Kruger National Park Floods

Taken at Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge

While all rivers have subsided and no infrastructure is currently threatened, SANParks has decided to block access to the Kruger National Park (KNP) for all day visitors, as officials will not be able to locate them should they be stranded. The park is also urging guests to exercise caution around rivers as crocodiles are likely to be in flat areas.
Thank goodness the rain has stopped but there is another cyclone developing off the Mozambique coast and we are all hoping this does not bring more rain to this area. The problems are not over as the mopping up begins, there are numerous lodges who have suffered flood damage, some loosing entire rooms and a few lodges severely damaged and there are also the lucky lodges with no damage. The major problem is now access and the game drives, even if the lodge is okay getting to some is impossible and once you get to the lodge they can not go on game drives as the roads have been washed away and are to muddy to drive on even in a very capable 4x4. The plus side is guest can go on walks and experience the bush this way.

The other good thing is Game Reserves like Pilanesberg and Madikwe situated in the north west of South Africa have not been affected at all. So while the damage in the Greater Kruger Park is being repaired and this may take months – some lodges have decided to close until July 2012 – if you want a genuine safari experience you can visit one of these great “Big 5” reserves.

To book your safari in Pilanesberg or Madikwe please contact GoSAfari

Ulusaba

Sir Richard Branson's Private Game Reserve, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is located in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Reserve.

Ulusaba has 21 rooms and suites spread over two lodges. Rock Lodge is 'Heaven in Heaven', perched high on the summit of a hill with views over the South African bush below. Nearly 500 metres away is Safari Lodge, known as 'Heaven on Earth'. Built along the banks of a dry riverbed, Safari Lodge guests cross swing bridges between the exquisite tree house style rooms. For the ultimate experience, guests can share their time between both lodges.

Most of the staff hail from the surrounding villages therefore guests benefit from authentic South African hospitality. The Ulusaba family of 119 individuals includes some of the finest and most qualified rangers and trackers in the reserve, who guarantee the experience of a lifetime on game drive. Ulusaba delight in going the extra mile for all our guests!

Chitwa Chitwa

Nestling into obscurity around the largest lake in the reserve, one of Chitwa Chitwa's most endearing features is its seamless integration into the surrounding African bush through its ideal location and design. Guests can be assured of superlative game viewing from the main lounge and dining areas as they are rendered invisible to the various groups of wild animals that congregate at the waters edge in the mornings and early evenings.

Chitwa consists of 8 suites, 1 family suite and the 2-bedroomed Chitwa House, all decorated in a sophisticated contemporary style. Chitwa House is an exclusive luxury villa, beautifully decorated. The House includes a lounge, dining room and secluded pool and has its own private ranger and Landrover.

Children all ages are welcome. Each suite can accommodate up to two extra beds for children under the age of 12 years.

Simbambili

Unparalleled Luxury in an un-spoilt Environment...

Simbambili Lodge is situated among dense stands of knobthorn and jackalberry trees along the meandering Manyeleti River in the northern part of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, part of the world-renowned Kruger National Park.

With its 8 Moroccan-styled suites that have been sensitively designed to blend with the environment and carefully positioned to enhance privacy, this is a must for the romantic at heart. Each suite with its own plunge pool and Sala overlooking the watering hole.
This exquisite Lodge is famed for its regular Leopard sightings and abundance of general game species as well as extraordinary bird life. With the Lodge accommodating a maximum of 16 guests, public areas carefully designed to resemble hospitality akin to a comfortable home with specially prepared meals and venues for entertaining and relaxation. Amani African Spa offers holistic signature body, skin & beauty treatments
No children under 12 years accepted unless the entire lodge is booked.

Sabi Sabi

In the heart of the African wilderness lie four luxurious safari lodges that each epitomize style, comfort and opulence. Thrilling safaris, plush surroundings and gourmet cuisine combined with Sabi Sabi's legendary five star hospitality ensure that each and every guest experiences true African magic during their stay.
Sabi Sabi reserve also offers a choice of 3 camps and has a philosophy 'yesterday, today and tomorrow'.
The 'yesterday' part is seen in the romantic Selati Camp a favorite for honeymooners.Decorated to recall the reserve's historic past, it has a colonial charm. Fashioned in a colonial "Out of Africa" style, this exclusive lodge comprises eight opulent thatched suites, each with full bathroom en-suite and private alfresco shower. World-class cuisine is served on wooden thatched decks, in the open air "boma" or in the "farmhouse kitchen".

'Today" are the contemporary Bush Lodge and Little Bush Camp. Bush Lodge has 25 suites done in exquisite ethnic decor. The en-suite bathrooms feature al-fresco as well as glass-fronted indoor showers, affording wonderful views of the bushveld. Huge viewing decks are the ideal setting to relax while spotting game, bird watching, or cooling off in the filtered pools.
Little Bush Camp is more intimate with only 6 luxury suites each with a private viewing deck and heated spa bath overlooking the riverbed, Complete with luxury furnishings, full bathroom en-suite, indoor and outdoor showers and air-conditioning. It is an exclusive safari camp, offering luxury accommodation for family, friends, or small groups with unparalled intimacy and seclusion

Earth Lodge (pictured) being the 'tomorrow' features ground-breaking and forward-looking design. The building is almost invisible in the landscape as it's been sculpted into a slope. Home to 13 ultra-luxurious suites, the lodge breaks with traditional bush lodge style to create a masterpiece of artistry and innovation. Each of the suites features individually designed furniture, private plunge pool, en-suite glass fronted bathroom, indoor and outdoor shower and butler services.The outdoor boma, its walls sculpted from tree roots and piled up piece by piece, captures the drama of the African night and evokes the power of the wilderness.
Children of all ages welcome at Bush Lodge and are permitted at the other 3 lodges only if booking exclusive use.

To arrange your once in a life time safari to Sabi Sabi contact Go Safari

Lion Sands

Owned & run by the More family for over 4 generations; access to both the Sabie and Sand River ecosystems with good Big Five game viewing has 3 lodges to choose from.

Ivory Lodge - The award winning Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is ultra luxurious, yet simple and uncluttered. The lodge is about overriding exclusivity with complete privacy, where each suite is operated as a private villa.

The Lodge comprises six generously sized privately situated villas, each with a separate living room, heated swimming pool and an open plan en-suite bathroom with an enclosure for the outdoor shower – 6-star luxury in the middle of the bush.

River Lodge - The rooms at River Lodge offer respite and protection from the Lowveld heat. The interior is a tranquil, cool in the summer, cozy in the winter. There are 18 luxurious thatched bedrooms with en-suite bathroom, outdoor & inside shower & wooden viewing deck. The rooms are linked to all areas by raised wooden walkways.
The public areas at River Lodge offers guests, wooden viewing decks, a secluded bird hide, a magnificent River Island Deck built on the river, Lalamuka Health Spa & gymnasium.

1933 is an exclusive-use lodge with 4 spacious suites, each opening onto views of the Sabie River and represent a secluded environment where comfort and relaxation are the order of the day. The bathrooms are just as inviting. Ideal for family groups, a children’s dormitory, able to sleep up to 8 children, with his and hers bathroom and an inter-leading bedroom for an au-pair.
If this sounds like your dream home, that’s exactly what 1933 at Lion Sands strives to be: a gracious home away from home – with a few added luxuries, including your own private chef and ranger, with the exclusive use of a 4x4 Landrover for safari game drives.

No children under 10 years at River or Ivory Lodge. 1933 welcomes children of all ages.

Contact Go SAfari to arrange a stay at Lion Sands for you.

Singita

Singita has two lodges in the Sabie Sands and both enjoy superb location overlooking the Sand River. Each lodge has 12 secluded suites with private heated swimming pool all with their own en suite bathroom and shower, outside shower, double-sided fireplace, mini bar and fridge, room mini safe, air-conditioning, overhead fans, private lounge, direct dial telephones and game-viewing deck they also offer traditional open boma dinners, gymnasium, health spa, library and wine cellar.

Children of all ages are welcome at both camps

Singita Ebony Lodge
The secluded thatched suites are the epitome of elegant comfort, with rooms styled with an eclectic mix of colours, fabrics and textures. A colonial feel with Egyptian linen, African throws, antiques and modern luxuries combine to create a homely, lived-in feel. From the vast wooden deck to the pool overlooking the Sand River, it’s not uncommon to see elephant, buffalo and antelope grazing only metres away at any time of day. Perhaps this is where the notion of an ‘armchair safari’ was perfected...

Singita Boulders Lodge has a contemporary air of tranquillity that honours Africa in an authentic way. Guests can enjoy wrap-around views from most parts of the natural stone lodge, and the lookout deck offers the perfect spot from which to observe wildlife drawn to the Sand River.

Tariffs include all-suite accommodation, three meals per day, all drinks, including premium wines, spirits and liqueurs (excluding champagnes) and open Land Rover safaris accompanied by experienced guides and trackers.

Want to come and expeience this worl class lodge, contact Go SAfari to arrange this amazing experince.