5 Star – Outdoor South Africa

Oct 31

by admin in 4 Star, 5 Star, Private Game Researve 0 comments

Thanda Safari’s Tented Camp

Thanda Safari's Tented Camp 95%Impression on Arrival90%Location85%Room90%Service95%Value90%Dining Introduction We found ourselves heading North on the N2 from Durban on our way to Thanda Safari Private Game Reserve’s Tented Camp on a stunning Friday afternoon, after a few days of rain in KZN the sun was out and not a cloud in the sky. We had been itching to get to Thanda Safari for a while now with many reports of fantastic game sightings and as Northern Zululand is not a part of the world we are particularly familiar with, we were excited to see what the weekend had in store. Thanda Safari is easily accessible in any vehicle and about a 3 hour drive from Durban. On arrival we were greeted by Lorraine and introduced to the staff while sipping a welcome drink in the lounge of the lodge. Having arrived a little late and wanting to take advantage of the stunning weather, we decided to skip the afternoon game drive and spend some time photographing and hanging out at the lodge. The Lodge & Rooms The lodge is laid out in a very traditional format with a large lounge, bar area and dining room overlooking a rim flow pool […]

Aug 03

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NAMBITI SPRINGBOK LODGE

Nambiti Springbok Lodge 80%Impression on Arrival80%Location90%Room85%Service90%Value85%Dining Introduction So it has been a year since we were last at Nambiti, somehow it felt longer, but now once again we were packing bags and camera gear for our trip to beautiful Northern KZN. Our team has expanded a bit and with all the gear finally packed we hit the road from Durban in convoy, in our Jimny and Subaru, heading for Ladysmith. As is the case with most winter days in Natal, we enjoyed the most spectacular weather on our drive. Due to some team member commitments in Durban on Friday morning we only left at about 11:30 and were planning to arrive around 3:00, hopefully in time for the afternoon game drive. The drive was mostly uneventful and the road, even the last 5km of gravel, is very easily accessible even in a normal sedan type vehicle. It was with a little trepidation that we were travelling to Nambiti again - don’t get me wrong, we all absolutely love this place, and that was sort of the problem. We were a bit worried that Nambiti would not live up to the high expectation we had created and built up for it […]

May 21

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Sossusvlei Desert Safari

Sossusvlei 100%Impression on Arrival100%Location90%Room100%Service90%Value100%Dining And Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Our road trip finally over we arrived at the Lodge. With huge anticipation we drove up the last few meters of the road up to the lodge and paradise beckoned. Perched high up overlooking the desert plain the lodge has been beautifully integrated into the surrounding environment. The lodge is located in the Namib Desert situated in the southern part of Namibia. From the lodge the wide expansiveness of the desert stretches out for miles, with the rugged terrain of mountains in the distance. The heat of the day was still intense and as we walked into the coolness and serenity of the lodge we immediately felt the stress of modern day living ebb away. The view was breathless with the vast array of colors that jumped out at you; it was a feast for the eyes. The lodge wraps and winds it way with wide open expansive areas that allows guests to experience the beauty of the environment while enjoying the luxury of the lodge. Rooms / Accommodation The Lodge can accommodate a maximum of 20 guests in ten suites. It is small and intimate with every aspect of your […]

Dec 15

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Nambiti Plains Private Game Reserve

Nambiti Plains Private Game Reserve 80%Impression on Arrival85%Location95%Room90%Service85%Value85%Dining Arrival We left Durban heading for Ladysmith on a blistering hot KZN summer morning, the humidity turned into dry heat as we headed up the N3 away from the coast. The drought South Africa has been experiencing has not spared this part of the world, the grass and trees look dry and the landscape that is normally bursting with green at this time of the year is a brownish grey colour. At the Nambiti Memorial Gate we were greeted by our friendly ranger, Dave, who showed us to the visitor parking and then loaded our luggage onto the back of a game viewing land rover. After a short trip on the back of the Landy in the 34 degree heat we arrived at the Nambiti Plains Lodge to be greeted by Jessica, the assistant manager, with an ice cold beverage and a cold face cloth. The Lodge Jessica showed us around the lodge which as the name suggests looks over the beautiful Nambiti Plains. The lodge offers all the luxuries one would expect while maintaining a certain rustic charm reminding us that we were in fact out of the city and […]

Nov 16

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The Last Word

THE LAST WORD 80%Impression on arrival 90%Location 90%Room 85%Dining 90%Service 90%Value The Last Word groups of boutique hotels are unique in many ways. Three different and unique locations in the Western Cape offer the discerning visitor and intimate and secluded five star experiences The three locations are in the famous Franschhoek region, the upmarket suburb of Constantia or at the charming seaside village of Kommetjie. From the exterior of all three properties any passerby would not give them another moment’s notice. Behind the seeming less plain façade belies an experience waiting to be relished. The group is part of the international chain of the iPrefer Group, and certainly lives up to their standards. Constantia Kommetjie Franshhoek The Properties Each property has its own unique features and qualities that distinguish it from the other. The Constantia property is set in the heart of the beautiful and charming Constantia allowing guests for easy access to the heart of the mother city. The grace and charm of the area are echoed in the overall ambience of the property with attention to detail in all aspects of the service. The accommodation on offer is wide and varied from elegant suites, to family suites, pool […]

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Oct 25

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Umngazi River Bungalows

UMNGAZI RIVER BUNGALOWS 80%Impression on arrival 90%Location 80%Dining 85%Room 85%Value Arrival Kick off your shoes” whispers Umngazi as we approach the reception area to check in for our seven day get-away. Port St John’s is down the road, only a few kilometres away. We’re on the Wild Coast, one of the unspoiled areas of our country. There is a certain comfortable calmness amongst the guests, both young and old, that have already found their ‘relax mode’ and have made themselves at home in one of the 69 bungalows that the resort lays claim to. Six categories of bungalows (some inter-leading), all of which offer tea and coffee facilities as well as on suite bathrooms with outside showers, are tastefully decorated and perched on the hillside overlooking the Umngazi River, the gardens or the sea. Accomodation We head towards one of the few sea-facing deluxe bungalows (Emlonyeni) which is front row and near the river mouth, presenting us with a panoramic view of the beach and ocean. We’re set away from the main hotel and our ‘adults only’ bungalow offers privacy and peacefulness. On our site we find a private communal lounge come dining room, which treats guests to a set-menu […]

Aug 03

by Outdoor SA in 5 Star, Private Game Researve 0 comments

Phinda Private Game Reserve – Forest Lodge

Phinda Forest Lodge 95%Service95%Dining95%Impression On Arrival 95%Location90%Room 90%Value Intro A Father’s Day gift of two nights at Phinda Forest Lodge certainly beat the usual “socks and jocks” gift and it was with much anticipation that I headed onto the N2 with my bush gear and a pile of photographic equipment – oh yes and the family in the passenger seats! Having been fortunate to visit Phinda Private Game Reserve on a few occasions previously, although not at Forest Lodge, I was interested to ascertain whether this Lodge would meet up to the standards of my previous Phinda experiences.Forest Lodge is situated in the Northern section of the reserve and accordingly access to the Reserve via the town of Hluhluwe is the recommended route – which I endorse. We were met at the entrance with a courteous greeting from the security guard and there was no hesitation on his part in dealing with our names on his list – leaving us with no doubt that our arrival was both expected and welcomed It occurred to me what an underrated aspect of a guest’s experience this greeting is, because it really sets the tone for one’s visit. Feeling as if we […]

Apr 13

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Qambahti Mountain Lodge

Qambahti Mountain Lodge 55%Impression Upon Arrival65%Location55%Room55%Service55%Value55%Dining Introduction Never having visited the Kamberg area before we set off with great excitement looking forward to a weekend of peace and tranquility. Once we had turned off the N3 towards Rosetta we started to feel the stresses of the city ebb away as the open expanses met our view. The sign 'Welcome to the Kamberg valley' coincided with the lush green valley that wound its way on either side of the road. The other sign beware of potholes certainly rang true as we had to focus and manouvre our way through the mirrad of potholes that loomed large around every corner. Not being able to soak in the beauty of the winding valley and and expanses of water due to the treachous road, we looked forward to arriving at our final destination. Departing from Durban the trip is about two and a half hours. After turning off the 'tarred road' at the Kamberg Rock and Art Centre sign, you need to travel on a gravel road for approximately 1.9 km's before arriving at the lodge. Arrival The lodge is set against the back drop of the Drakensberg mountains. Having entered the property the […]

Mar 20

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Hyatt Regency

Hyatt Regency 80%Impression on Arrival90%Location80%Room80%Service70%Value69%Dinning Location Situated in central Rosebank the Hyatt Regency Hotel is very much a city hotel with clean and modern lines. It is close to OR Tambo International Airport, bring 25 km's by car, or one can catch the Guatrain direct from the airport to the Rosebank Guatrain station. It adjoins Firs Shopping centre allowing you direct access from the hotel. Valet parking is offered on arrival. The Hotel The cosmopolitan mix of modern architecture and an African eclectic decor offers the visitor an interesting contrast. High vaulted ceilings add to the sense of arrival. The hotel has 224 suites and rooms offering the traveller a variety of options from which to choose. The rooms have a modern clean feel to them while offering the traveller all the necessary modern amenities. High speed internet connectivity is offered to all guests. To unwind and relax during your stay the guest can take advantage of the roof pool, gym and Armani Spa. During our time at the hotel their dining facilities were not available undergoing a revamp. We ate dinner at the nearby Grill Room in the adjacent Firs Shopping Complex. The shopping complex offers the […]

Mar 19

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Le Franschhoek

Le Franschhoek 90%IMPRESSION ON ARRIVAL90%LOCATION85%ROOM90%SERVICE80%VALUE90%DINING Arrival From the moment your vehicle drives into the Franschhoek valley you feel as if you have been transported into the vignerons of France. Drive through the town past and around the Hugenout Memorial and up through the mountain, you are soon greeted by the stately Cape Dutch architecture of the Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa. Accomodation With its clean white lines and thatched roof, a warm welcome awaits your arrival. The hotel offers a wide range of different types of accomodation from standard rooms, to luxuary rooms, suites and villas. Large and welcoming grounds allow for a feeling of openness and space allowing the vistor to absorb the grandeur of the surrounding mountain side. The lovely verandah the runs the length of the main hotel complex provides you with the opportunity to relax and unwind sipping a drink while you soak in the ambiance of the views. For the more strenuous ones a swim in the pool offers a chance to cool off from the warm summer sun depending upon the time of your visit. Dining The hotel offers three choices of dining for the traveller. The area is known […]

Thanda Safari’s Tented Camp

NAMBITI SPRINGBOK LODGE

Sossusvlei Desert Safari

Nambiti Plains Private Game Reserve

The Last Word

Umngazi River Bungalows

Phinda Private Game Reserve – Forest Lodge

Qambahti Mountain Lodge

Hyatt Regency

Le Franschhoek

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