One of the things I love about what I do is discovering hidden gems. The uber-chic Moledi Gorge is one such treasure. Built high on a cliff, in a malaria-free private reserve near Derby in the North West province, this five-star lodge overlooks a spectacular gorge. Retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows throughout the lodge […]
For Africa infects the soul And sets ones senses free Its special gifts – sight, sound and smell Pervade incessantly… (Extract from a poem by E. Dibb) What better place could there be to experience the magic of Africa than your own private bush villa overlooking the meandering river, in the magnificent Madikwe Game Reserve? […]
A weekend away is always a pleasant prospect to look forward to and when the destination happens to be a five-star hotel in the countryside, then one’s eager anticipation can be forgiven. I had been to African Pride Mount Grace Country House & Spa twice before and was looking forward to a weekend of pampered […]
We heard the leopard call. It was a distinctive sound not unlike that of wood being sawn. He was marking his territory. Then we heard the baboons anxiously barking to each other, warning of the leopards proximity. We sat in our stationery Land Cruiser, surrounded by the star-studded black night sky, our ears pricked for […]
Read my latest article for A Luxury Travel Blog on 5 amazing experiences in the African wild
It is said that construction on Kwa Maritane began centuries ago...The lodge is built on the slopes of an ancient volcano in the area now known as Pilanesberg Game Reserve and is overlooked by huge granite boulders. I had been to the reserve for day visits before but had never stayed there. According to recent polls […]
This is the best of the North-West Province. From food and accommodation to entertainment and activities, it’s all covered. Do Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris There are few more magical experiences than a hot air balloon ride as the sun appears over the horizon. As you drift lazily with the wind, enjoying the panoramic views, […]
A pair of crocodiles chased each other as a fish eagle looked on. Ducks quacked around the waterhole and a couple of herons stood haughtily amid them. A dazzle of zebras and a herd of wildebeest arrived to quench their thirst. A bit later, a parade of what seemed like over a hundred elephants came […]
The Hot Air Balloon Experience We drifted lazily with the wind, up and away, enjoying the panoramic views of the beautiful Magalies River Valley. The early morning serenity and tranquility was punctuated only by the occasional chirping of birds and the frequent burst of flames into the hot air balloon . We spotted the popular Hartbeespoort […]
The beauty was spectacular. I was surrounded by 2400 million year old mountains. Thirty metres below me, a pebbled stream ran through the gorge, flanked by mini-waterfalls. The air was fresh and the sun was shining through the trees. Forest birds and animals peered at us inquisitively. I was engulfed by an exhilarating feeling of […]
I was kissed by an 18 year old elephant. It was a big, wet, slobbery kiss, but it was delightful. I had to feed him oranges first, though - he took one from my hand, I threw the second one into his mouth and he took the third from my mouth with his trunk. Yes, […]
There are few more exciting ways to start one’s day - a 5am outdoor shower followed by hot coffee and muffins then an early morning game drive. The radio cackles into life as the network of rangers across the reserve begin communicating with each other. We hear the word Makhanyane repeated frequently and we set […]
