns as we dined overlooking the viewing balcony surrounded by candlelight and a warm fire, plus heaters o ward off the chill. Following our final safari the next morning, we returned to the lodge for breakfast, before showering and packing for departure. Once again, Thomas was our driver and we enjoyed a mini-safari on the way out to Skukuza airport. This place will live on in my memory forever.
