The South African province of Limpopo is home to magnificent wildlife reserves with many incredible lodges. This month we have chosen Nedile Lodge as our feature lodge. This splendid luxury private lodge is located in one of the country’s finest wildlife parks; the Welgevoden Private Game Reserve.

Located just a 3-hour drive from Johannesburg’s O R Tambo International Airport, Nedile is easily accessible by road, or quicker by air, using a domestic flight into the Waterberg Gateway Airport, located just 20 minutes away from the reserve.     

Welgevoden Game Reserve

The spectacular Welgevonden Game Reserve covers an impressive 36,000ha in the Waterberg District, of the Limpopo Province This premier malaria-free wilderness is home to over 50 different animals and 300 bird species including the ‘Big 5’ (Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Lion and Rhino) and a host of other exciting animals such as Aardvark, Aardwolf, Brown Hyena, Cheetah and Honey Badger.

The reserves diverse habitat provides for a wide range of animal and bird life. Apart from an array of antelope including Eland, Tsessebe, Gemsbok and Red Hartebeest to Giraffe, Wildebeest and Bush Pigs; Welgevoden offers stunning game viewing opportunities.

Enjoying an African wildlife safari at Nedile Lodge allows you the opportunity to explore this magnificent reserve from the luxury of a truly spectacular lodge.  

Accommodation at Nedile Lodge

Welgevonden’s Nedile Lodge offers guests exclusivity and privacy in its five luxurious, stylish suites. Each suite is perfectly positioned amongst the rocky outcrops to offer seclusion and stunning views out over the Waterberg mountains.

Two of the Nedile suites can be used as family units with an inter-leading entrance hall.

The Main Lodge

The thatched lodge offers its guests the finest service, set amongst an exquisitely designed lodge, tastefully decorated with an authentic African theme. Relax at the bar and share your stories amongst the guests or chill out on the patio taking in the spectacular vistas while soaking up the African sun. There is a comfortable lounge, dining room and a pool for those that wish to cool down.

Cuisine at Nedile Lodge

The fresh air and excitement of the game drives in the African bush stimulates your appetite. The cuisine at Nedile is inspired by the various enchanting flavours of Africa. Enjoy meals in the elegant dining area, on the patio or under the stars, around the campfire in the rock boma.

At Nedile expect scrumptious meals with fresh ingredients from the abundant bounty available to the chef from around the country. The food is delicious.

Activities at Nedile Lodge

Nedile offers guests a morning and evening game drives in open vehicles with qualified rangers who bring your African Wildlife Safari alive. Their expert knowledge of the area, the rich fauna and flora, history and geography will enrich your bush experience.

Touch it, feel it, smell it: choose a guided bush walk through the untamed African wilderness, led by an experienced game ranger. A hike in the bush offers an experience that will reward you with a more personal insight of the African bush. It gives you the chance to come up and close and personal to many of the smaller creatures and flora that make this wonderful reserve home.

For those looking for a less strenuous day out, chill out by the pool or relax in the lounge with your favourite book.

In the evenings, marvel at the brilliant African night sky and enjoy stories about the stars from an African perspective.

Greeting the sunrise, taking in the scents, listening the calls of the wild, admiring the sunset, gazing at the night sky, are all unique. Combined with the excitement of what could lie around the next bush, up a tree or around a bend in the road; ramps up the suspense and the thrill with every excursion into the bush.

Whether it’s your first visit to the bush or you have been multiple times, this is an Awesome Experience. I can highly recommend Nedile Lodge in Welgevoden Game Reserve to everyone.

One thing is for sure, if you visit once, you will be yearning to get back; nothing beats an African Safari.

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Polokwane – Limpopo

Saskia Restaurant

This is fine dining at its best.

The Saskia Restaurant at the Fusion Boutique Hotel in Polokwane offer a truly awesome gastronomic experience. This sublime restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience amongst a truly wonderfully decorated restaurant. Themed amid modern versions of traditional paintings by Rembrandt.

This fine dining restaurant offers an extensive menu with a selection of dishes to whet the appetite of diners. Expertly prepared and presented, the Executive Chef delights in offering traditional dishes with a contemporary twist.

To get the culinary feast off to a fine start, why not try the fruity Venison parcels or the delicately seared Cajun Spiced Prawns with lemon and white wine sauce. The marinated Chicken Wings served on broccoli and parmesan fritters with flash fried green beans are too delicious.

For mains there is a truly fabulous choice of poultry, seafood and meats. Choosing is difficult but the Braised Oxtail which comes with mash is delicious, as is the delectable Venison Potjie. This traditional South African potjie dish is prepared with slowly cooked Impala meat, peaches and local port and served with buttered rice.

For meat lovers there are a selection of aged prime cuts to choose from. Steaks are served blue, rare, medium rare, medium and medium well. Sourced from a local butchery to ensure quality and tenderness.

If you would prefer seafood try the Pan Fried Sole. This delicious fish dish is topped with a lemon butter sauce and served with deep fried squid rings, accompanied by basil pesto infused Brussels sprouts.

The dessert menu is mouth-watering. Try the Cape Malva Pudding or go for the Chocolate Fondant served with a warm runny centre, accompanied by a delightful homemade raspberry ice cream.

An extensive, well designed and presented wine list makes for a fine selection of mainly local fine wines to accompany this fine dining experience. After a truly excellent dining experience round off the evening with a cognac and a cigar. This is fine dining at its best, well done Saskia.

Accommodation

Complete the experience with a stay at the Fusion Boutique Hotel. This award-winning boutique hotel offers a selection of comfortable suites, all lavishly decorated. Experience personalized attention, ultimate comfort and decadent dining at the only 5-star hotel in the heart of Polokwane, the buzzing capital of South Africa’s Limpopo Province.

This multi award-winning boutique hotel has won ‘Best Luxury Boutique Hotel in Southern Africa (World Luxury Hotel Awards) for two years in a row; 2018 and 2019.

At the Lilizela Tourism Awards the hotel scooped the ‘Best 5-Star Hotel in Limpopo’ in 2019.

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Many people come back from their Safari Holiday in South Africa and say to me: “we did not see any Springbok”. That is because Springbok are not found in every national park or game reserve in South Africa, they are confined to certain regions in their natural habitat.

Where will I find Springbok

Springbok inhabit the more arid regions of south and southwestern Africa. They are widespread across the vast grasslands of the Free State and the shrublands of the Karoo in South Africa.

There is no springbok found naturally in the eastern regions of South Africa including the Kruger National Park. In this eastern region of the country, the impala is the common medium-sized antelope.

Due to game farming, breeding and selling, springbok are widely distributed on game farms throughout South Africa, including areas where they would never have occurred naturally. 

To observe springbok in their natural habitat the Northern Cape, Free State and North West provinces is where to head. My favourite destination would be the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, here they have occurred naturally for hundreds of years.

The springbok is characterised by a white face, a dark stripe running from the eyes to the mouth, a light-brown coat pronounced by a reddish-brown stripe that runs from the upper fore leg towards the buttocks across the flanks, and a white rump flap.

How Big are Springbok

Springbok are medium-sized antelope. The male animal (Ram) are heavier and more robustly built and can weigh up to 40 kilograms, while the females weigh in slightly lighter at around 37 kilograms. The horns of the ram are also much larger and thicker.

Springbok Behaviour

Springbok are highly gregarious and tend to congregate in large herds. Territorial rams defend their herds of ewes in breeding season and fight off other rams. Although older bachelors are frequently found alone or in small groups. It is also common to come across herds of younger bachelors.

In earlier times, before the settlers moved into the Karoo and set up farms demarcated by fences the Springbok of the Kalahari Desert and Karoo would migrate in their tens of thousands.

Stories abound of massive herds, hundreds of kilometres long, taking several days to pass by a settlement; this great migration was known as ‘trekbokken’. Trekbokken is still observed occasionally in Botswana, though on a much smaller scale than earlier years.

One of the most spectacular displays to see in the wild and unique to Springbok is ‘pronking’. The Springbok performs multiple leaps into the air which can be as high as 2 metres (6.6 ft) above the ground, in a stiff-legged posture, with the back bowed and its white flap on the rump lifted.

Pronking is also performed when the rams are rutting and defending their territories and female herds against other rams, with the apparent intention to impress the females.

Breeding

Breeding takes place year-round, and peaks in the rainy season, when forage is most abundant. The lambing season often corresponds to availability and supply of food and the prevailing climate. However, lambing is mainly in spring to early summer.

A single calf is born after a five- to six-month-long pregnancy; weaning occurs at nearly six months of age, and the calf leaves its mother a few months later. The newly born lambs are hidden away for a few days under tall grass or shrubs.

Diet

Springbok are not water dependent but will readily drink water when available. They are predominantly grazers, preferring short grass. However, they will also eat herbal shrubs and bushes, leaves and seed pods, as well as wild fruits and young shoots.

This antelope can live without drinking water for long periods, meeting its requirements through eating succulent vegetation.

Springbok Enemies

Springbok passing through bushes tend to be more vulnerable to predator attacks as they cannot be easily alerted, and this affords predators more cover to conceal themselves in bushes.

Springbok do have several predators to fear. Although a Springbok can reach speeds of up to 55 miles per hour, they can be outrun by cheetahs over a short distance and by wild dogs over a long distance.

They remain alert and flee at the first sign of danger. Predators include the big cats especially; Cheetah, Leopard, African Wild Dog, Lion and Hyena. Caracal, Southern African Wildcats, Jackals, Martial Eagles, Black Eagles and Tawny Eagles target juveniles.

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Bordered by Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana, Limpopo is South Africa’s most northern province. Previously referred to as South Africa’s Cinderella province, this region was previously often ignored by tourists. However, in recent times Limpopo has been rightfully recognised as an Awesome holiday destination.

Affectionately known as the Great North, the province is cut north to south by the main arterial N1 Highway, dividing the province almost in half as it connects the Zimbabwe border and the Gauteng economic powerhouse of South Africa. This allows for easy access to many of the awesome regions of the Limpopo province.

How Big is Limpopo Province?

The Limpopo province is the fifth largest province in South Africa taking up 10.2% of South Africa’s total land area. Named after the mighty Limpopo River, this ancient African kingdom is a land of myth and legend and home to the Venda and Ndebele peoples.

Incorporating this wonderful region in a South African itinerary and you’ll be rewarded with magnificent wildlife including the ‘Big 5’, brilliant birding, magnificent untamed bush, spectacular scenery and a wealth of historical and cultural treasures.

What to do in Limpopo Province

The Limpopo Province is an ideal self-drive holiday destination. Plot a road-trip and incorporate some of the natural wonders that this spectacular South African province offers. Blessed with an excellent road infrastructure and a large variety of accommodation options, makes planning for every budget in this province very rewarding.

There are many reasons to explore this magnificent region of South Africa, but its main attractions are its malaria-free game parks and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mapungubwe. Regarded as Southern Africa’s first-ever kingdom; Mapungubwe is steeped in myth and legend.

Limpopo is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. Discover the Stone Age and Iron Age relics of Makapansgat Valley near Mokopane. Visit the Rain Queen, the hereditary female ruler of the Modjadji people, who is held to have the power to make rain. Travel to the north-east of Limpopo into the Venda region and get a glimpse of Lake Fundudzi and the deep, indigenous Sacred Forest which are particularly revered as ancestral sites.

The Waterberg in the west of the province is home to one of South Africa’s most popular and malaria-free big game destinations. The Marakele National Park and the privately owned Welgewonden Game Reserve offer excellent game viewing opportunities.

It’s not all bushveld though, the southern slopes of the far northern Soutpansberg mountains have a subtropical climate. Here you will discover lush farms growing macadamia nuts and avocados. Venture higher up you’ll discover pristine mountain scenery with gorges, waterfalls and hillsides, which are home to more than 550 species of trees. This unique ecosystem is designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Limpopo is also the northern gateway to Kruger National Park. This drier region of the Kruger Park is less frequented by tourists. Making it an ideal destination for those that prefer the road less travelled.

The Great North offers the adventure traveller vast landscapes and the opportunity to explore this untamed terrain. Hire a 4×4, hike, or take a guided trip. There’s plenty of accommodation, awesome scenery, excellent big game, abundant birdlife, and splendid isolation.

Support the local communities by stopping and enjoying the many arts and crafts created by the local Venda and Tsonga peoples. Renowned for their pottery, woodcarvings, tapestries, paintings, basketwork and beadwork. Your support benefits the local communities and brings much needed revenue into their societies.

The Three National Parks of Limpopo

Kruger National Park

It must be at the top of the list for me, I really enjoy this region of the Kruger national Park. This is the most famous of South Africa’s game reserves. Many bush lovers will claim that the northern part of the park, in Limpopo, is its wildest and most diverse.

From Hoedspruit in the east of Limpopo to the Pafuri and Punda Maria camps in the north of the Kruger, this is spectacular bushveld country. From exquisite private lodges to the unending wilderness of the Kruger National Park there is accommodation and experiences for every budget.

The ‘Land of Giants’, ancient Boabab trees dominate the landscape the further you travel north, large herds of Elephant and Buffalo and the best birding region of Kruger Park. Welcome to paradise. You should take precautions against malaria when visiting this region.

Mapungubwe National Park

The Mapungubwe National Park is of significant cultural and historical importance. This is the first site settled in South Africa after the Bushmen. Located at the confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo rivers, the terrain varies from a flat landscape with dramatic sandstone and conglomerate ridges and koppies to rugged mountainous terrain. The diverse vegetation, giant baobab and mashatu trees, riverine forest and associated plains provide an intriguing mix of habitat

Mapungubwe, which means ‘place of the stone of wisdom’, was the largest kingdom in the African sub-continent. Approximately 5000 people are believed to have lived around Mapungubwe Hill where their ‘sacred’ leader lived in seclusion from his people.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most important archaeological sites in the country. Mapungubwe was once home to a prosperous African civilisation dating as far back as 1200AD. This once wealthy and thriving Iron Age kingdom traded as far afield as India, China and Egypt.

All Mapungubwe’s camps are accessible by normal sedan vehicles, but it is advisable to have a 4×4 or high clearance vehicle to ensure an enjoyable drive inside the park. There are also several eco-trails for which a 4×4 is required.

From November to March the beautiful Mopane Moth can be seen flying around, the large larvae of these moths are a delicacy and valuable food source in the region.

You may be lucky and on a game drive and find Black rhino, African Wild Dog, Cheetah, Brown Hyena or even a Pel’s fishing owl. You should take precautions against malaria when visiting this region of Limpopo.

Marakele National Park

Discover the highest peaks of the Waterberg rising above the catchment area of five rivers. Marakele is a very wild, dramatic park with rich vegetation, deep valleys, open grasslands and woodlands. The ‘Big Five’ are all here along with a host of other wildlife. You will also find Black Rhino, Sable, Tsessebe, Gemsbok and Red Hartebeest.

The park is accessible to all passenger vehicles, with the camp and tent sites on good roads. Also, approximately 80 km of roads within the park are accessible to all vehicles, the balance requiring a four-wheel drive vehicle. Marakele is home to the ‘Big 5’ various species of antelopes and over 250 species of birds including the largest colony of Cape Griffon Vultures in the world, estimated to be around 800 breeding pairs.

The Waterberg

The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is one of South Africa’s top conservation areas, is malaria-free ‘Big Five’ country. Stay at the very affordable Marakele National Park or opt for the privately owned Welgewonden Game Reserve, and spot game, hundreds of birds, trees and plants, on guided game drives, horse rides or walks.

Welgevonden Game Reserve

The spectacular 36,000-hectare luxury private Welgevonden Game Reserve is in the malaria-free Waterberg District, of the Limpopo Province. With a choice of 21 privately owned game lodges offering an exclusive African Safari Experience.

Experience the African bushveld guided by professional rangers and trackers on day and night game drives. Learn more on the ground with guided walking safaris getting even closer to nature. Appreciate the fresh air and satisfy your appetite with delicious bush breakfasts and open firelit boma dinners. Enjoy the Awesome African night sky.

Welgevoden is derived from a Dutch word meaning ‘Well Found’. Once you enter this special reserve you will soon appreciate why. The spectacular scenery and unique habitat in this special reserve is home to 50 different animals and more than 300 bird species.

Apart from the ‘Big 5’ (Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Lion and Rhino) this awesome reserve gives you the opportunity to sight rare and unusual species like Aardvark, Aardwolf, African Wild Cat, Brown Hyena and Caracal. Alongside an array of Antelope, Cheetah, Giraffe, Hippo and Crocodile.

Accommodation at Welgevoden is offered in a collection of exclusive private lodges. From self-catering camps to exclusive 5-star private camps, some designed for exclusive use only, others typically accommodating no more than a maximum of ten guests at any one time.

Whether you choose to stay, the professional staff at the various camps are on hand to ensure that your South African Safari experience is exclusive, rewarding and memorable.

Expect fine dining, world-class wines and superb service at the collection of Welgevonden lodges.

Getting to Welgevonden Game Reserve is easy. From O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg allow for around 4 hours or opt for an easy 45-minute flight from Johannesburg into one of the airstrips on the reserve.

View this video and get a taste of what awaits you at one of South Africa’s premier malaria-free game reserves.

Makapansgat Valley

If you are interested in the history of humankind, the Makapansgat and Zwartkrans Valleys needs to be on your holiday itinerary. Located northeast of Mokopane (formerly Potgietersrus) this beautiful valley is home to many ancient caves. The caves have revealed not just numerous animal and plant fossils, but also hominid fossils that date back 3.3-million years.

The Soutpansberg

Travel further to the north-east to the beautiful mountainous region which is designated as part of the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Supporting a unique, rich biodiversity, this natural wilderness sustains approximately 580 species of trees and awesome birdlife.

There are many accommodation options available in and around the town of Louis Trichardt. Louis Trichardt is located at the foot of Songozwi, in the Soutpansberg mountain range. It is named after the Voortrekker leader Louis Trichardt.

Modjadji Cycad Reserve

Home to some of the oldest and biggest cycads on Earth, the reserve offers walks, game and a variety of bird and antelope species. The 530-hectare Modjadji Nature Reserve is located north-east of Tzaneen and when there’s no mist, you can gaze out high over the cycad forest to the distant Kruger National Park and the Lowveld beyond.

Polokwane

Polokwane, Limpopo’s capital city, in the centre of the province, is the commercial, administrative and agricultural hub of the region, characterised by wide streets, colourful flowering trees, shopping malls, offices and fast-flowing traffic on the way to and from the Zimbabwean border.

Bela Bela

Formerly known as Warmbaths because of its natural hot springs, and known by the local Tswana people as ‘water that boils on its own’. This pleasant little town in the heart of the Waterberg, just over an hour’s drive from Gauteng, is now a popular health and wellness destination and holiday resort.

Haenertsburg

This quaint little town, 60km east of Polokwane on the road to Tzaneen, is one of those attractive arty-crafty villages off the beaten track that dot the South African landscape. It provides a good base for exploring the surrounding Magoebaskloof forests and valleys.

Modimolle

The pleasant small town of Modimolle (formerly Nylstroom) is flanked by the Nylsvlei Wetland and the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve.

Nylsvlei Nature Reserve is best known as the largest floodplain in South Africa and is a RAMSAR wetland. Best known for its large numbers of waterbirds, Nylsvlei Nature Reserve is also an excellent bushveld birding destination within easy reach from Johannesburg

Wildlife Safari Checklist

• Binoculars
• Comfortable walking boots or shoes and comfortable socks.
• Wear light coloured clothing (khaki) which is best to deter mosquitoes.
• Insect repellent
• Sunglasses
• Warm clothing (jersey / jacket for evenings and early mornings)
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Guide books (birding and mammal guide books will make your safari more rewarding, and help you to identify and learn about the surrounding fauna)
• Camera and lenses

Malaria

Most of Limpopo province is a malaria-free zone and that includes many of the national parks and game reserves.

Currently only when visiting the far north and to the east, in the Kruger National Park, will you be within a malaria risk zone. If you intend visiting those regions, then you should check with your GP which anti-malarial medication they would recommend prior to your safari.

Precaution is the best solution, take sensible precautions to avoid been bitten. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours like blue and black. Wear lighter shades as that will help deter the mosquitoes and will also help you feel cooler by reflecting sunlight.

If you have a ceiling fan, use it, as the turbulence of the air keeps flying insects away. At sunset apply insect repellent, I would recommend purchasing a local product such as Tabard or Peaceful Sleep.

On Safari in South Africa

A successful safari requires knowledge, patience, luck and perseverance; all these ingredients will enrich your South African Safari Holiday. Good Luck and enjoy every minute of the natural world.

“An elephant’s tusks are never too heavy for it”

African Proverb

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It may be summer in the UK, but in South Africa it is winter and that that means it’s the best time of the year for a South African Wildlife Safari. There are many regions of South Africa that offer a truly magnificent safari experience; my absolute favourite is still the Greater Kruger National Park (GKNP).

Where is the best place to go on a South African Safari?

This prime wildlife region of South Africa is not only home to the ‘Big 5’ (Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Lion and Rhino) but many other magnificent creatures that roam freely in this vast 2-million-hectare wilderness. Incorporating a variety of habitats, the GKNP offers you a selection of safari lodges and camps skilled at creating a memorable Safari Experience.

The charming little town of Hoedspruit and the city of Mbombela (previously called Nelspruit) act as gateways into the GKNP, home to the finest game reserves and luxury lodges in South Africa’s prime wildlife region.

World renowned lodges such as Londolozi, Ulusaba, MalaMala and the Thornybush collection of lodges, deservedly command worldwide attention, but there are multitude of lesser known private luxury game lodges that too warrant the spotlight and offer an equally incredible safari experience.

Where is the Greater Kruger National Park?

The Greater Kruger National Park (GKNP) stretches across two South African provinces: Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Bordering Mozambique to the east, Zimbabwe to the north and Eswatini to the south.

The region offers spectacular scenery and stunning attractions. The majestic Drakensberg mountains drop down steeply from the grasslands of the Highveld escarpment to the subtropical Lowveld savannah below. Making a road trip simply stunning.

It’s home to the ‘Big Five’ (Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, Lion and Rhinoceros) and an additional 135 animals and upwards of 500 bird species. It’s fauna and flora and protected status make this region a nature lovers paradise.

Most South African holidays would commence or end with a safari. For this blog post I am using the quaint bushveld town of Hoedspruit as the gateway into the central GKNP. Focusing on some of the many awesome safari lodges in and around the Klaserie and Timbavati private game reserves.

Climate:

Hoedspruit is in a subtropical zone, offering an awesome climate all year round. The average temperature in summer is between 28 to 40 degrees Celsius with beautiful and spectacular thunderstorms in the evenings.

We are focusing on the best time to go on safari in South Africa and that is in winter (May to September). The winters are mild and dry at an average temperature of 5 degrees Celsius in the evenings and up to highs of around 28 – 30 during the day. During winter you can enjoy beautiful clear skies day and night.

The winter months are best for game viewing as the vegetation is sparse and game becomes much easier to spot. There is also no rain during the winter and the animals become increasing reliant on fewer waterholes.

However, the summer months (October to April) do attract migrant birds back from their wintering north, ideal for bird watchers.

Getting to the Greater Kruger National Park

By Air

Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport provides direct flights between Cape Town and Johannesburg.

An overnight flight from London will get you into Johannesburg in the morning (1-hour time difference in UK summertime and 2 hours in winter, so no jetlag). There are several connecting flights then to get you straight into the Lowveld.

By Road

Blessed with an excellent road infrastructure the drive from Johannesburg offers the opportunity to enjoy an Awesome road trip. Self-drive routes from Johannesburg and Nelspruit are full of history and natural sights. Use the experience to get to see some of the best scenery South Africa has to offer.

There are many routes but the most popular is the Panorama Route.

Driving the Panorama Route

The Panorama Route is home to some of the most breath-taking scenery in the country. This route is steeped in history and connects several cultural and natural points of interest. Famous landmarks such as the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels make this journey very rewarding.

The Panorama Route is centred around the Blyde River Canyon, the world’s third largest canyon, and features numerous waterfalls, one of the largest afforested areas in South Africa, and several natural landmarks.

The route starts at the foot of the Long Tom Pass just outside Lydenburg, following the natural descent from the Great Escarpment to the Lowveld, and ends at the border of the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces near the Echo Caves. Interesting places on the route include:

Pilgrim’s Rest

The historic town of Pilgrim’s Rest remains much as it was in the turbulent gold-rush days of the 1870s. Thousands of fortune seekers crossed the perilous mountains and rugged terrain in the search of gold.

This is truly an amazing setting where you can get an idea of what it must have been like back in the day. A former storekeeper from Pilgrim’s Rest, Percy Fitzpatrick wrote the popular book; Jock of the Bushveld, well worth a read.

Blyde River Canyon

The views from the 26km-long Blyde River Canyon, the world’s third-largest canyon (after the Grand Canyon in USA and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia), are superb, both from the bottom and the top, and are easily accessible by road or on foot.

A good way to take in as much as possible is an easy half-day’s drive on which you’ll see the Pinnacle – an enormous quartzite pillar; God’s Window – with seemingly unending views of the surrounding countryside (and a good place to buy curios);

The Bourke’s Luck Potholes are curious, deep rock pools named after an early gold prospector; and, at the end of the route, the Three Rondavels. These massive rock formations resemble rondavels (beehive huts) with the Blyde River swirling hundreds of metres below. The view here is awesome in the full sense of the word.

Hoedspruit

Hoedspruit offers some of the best wildlife and adventure experiences in the world. This region is a place of game, adventure and rich history, known as ‘the land of the rising sun’ in the local siSwati and Zulu languages.

This Lowveld region is known as one of South Africa’s top adventure centres, local activities include: river rafting, abseiling, climbing, quad biking, horse riding and mountain biking. Take flight and enjoy the scenic beauty from the sky in a hot air balloon, helicopter or onboard a microlight.

Hoedspruit offers a selection of great restaurants and bars where locals and tourists mingle. This is the place to stock up on any supplies you may need for your time on safari.

Support the local community by shopping for souvenirs and mementos at the local arts and crafts shops dotted in and around town offering a fantastic variety of unique gifts, souvenirs and mementos.

Wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers, nature lovers, hikers and adventurists will discover a land of opportunity, a place to reflect and enjoy the natural world in all its splendour.

The Best Safari in South Africa

Game viewing in Mpumalanga is probably as good as it gets. The iconic Kruger National Park is a pristine wildlife area which covers an astonishing 7,523 sq. miles. Measuring around 220 miles in length and averaging 40 miles wide. The Kruger is the size of a big country; comparable to that of Israel or Wales.

The Greater Kruger National Park (GKNP) was formed as the result of a landmark agreement between the Kruger National Park and surrounding private nature reserves. Together they have removed their boundary fences creating the GKNP, which is managed under their joint conservation.

Private Game Lodges of the Greater Kruger National Park

The GKNP is renowned for its luxurious lodges and awesome game viewing opportunities. In this unique region wildlife rules, and nature displays its many spectacular ecozones, from bushveld and mountains to savannah and forest. Here is a selection of some of my favourite game lodges.

Thornybush

The Thornybush collection offers guests the choice of twelve different camps and lodges in a pristine Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, part of the GKNP. The reserve covers 14,000-hectares of unspoilt African bushveld offering excellent game viewing opportunities of the ‘Big 5’.

Luxury accommodation is offered in a choice of Classic and Premium lodges, all are amazing.

Klaserie Sands River Camp

At the Klaserie Sands River Camp expect to be impressed. This lush and intimate lodge accommodates just eight guests in luxurious suites along the dry N’tsiri riverbed. At Klaserie Sands River Camp you can enjoy a complete African safari experience, with daily game-drives as well as guided bush walks. Love this camp.

Baobab Ridge

This fantastic reserve offers an affordable, luxury bush experience. Renowned for its hospitable and informative staff. The game drives offer opportunity to locate the ‘Big Five’ as well as a variety of other exciting African mammals. I absolutely love this lodge; the staff truly make your visit so memorable.

Kings Camp

Situated in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Kings Camp faces an open savanna plain with a waterhole, which is frequented by a wide variety of wildlife both day and night.

Simbavati River Lodge

Located in the heart of the world-renowned Timbavati Private Nature Reserve you will discover the Awesome Simbavati River Lodge. With just eight luxury tents and three chalets this exclusive game lodge provides a haven for your exclusive African Safari.

This superb lodge is built on the banks of the Nhlaralumi River under the shade of the magnificent Jackalberry and Leadwood trees. Visiting during winter the dry riverbed provides you excellent game viewing opportunities.

Tanda Tula Safari Camp

The Awesome Tanda Tula Safari Camp consists of just twelve exclusive luxury tents, each with breath-taking views over the Nhlaralumi riverbed. Located deep in the Timbavati, this is serious ‘Big Five’ country.

Enjoy the unique setting from the comfort of your luxurious tent with stunning views over the riverbed and into the African bushveld. Each luxury en-suite tent comes with a Victorian bathtub, an outdoor shower and a spacious deck.

Tanda Tula is owned and run by Don and Nina Scott who have created an extraordinary guest experience. Together with their passionate, well trained staff, guests are offered an African Safari Experience which will create everlasting memories.

Motswari Private Game Reserve

The Motswari Private Game Reserve offers a fabulous African Safari experience in the pristine Timbavati Nature Reserve. With a maximum capacity of no more than thirty guests, Motswari offers accommodation in 15 luxury-appointed en-suite bungalows’

Wildlife Safari Checklist

• Binoculars
• Comfortable walking boots or shoes and comfortable socks.
• Wear light coloured clothing (khaki) which is best to deter mosquitoes.
• Insect repellent
• Sunglasses
• Warm clothing (jersey / jacket for evenings and early mornings)
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Guide books (birding and mammal guide books will make your safari more rewarding, and help you to identify and learn about the surrounding fauna)
• Camera and lenses

Malaria

The Greater Kruger National Park does lie within a malaria zone and you should check with your GP which anti-malarial medication they would recommend prior to your safari.

In addition, take sensible precautions to avoid been bitten. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours like blue and black. Wear lighter shades as that will help deter the mosquitoes and will also help you feel cooler by reflecting sunlight.

If you have a ceiling fan use it as the turbulence of the air keeps flying insects away. At sunset apply insect repellent, I would recommend purchasing a local product such as Tabard or Peaceful Sleep.

A successful safari requires knowledge, patience, luck and perseverance; all these ingredients will enrich your South African Safari Holiday. Good Luck and enjoy every minute of the natural world.

“Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter”

African Proverb

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