South Africa, for me the first but certainly not the last time!

This trip was supposed to be a combination of wildlife, nature and relaxation. A challenge but certainly not impossible in a country that is so diverse and offers so much. From Johannesburg we drove to Ohrigstad to go to Hannah Lodge. This lovely property is definitely a good start to the trip.

Beautifully located, on a nice base for the Panorama route.

Everything is done to make the customer enjoy as relaxed as possible. It is possible to do a first safari here and the park also has the necessary wildlife, but we opted for rest. From Hannah Lodge the panorama route can be done well, in one day you can drive/hike via the north side along the Rondavels, Potholes, God’s Window and various waterfalls and you can return to the lodge via the south side (Graskop/Pilgrims rest). Along the way, you can eat at Potluck Forest Galley by the river. Very tasty and without electricity and gas is really traditional South African cooking.

We continue the journey at Inyati Private Game Lodge in the Kruger Park.

A truly beautiful, luxurious lodge in ‘the middle of nowhere’ with all around game. Via a long (20km) sandy path we arrived and were very friendly. The lodge is located on the river and has a brilliant porch and a beautiful lounge spot. We’ve had fantastic drives here with in and on the car the ranger and tracker. The combination of these two expert persons makes the wildlife spotting very interesting and there is much being told. Within the park everything lives and so besides the ‘normal’ game also the Big 5. By car, the roads are definitely deviated from the roads for spotting and we drove criss-crossing the bush to the most amazing places. Before and after each (morning and evening) drive there was a delicious buffet where you could choose and enjoy together on the terrace or in the boma.

After the three early morning safaris it was time to get some rest and in Hazyview, Chesnut Country Lodge, we got this one for sure. In the area there is plenty to do in terms of activities. From quad biking to rafting and much more.

After being adequately equipped, we are via the beautiful Swaziland to St. Lucia driven in two days. Swaziland is beautiful, colourful and, like South Africa, is also very varied in nature.

In St. Lucia we were immediately embraced in the iSimangeliso Wetland Park by beautiful open nature with again a lot of wildlife. Here you will not find the Big 5 but giraffes, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, impala, kudu’s, hippos, crocodiles and many birds. In this park we also had a very nice boat trip and hit a lot of hippos. In the fantastic property
(Makakatana Bay Lodge)
great food and drink and a very nice and spacious, very luxurious lodge had. On our own terrace even the monkeys came to visit us! The openness of the park was very pleasant because you could now see the animals from afar. Again had wonderful drives and boat ride in the private area of the park.

From iSimangeliso have driven to Umdloti, on the coast. Fairlight Beach House,a beautiful property with a fantastic sunrise from the sea with dolphins and a lovely beach on your doorstep. The sound of the continuous turning of the waves gave us peace after all the intensive days we experienced with the game drives. After this rest we drove on to
Drakensbergen
where we enjoyed two days of many beautiful views. It is a beautiful walking and cycling area. This is where our trip comes to an end, but I know that this visit to South Africa has certainly not been my last.