Durban - Having recently enjoyed a visit to the Kruger National Park, it didn’t take me long to yearn for a return to the serenity of nature.
Mercifully, a serendipitous stay at Zulu Waters Game Reserve, nestled in the foothills of the Drakensberg mountain range, more than satisfied that desire.
Exclusivity and privacy set Zulu Waters apart – making it “your own private African retreat” as its website promises.
There are three overnight accommodation options: magnificent Shaka Lodge, quaint two-bedroomed Nandi House or romantic Lake Cottage.
During our stay at Shaka Lodge, our every whim was catered for. We were effectively offered exclusive use of the 3 000ha reserve, which served as a rather extravagant playground.
Upon arrival we were warmly greeted by assistant reserve manager Mike Weerts and personal chef Mbongiseni Makhaye.
Host Lesley Terwin soon popped in to ensure we had made ourselves at home.
The comfort and satisfaction of visitors clearly takes priority, and Mbongiseni quickly prepared us a couple of cappuccinos to go with his home-made crunchies as we settled down in front of a crackling fire.
That evening we were treated to a special performance by the Zulu Waters Dance Warriors. The group was formed nearly 10 years ago by Nathi Mvelase, who aimed to provide youngsters with a productive activity that also instilled a sense of pride in their history and culture.
Chatting to him around a boma fire, he said despite financial assistance from Zulu Waters, they lacked funding for their traditional regalia and transport, although whatever they received was used to help those in need.
One member, 16-year-old Mongezi Ndaba, has been dancing in the group for eight years. He has virtually no eyesight and needs corneal grafts in both eyes.
Zulu Waters is raising funds for his surgery and, needless to say, it’s humbling to watch the tall teenager perform without displaying any semblance of his handicap.
The next day we were able to further explore the wide expanses of the reserve – and a great way to do so is on horseback.
A two-hour ride took us through gurgling river beds and over the hillsides where herds of wildebeest, zebra and buck roamed, enabling us to view the reserve from a different vantage point while getting up close and personal with the wildlife.
Waterbuck, blesbok, red hartebeest and eland abound at Zulu Waters, but in the late afternoon we went in search of the more elusive Cape buffalo.
On a game drive with jovial field ranger Joe Sithole, we spotted a herd of the powerful beasts lurking in the undergrowth. They eyed us warily as we approached, with the setting sun glinting off their hides in what was a quintessentially African experience.
Although the drive had left us a little chilled, we were soon warmed up by one of Makhaye’s wholesome, hearty meals on our return to the lodge.
The talented chef, who learnt his trade at the Midlands Community College, brings new meaning to the words “service with a smile” and is undoubtedly the secret ingredient in Shaka Lodge’s recipe for success.
The kitchen has an almost unlimited supply of fresh produce that is sourced on site, from venison to organic vegetables and tasty fresh trout.
“My motto is ‘cook it now, serve it now’,” says Makhaye. “You see, we don’t even have a microwave in the kitchen.”
One of my favourites was a dish of perfectly cooked ostrich steak, served on brinjal and topped with caramelised onion and pepper sauce, accompanied by vegetables and roast potatoes. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.
On our final morning, after a wholesome breakfast served on Shaka Lodge’s wrap-around balcony that overlooks the surrounding plains, we mustered up the energy to head out on a guided walk.
With the sun on our backs, a cool breeze rustling the trees and breathtaking views of the Drakensberg, I found myself wishing time would stand still because there were still activities such as fly fishing and clay pigeon shooting that I had not yet had the opportunity to try.
But all good things must come to an end, and so it was with a heavy heart that I reluctantly began the journey back to my big city life and the inevitable sights and sounds of traffic and taxis.
For all reservations, enquiries or further information about the Zulu Waters Dance Warriors, call 036 352 0100, or e-mail [email protected]
Education trust:
Zulu Waters Game Reserve formed the Dalton Education Trust in 2008 as a way to give back to the surrounding communities of Dalton Bridge, Ezindikini and Mhubheni.
It has a specific focus on early childhood development, and aims to provide an intervention that addresses the current needs of the community, while also investing in the future of the area’s children.
The Sakhithemba Resource Centre at Dalton Bridge serves as an anchor point for the two educational programmes that have been initiated – a network of Early Childhood Educators and weekly Psychomotor Education classes.
These focus on giving children the skills they need when entering formal schooling, and to be confident individuals capable of achieving their full potential later in life.
Another project nearing completion is the construction of a new crèche in the community of Ezindikini.
l www.daltoneducationtrust.com
l Craig Lewis was a guest of the lodge. - Sunday Tribune