This month we review 10 affordable bush breaks we think you might enjoy. Here are just three of these tranquil Country Escapes.
1. Ingudlane Lodge
Dundee, KZN
Ingudlane Lodge promises the best of two worlds – the African bushveld and First World comfort. Just two kilometres outside Dundee in Northern KZN, it is within a private 1 900ha game reserve and set against a backdrop of mountains. Uncrowded and tranquil, Ingudlane offers quality accommodation in en suite double rooms adjacent to the main lodge, and three secluded self-catering chalets each with a swimming pool.
Sightings of wildlife grazing nearby can include giraffe, hippo, red hartebeest and more secretive critters like serval and caracal. Birding is excellent with over 90 species recorded so far. Adding to the appeal is that it’s central to the Battlefields Route and minutes from the world-famous Talana Museum. – Andrea Abbott
082 879 7734, info@ingudlane.co.za, www.ingudlane.co.za
2. nDzuti Safari Camp
Greater Kruger National Park
I was on a budget but wanted to show my family from England the best of SA’s bush experiences. Fortunately I saw an article on nDzuti Safari Camp in the Klaserie Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Thanks to its location, the abundance of game, the wide-open spaces and the warm welcome, I enthralled my guests, who continue to shower me with accolades after their long weekend there.
I chose to self drive and self cater. It was a long way but offered the ideal opportunity to view our scenic countryside. The camp has no fences between the various private parks, including the Kruger National Park. After about six hours from OR Tambo International Airport, we stopped off at the Bush Pub near Enkulu Gate before checking in. We took over the entire lodge which was spacious and had an understated elegance. Apart from the Big Five, of which we had sightings of four, it was the many other animal and bird species that excited our party of eight, as did the dazzling sunsets, picturesque landscape and charming, personal yet discrete hospitality. We left nDzuti with many happy memories. – Olivia Schaffer
083 382 5098/7, info@wildlife-encounters.co.za, www.ndzutisafaricamp.com
3. Gondwana Game Reserve
Mossel Bay, Western Cape
When one thinks Western Cape, vineyards spring to mind, so my surprise weekend getaway turned into a remarkable revelation. All I knew was that I was landing at Cape Town International Airport and I pictured long sunsets and sipping the best of the Cape’s wines. Instead I found myself on a four-hour picturesque drive to Gondwana Game Reserve’s unique, off-the-beaten-track bush villas. There is only one fynbos reserve in the world that is home to free-roaming Big Five game and this is it. The spectacular landscapes, abundant game and bird life, luxury accommodation, invigorating hikes and, of course, the spa treatments appropriately named Africology, made this a truly worthwhile destination.
We soaked up the great outdoors and views of the Langeberg Mountains from every angle and then, after glorious sunsets and sumptuous cuisine, we slept in comfort and peace. The area is malaria free and has a temperate climate. Next time we’ll stay a little longer and explore the coastal ambience of Mossel Bay, play golf and frolic in the ocean. This is a must for any bucket list. – Olivia Schaffer
021 424 5430, reservations@gondwanagr.co.za, www.gondwanagr.co.za
Source: South African Country Life
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