Five-star safari experience
Thanda Nature Reserve lays on royal treatment
prepared, paying homage to South African flavours.
During one of the nights, we had a bush dinner which happened to coincide with my birthday.
Boma and bush dinners take place twice a week, to give visitors an African experience. Bonfires and lamps set the tone for a memorable evening and Zulu dancers dazzled us.
We were told that the three neighbouring communities were close to Thanda.
The food was also delicious. I had some kingklip skewers, a tomato chutney that I loved and roasted vegetables.
For dessert, I tucked into my coffee birthday cake.
My “can’t stop talking about” activity was the photography session with photographer Christian Speka.
The session is included in the rate. Speka bases his sessions on the camera a person uses and throws in some mobile photography advice. It usually takes two hours. The bush walk is another treat for guests, who get to walk with some of the wild’s biggest animals.
Guests said they saw black rhino and buffaloes during their walk.
My only complaint throughout the trip was that I wished staff at the Safari Lodge were more friendly to locals than to foreigners.
Some dismissed us on several occasions. However, the staff at the tented camp were hospitable and friendly.
Since coming home, I have been raving about going back. Maybe this time I will see that leopard everyone loves to talk about.
clinton.moodley@inl.co.za