Perched on a hill in the Nambiti Conservancy, Umzolozolo Safari Lodge is an exclusive piece of bush heaven.
In close proximity to KwaZulu-Natal’s famous battlefields, here you can indulge your passion for wildlife and grab a piece of history while you are about it.
Just two-and-a-half to three hours from Durban, Umzolozolo, named after the African hoopoe, is one of nine game lodges in the 10 000ha Nambiti reserve, where the big five roam and the birdlife soars. Or runs, in the case of the francolin. Strange little bird.
The five-star lodge, in the very capable hands of David and Debbie Peckham and their attentive staff, is an intimate affair, accommodating just 12 guests in all the luxury you would expect from an establishment of this calibre.
Walking through the tastefully decorated lounge-dining room area and on to the thatched verandah, one is confronted with an infinity pool that drops straight into the African bush below and beyond, as far as the eye can see. You just know it’s going to be a good weekend.
The five rooms, one with two bedrooms (perfect for a family), are all equipped with airconditioners, tea and coffee-making facilities, mini-bar and satellite television.
And the bathrooms? Who wouldn’t want to spend all day in an outside shower with views like this. But then we do have water to conserve. Fear not, though. If you prefer things a little more private, there is a full indoor option, with just as grand a shower.
What better place to relax after a three-hour 6am game drive, followed by all the breakfast you can eat.
Debbie is in charge of the kitchen, and a fine job she does.
Light lunches are served around 2pm, prior to which you could visit a local cheetah rehabilitation project or head back to your room to indulge in a massage.
The lodge offers a range of treatments, from foot to full body and, interestingly, an iTonga stick massage, described as being suitable for men. Yes, a good beating never went amiss.
And your masseuse, in this case Bridget Khiba, comes to you, so you can just fall asleep in the comfort of your own “home” after she is done.
If you feel up to another game drive, pile in at around 4pm and head into the reserve with your ranger for sundowners, African sunset-style. Brad Sheldon was our guide and the man knows his stuff. He also makes a mean hot chocolate on the morning drives.
Then it’s drinks on the verandah or deck next to that very inviting pool with a view, followed by a four-course dinner, a real treat.
If you feel like a little romance, the lodge will do a romantic dinner in your room or in the boma.
Unfortunately for us, the weather gods put paid to our planned dinner next to the boma’s impressive firepit, but we didn’t mind, we were just happy to be here.
After all this hard work, head for your room, throw on that fluffy white Umzolozolo bathrobe, pull up a chair on your private deck and tuck into the sherry and chocolates that await you. Oh, and don’t forget to take another outside shower!
Just another fabulous day in Africa.
Why don’t we do it again tomorrow, Umzolozolo style… - The Mercury