MY MANYONI

 

It’s so cool to have that special place you like going to. The place that doesn’t disappoint.

You look forward to going there, being there and it’s always sad to leave.

Rhino RiverLodge in Manyoni Private Game Reserve is that place for me. We have been a couple of times as it’s conveniently just down the road (from Pongola) and also a quick and easy three hours on the N2 north from Durban.

We stay in the Homestead, which is separate from the main lodge, but still close enough to enjoy the frills of the lodge. We decided to feed ourselves during the day and dine in style in the evenings.

On our first night we were treated to a candle-light dinner in the riverbed. A boma style fire kept us warm and we ate well. Bush braais can be tricky but the chef cooked to perfection.

Hala was our ranger and he ticked all the boxes for great game sightings.

We captured four out of the big five – the elusive leopard slipped through our fingers.

In the spotlight we found two male lions - an adult male escorted by an older gent who is teaching him a few tricks. We were pleased to see that they hunted well the next day, with wildebeest on the menu. We encountered a lioness and her three cubs who were clearly on the hunt and listened to the zebra frantically barking as they got closer. We didn’t see if they were successful. Not sure I have the stomach for that.

And on the way back for brekkie, almost close to touch, was a male cheetah.

The rhino were on show – without horns but with babies. A herd of elephant also put on a grand display.

Game was abundant – loads of impala, nyala, kudu, giraffe, wildebeest and zebra. The bird life was plentiful and we came across a crowned eagle who had bagged a young monkey.

Manyoni's Conservation Initiatives have several active projects which are well worth supporting. They are especially vigilant in protecting rhino.

Covid has turned tourism on its head, but it has given local tourists the opportunity to enjoy destinations that have budget challenges. So have a look around for good deals. Zululand winters are fabulous.

ZULULAND IS THE KING OF THE JUNGLE

South African tourists are easily intimidated by luxury lodge prices, and yet we yearn to be a part of the Big 5 exclusive gang. I have stayed in some of the more up market lodges that ask in the region of R18,000 per person per night. I don’t deny that this is a real treat and beyond anything we can ever dream of affording. There is no denying that this is luxury at its ultimate best.

Rhino Sands in the Manyoni Private Game Reserve, between Hluhluwe and Mkuze in KwaZulu-Natal offers luxury equal to those upmarket lodges found in the Kruger National Park area. The Big 5 experience can easily be matched and it is more affordable for the local tourist. Admittedly we have to dig deep to tick the box to have an exclusive game experience, where you are treated like the King of the Jungle, to feel special and support those who are striving to keep our wildlife alive. It is a once in a life-time experience and well worth saving your pennies to do.

Rhino Sands caters for only 8 guests in 4 luxury tents. The décor is magnificent, and the lodge is totally eco-friendly. This ticks a huge box for me. The lodge goes out of its way to make sure that attention to detail is done to the extreme, without being superficial. It is down to earth and loyal to the conservation effort the reserve strives to preserve.

At a third of the price of some of the lodges that appeal to international tourists, Rhino Sands has to be on your bucket list.

In 2004, 17 private properties in the northern Zululand area dropped their fences forming the Manyoni Private Game Reserve (formerly Zululand Rhino Reserve). The vision behind the reserve was to provide a home to a population of black rhinos as part of the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project. The joining of the properties created a 23,000-hectare private game reserve in the heart of Zululand, in one of the most animal-rich and species-diverse areas of South Africa.

In addition to the black rhinos, the reserve is now home to the big five (rhino, elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion) and has seen the re-introduction of two endangered carnivore species, cheetahs and African wild dogs. It is one of the premier wildlife-viewing destinations in Kwa-Zulu Natal and one of the most beautiful reserves in the area with varied landscapes from acacia thornveld to open savannah to riverine forest. Game drives on the reserve are regulated and coordinated by the ecotourism businesses to minimize the impact on the environment and the stress on the animals providing guests with a better and more intimate game viewing experience.

Find out more: https://rhinosands.com

GOING BUNDU BASHING

Dressing for the occasion

The entrance to Pakamisa basking in the soft winter Zululand Sun

Pakamisa Private Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), has no major predators, making it safe to go on bush walks. Their food is so delicious and this a welcome alternative to game drives to walk off those extra calories. And if you want to get back in the saddle there is a stable of horses to choose from. Isabella, the owner, will carefully select a horse to suit your riding ability.

But, back to Shanks Pony*, we had a wonderful afternoon with Chamu, Pakamisa’s charming guide. We set out in the late afternoon, in the soft glow of the Zululand winter sun. Mind you, day-time temperatures in this part of the world range between 25 - 30 degrees centigrade, which can hardly be called ‘winter’.

We learnt so much on our easy-going hour and a half walk, so stay with me and I will share snippets with you as we go along.

First thing ….. be prepared, and dress appropriately.

Here are some guidelines for a comfortable bush-walk:

• Wear protection from the African sun – don’t be fooled by our ‘winter’. Wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Cover your legs and arms, to protect you from thorns.
• Wear sturdy walking shoes, and long socks – preferably not white ones. We still have ticks this time of the year. You can spray on insect repellent to be doubly sure.
• Wear colours that blend with the environment – beige, khaki (of course), dark green and brown.
• Cameras, binocs and water – this goes without saying!
• Layer your clothing for cooler evenings, make sure it’s easy to carry.
• Always listen to your ranger, trust his instincts and obey his rules.
• Stay alert and expect the unexpected. The thrill of a bush walk!
• Relish every moment, observe and learn.
• Silence is golden – this is not the time for idle chit chat – listen to the magical sounds of the bush!

Next time I will share some of our bundu bashing moments……

*Shanks Pony is an old Scottish expression – meaning using your two legs!

Celebrating Community Spirit and Success!

Jozini Tiger Lodge & Spa, on the banks of the glorious Lake Jozini in northern Zululand, has good reason to celebrate. They were recently awarded “CONTINENT WINNERS – LUXURY HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTRE” at the World Luxury Hotel Awards, held in Hong Kong on 24^th October 2015.

The World Luxury Hotel and Spa Awards are recognised as the pinnacle of achievement for Luxury Hotels & Spas worldwide. 

These Awards are a celebration of ultimate achievement in service excellence, and acknowledge hotels and spas that have excelled beyond the normal call of duty.

Awards are presented to luxury hotels in different categories on a country, continent and global basis. Voting is cast by hotel guests, and based on facilities and service excellence.

“Jozini Tiger Lodge & Spa is no longer just a hotel on the banks of Lake Jozini,” announced Cobus Brecher, Managing Director, “It has become a serious contender and competitor within the luxury hotel market.”

They certainly deserve to be proud. A mere 5 years ago, in March 2010, the new built Jozini Tiger Lodge & Spa opened its doors. This was a dream project developed by local entrepreneurs Cobus Brecher and Albert Lourens. Their vision included involving the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) to finance the community’s share. 

80% of the staff were from the local community, having never worked in the hotel industry. They have since had the pleasure of witnessing the hotel successfully evolve. Jozini Tiger Lodge and Spa is reputed for its exceptional service and friendly staff. Without their enormous contribution this award would not have been possible. The staff complement has expanded over the past five years as occupancies grew beyond expectation. Equally rewarding has been the transformation, growth and eventual promotion of some of the original staff into management positions.

The hotel also forms part of the AHA portfolio who look after the Sales and Marketing of the property. Occupancy levels are in excess of 76% with groups and conferencing markets forming a major contribution.

The Jozini Tiger Estate, adjacent to the Jozini Tiger Lodge, will be launched imminently. The Estate offers the only freehold sites and sectional title apartments overlooking the dam. A variety of home design options are available. Spectacular views, abundant leisure facilities, a rich diversity of wildlife and tourism opportunities provide an exclusive estate experience www.jozinitigerestate.co.za

The view of the dam, the surroundings, the décor and the facilities makes the four star Jozini Tiger Lodge & Spa an ideal venue for special events and weddings or simply a break away from city life. For those wishing to chill, the pool and spa facility is just the place to be. Lake Jozini, often referred to as South Africa’s Lake Kariba, is home to the southernmost population of Tiger fish in Africa and fishing for this elusive but ferocious predator draws fishermen from far!   

Jozini Tiger Lodge was alongside Amakhosi Safari Lodge, also from northern Zululand, and among the 200 winners in over 50 categories who were applauded at the gala dinner at the exclusive Harbour Grand Hotel in Hong Kong.  This surely warrants the 

#makingzululandproud!

Tel: +27 (0)35 572 1020/22

Fax: +27 (0)35 572 1114

1 Main Road, Jozini, Kwa-Zulu Natal, 3969

Website: www.jozinitigerlodge.co.za

Website: www.threecities.co.za or www.ahagroup.co.za

http://www.luxuryhotelawards.com