Mozambique and South Africa with Big 5 2018 Part 2
We had a lovely lunch before freshening up and going on our first game drive which started at 3.30 pm. Our ranger name was Clement plus we had a tracker. There were two other families in our jeep from other countries. On our first journey we saw leopard, elephant, giraffe and zebra.
We had a lovely Sundowner where we had free drinks including alcoholic/soft drinks with snacks. We were so pleased that we saw so many animals on our first trip. Our luxury tent lodge was amazing, and we had all the facilities of a modern hotel except for TV. Our lodge tent was called Bush Tuck where we stayed for two nights at Sumbavati on full board basis. We were not allowed after dark to go back on our own from the restaurant or after safari early morning for fear of animals roaming around. Our lodge was in an area where all animals can roam. My wife and other guests heard lions coming past our tent lodge during our stay, plus we saw hippos.
The food was also good at breakfast, lunch and dinner. There were choices at meal times with a buffet breakfast and hot breakfast to order. We had two game drives per day 5.30 am-9.30 am with early morning tea, coffee or hot chocolate and 3.30pm-5.30 pm with a Sundowner. Our game drive was in a Land Rover 4x4 and every time we came back we were given a cold/hot towel plus hot chocolate or any other drink.
The lodge had an outdoor swimming pool and spa, although we didn’t get a chance to use those facilities as most of time we were on safari or resting. During our time we managed to see the big five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) plus many more animals. I really loved this lodge, again the staff were friendly. This would be suitable for families, couples and honeymooners and we would stay here again.
On our final two nights we stayed at Camp Jabulani in superior suite room on full board basis. We were met by Andre at the airport and taken to Camp Jabulani. The journey from the airport was a 30-minute drive. When we arrived, we were greeted by Chantel and Stefan who gave us a welcome drink and cold towels, which was a nice touch. They explained about Camp Jabulani and the game drives. We had an amazing room with lovely open fire and beautiful open bathroom and shower plus private plunge pool. There were no TVs which has suited us throughout this trip. We saw monkeys from our room as animals can roam. We also had a welcome fruit bowl and every evening we had turndown service with bottles of water and chocolates provided.
The food was out of this world, probably one of the best meals we have ever eaten at any hotel restaurant. We love the idea that the chef was there for every meal time, to take any of your requests for meals. During breakfast we saw giraffe and wildebeest roaming close to our lodge, what an amazing experience to witness. We had our own ranger called Ruan. He was brilliant and we had a dinner with him on our last night. Ruan found some great spots for our Sundowner where we had free drinks including alcohol and snacks.
During our stay we managed to see the big five again plus cheetahs, wild dogs and vultures at The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre which comprises in excess of 100 hectares of natural bush and has established itself as one of the leading private research and breeding facilities for endangered species in the country. We also had an Elephant Experience where we met elephant keepers, each of whom had a fascinating story to tell about his unique and touching journey with the elephants. During this interaction, we had the opportunity to touch and feed the elephants, and to have photographs taken in very close proximity. We met up with the elephant herd as they enjoyed their last drink at the dam at sunset. A very special moment, where the view was as beautiful as the sight of the animals in such a relaxed and contented space. As the herd made its way back to the stables, we followed at a short distance (although Jabulani likes to linger behind with ‘the humans’).
The Jabulani Stables are unique as they have been custom designed and built for the herd. The Elephant Manager explained the stable layout, how it is cleaned and refreshed daily, and how the elephants are grouped into camps (based on their preferences), highlighting the relationship clusters that have formed within the herd. A particular treat is watching the babies at their bedtime.
We love Camp Jabulani as its fits in with Travel Counsellors ethos - it’s personal with us. All the staff and management team are so friendly and helpful. The lodge is a member of Relais & Chateaux and has a high repeat return of guests, mainly American’s who visit this lodge. We are definitely going back to this lodge as it’s pure luxury. All the staff really care at this lodge including the management team.
Both lodges are in Greater Kruger Park and are both different in their own ways. It was great that we saw the big five plus many more animals. This trip is once in a life time. The food and the staff have made this trip for both of us.
We would definitely do another safari in the future. We would need to save the pennies up as it’s not a cheap holiday! This trip was one of our top five holidays ever. Our highlight was seeing the animals so close including the lions and leopards. My wife plans to go back next year to do volunteer work at The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre as she loved this trip so much. Sadly, we had to return back home by flying with Cemair and Qatar Airways via Doha in economy class. Back home to reality.
A tip is to make sure you get your visa for Mozambique in London before you travel. No visa is required for South Africa. Also check with your GP about Malaria, we took anti-malaria tablets.
We would like to thank the following people for making this trip possible and for their kind hospitality. Loné at African Synergy, Megan and Davina at Machangulo Beach Lodge, Monique and Sue from Peermont hotels, Christen at Simbavati Safari Lodge and finally Adele at Camp Jabulani.