By Nerissa Card
Durban - Every now and again I get to live one of my many unlikely-to-be-realised dreams… albeit briefly.
One of these is to live in the African bush, in an old farmhouse, perhaps, surrounded by all those things that make the wild… well… wild.
And so, when an invitation to spend a few nights at Springbok Lodge in the Nambiti private Game Reserve crossed my desk, I leapt at the chance.
Just three hours from Durban and a skip from Ladysmith, the lodge is a haven of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of techno-charged city life. This is back-to-nature territory, but with all the luxurious trimmings.
Accommodation is in fixed-structure, airconditioned tented suites, fabulously appointed with king-size beds, tea and coffee-making facilities and, off the super-stylish bathrooms, one of my favourite game-lodge offerings, the outdoor shower. After a hard (yeah, right) day’s game driving, what better than a moonlit sprucing under the star-filled African sky.
Managed by super-efficient husband and wife team Brett and Wendy Gilder, the lodge is one of 10 such establishments in the community-owned, Big Five reserve.
Yes, as one would expect, this 20 000-acre conservancy is teeming with animal and birdlife, all of which can be enjoyed on three-hour morning or afternoon game drives. Or both. It’s entirely up to you.
And don’t worry, you won’t go hungry or thirsty while cruising the thornveld or grasslands – tea, coffee, hot chocolate and muffins (probably the best I have ever tasted) will see you through the morning drive, while drinks and snacks on the afternoon outings while you watch the sun go down couldn’t be better. And if you are in the company of ranger Jonathan Caisley, your experience will be both educational and entertaining.
Morning drives are followed by a hearty breakfast. It’s all there – cereal, fruit, yoghurt, cold meat, cheeses, croissants, muffins, toast… And if that’s not enough, a full cooked breakfast follows.
Then take time out for a relaxing lie by the pool or avail yourself of one of the massage treatments offered at the lodge.
Nambiti is also in close proximity to a number of battlefield sites, among them Spionkop, Vaalkrans, Wagonhill and Tugela Heights. There is also the Siege Museum, Clouston Memorial Garden and the Talana Museum. Visits to these attractions can be arranged.
Other activities in the area include golf, canopy tours, white water rafting, mountain boarding and biking, and horseriding.
Far too lazy for anything quite so strenuous, we decided to visit the Kwa Cheetah Breeding Project.
Situated in the reserve and run by Des and Elizke Gouws, Kwa Cheetah offers hands-on encounters with these most beautiful creatures, as well as leopard, caracal, serval and African wildcats.
The breeding programme aims to help with the repopulation of cheetah in this country, as well as the care and rehabilitation of other abandoned wildlife.
This hour-long excursion is an absolute must and we were very happy we had decided to forego any extreme sports in favour of visiting Kwa Cheetah.
Back at the lodge, it was time for lunch, another mouthwatering affair.
We spent our afternoons lazing about reading before heading out on the evening game drives. Having watched nature waking up with the the sun, we were eager to see how beautiful it looked on its journey down. We weren’t disappointed.
Back in our room to freshen up before dinner, we couldn’t believe our eyes – there before us was a steaming hot bath filled with rose petals and candles. What a treat! I don’t know where the housekeeping staff are at Springbok lodge, you never see them, things just seem to happen magically.
Refreshed, we headed for dinner – a choice of two starters, two mains and two desserts, followed by tea or coffee – a delicious, hearty meal. Chefs Siya Jaca and Bongani Zondi are on top of their game when it comes to Springbok’s menus.
Before turning in we joined other guests for a nightcap around the roaring fire in the boma to share stories about the day’s sightings. What a perfect end to a magical dream.
If You Go...
Getting there: Take the N3 from Durban, then the Bergville/Colenso R74 (R103) off-ramp. Turn right towards Ladysmith and follow directions for the N11 to Newcastle. Turn right on to the D45, then right at Y junction on to the D46 until you see the entrance to Nambiti.
Rates: April to August – R1 395 per person sharing; R795 children aged three to 11. September to December 15 – R1 495 per person sharing, R895 children aged three to 11. December 16 to January 15, 2014 – R1 895 per person sharing, R1 195 children aged three to 11.
Contact: 036 637 9604, 083 3210375 or visit www.thespringboklodge.co.za - The Mercury