Revelling in the wild
Discovering the allure of a luxury private game reserve in Eswatini
Nestled in the south-eastern pocket of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve offers a sanctuary of unspoiled nature, complete with bush, a lake and mountain vistas.
I experienced the magic of this eco-friendly paradise as a guest for two days, which felt like a retreat into a safari wonderland.
Spanning 7000 hectares along Jozini Lake, Royal Jozini is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting over 330 species of birds and an array of animals.
The reserve features beautiful self-catering lodges, each equipped with modern kitchens and offering daily cleaning services.
However, the true essence of Royal Jozini lies in its vision for sustainable development. The reserve invites investors to buy plots and build their dream lodges, with opportunities ranging from lakeside to bush and mountainous terrains.
My journey began with a fairly easy drive from Durban to the Kingdom of Eswatini. Since it was my second time in the country, I knew the border-control processes would be quick and hassle-free.
What did surprise me though, was the quick drive from the border to the Royal Jozini — about eight short minutes to be precise.
On arrival, I was taken to a cluster of beautiful cabins to choose from at Kujabula Lodge, a cozy retreat overlooking the lake. As I sipped my drink — parched from the long drive — the tranquil water stretched out before me, making it seem like the perfect spot to build a home. However, when I had a sundowner at a mountain lookout the next day, that didn’t seem too bad either, but I will get to that part of the trip in a bit.
Day one started with a tranquil boat safari on Lake Jozini with lodge owner Mike Oldfield. This surreal experience offered sightings of crocodiles and hippos, and highlighted the lake’s reputation as a premier tiger fishing destination.
The reserve hosts annual tiger fishing competitions, emphasising a catch-and-release policy to preserve the fish population.
“I like this lake life,” I thought to myself.
After a delicious home-cooked meal, I retired to my cabin. A stunning, tranquil space. While my fear of snakes did keep me from falling asleep immediately, I ended up having a much-needed good night’s sleep. And boy did I need it because the next day was my game drive.
Navigating through Royal Jozini is an adventure in itself. A network of dirt roads connects every corner of the reserve, allowing for close encounters with elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas, wildebeests, bushbucks, warthogs and guinea fowl.
The highlight of the trip was definitely the six-hour game drive in an ancient Mercedes Unimog, repurposed from the movie Blood Diamond.
It was during this six-hour game drive that we met Asiphephe — a cool, timid and majestic elephant living in the Royal Jozini Game Reserve. This beautiful boy let us hover around him for almost an hour as he ate and wandered around.
As he walked slowly down the path, stopping ever so often and eventually leading us to our cabins and then continuing on his journey, I realised he really does live up to his name.
Asiphephe means safety and this ellie is one of the more relaxed and calming souls I have ever come across, definitely earning him his name. Weird, but I felt safe. Never mind that he is the largest living animal I have ever seen!
Jay Azran, the managing director of Royal Jozini, and our knowledgeable guide Thando Ndzimandze, shared fascinating stories about the reserve and its conservation efforts.
Azran’s dedication to conservation and sustainable development was inspiring, and the hospitality extended by everyone, from Ndzimandze’s expertise and funny safari stories to the warm conversations with lodge owner, made the experience genuinely memorable.
Royal Jozini is more than just a game reserve; it is a harmonious blend of natural splendour and human passion. With its expansive landscapes, rich biodiversity and commitment to sustainable living, it offers an unparalleled escape for nature lovers and investors alike.
Whether you choose to immerse yourself by the lake, find peace in the bush, or seek adventure in the mountains, Royal Jozini promises a unique and enriching experience.
For those looking to explore or invest, Royal Jozini is easily accessible, with King Mswati III International Airport just 120 kilometres away and flights from major South African cities.
The region is a low-risk malaria area and promises traveller’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa’s last country run by an absolute monarchy.
As I left this enchanting place, I knew that a piece of my heart would always remain in the wild beauty of Royal Jozini.