Venue SOUTH AFRICA
I had never really thought about visiting Africa or going on a safari, let alone follow a pride of lions as they went about hunting for prey; but that was exactly what I did.
If you thought this story would be more relevant for the National Geographic, nothing could be further from the truth as I discovered that Africa, specifically South Africa, hosts some of Relais & Châteaux’s most romantic and exclusive collections of premium hotels and resorts. And if you want a honeymoon with a difference, nothing could be dreamier than spending the most treasured moments of your new found partnership exploring the awesome wilderness of South Africa.
For those unfamiliar with Relais & Châteaux, it comprises more than 480 of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants in 56 countries. Selected from amongst the most renowned in the world, each showcases luxury and authenticity as an integral part of daily life. We were very lucky to be granted accommodation at three supremely luxurious resorts; Gorah Elephant Camp, an exclusive game lodge located in the heart of Addo Elephant National Park; Singita Ebony Lodges and Singita Lebombo Lodges, both located within Kruger National Park.
Gorah Elephant Camp
At Gorah Elephant Camp, we sipped tea on the verandah of a stately Colonial manor house while observing a herd of elephants cool themselves in a watering hole a stone’s throw away. Nearby, a papa and two baby warthogs made way for a herd of zebras crossing a small path which leads to the waterhole. Capturing the mystique associated with safaris we frequently see in movies, this exclusive resort delivers 5 star comforts without the overbearing influences of modern day amenities. Welcoming us home after an exhilarating game drive are romantic tented suites with en-suite bathrooms, an interior relaxation area and a private deck offering panoramic views across the savannah plains. There is no air-conditioning, television or electrical outlets but you will hardly notice their absence as the night air is cool, the view ever changing, and as the moon rises, be engulfed by sounds that both intrigue and engage your senses.
Relais and Châteaux prides itself in sourcing out the best in gourmet cuisine and here at Gorah, delicious and lavish meals are served in the elegant dining rooms of the Main House or during the day, on the old-style verandah. Enjoy your meals while watching the buffaloes bask in the sun and if you are lucky like us, a lion or two will approach the lodge and you will witness before you, the king of the land taking its rightful place beside the life sustaining waterhole. This is Gorah at its best!
Singita – The Miracle
Singita takes its name from the Shangaan word meaning, ‘The Miracle’, and in South Africa, there are five Singita lodges in two equally exotic parts of the country. Our next destination, Singita Ebony is located within the Sabi Sand reserve, a 56,000 ha concentration of big game, where the historically famous ‘Big five’, the buffalo, leopard, lion, elephant and rhino can be found practically ‘just round the corner’.
The local plane lands on a private strip five minutes from the main lodge. As we walk through thick foliage of fiery orange and red, the intense feeling of having truly arrived in Safari country sets in. Built alongside the banks of the Sand River, Ebony lodges are the epitome of stylish comfort. A deep eclectic mix of strong colours is evident throughout the resort and with traditional Egyptian cotton, linen and prints strategically placed, even modern luxuries such as air conditioning and an iPod based music system blends harmoniously to create a homely feel. There is a huge modern bathroom and outdoor shower area next to your own private pool overlooking the river. I again had the good fortune of spotting a hippopotamus emerge from the river and a few antelopes grazing along the bank. I now understand the true meaning of the phrase ‘armchair safari’, or in my case ‘bathtub safari’.
Much as I would like to spend all my time either relaxing in the lodge or savouring the culinary delights that is a trade mark of Singita resorts we were there for the Safari; for the opportunity to come face-to-face with nature.
Up at the crack of dawn, 5am to be precise, we set off with our guide, tracker and the ever dependable Land Rover. In just one outing, we managed to see the Big five (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino) and true to its reputation of being one of the most prolific wildlife areas in the world, we also saw giraffes, waterbucks, kudus and hyenas.
Little did I know that the final leg of our trip to this extraordinary country was perhaps the one that would leave 1 hour me with the greatest impression. Situated a mere 20 minutes away by air (1 hr 15 minutes from Johannesburg International Airport), Singita Lebombo is found on the far eastern reaches of the Kruger National Park, practically next to South Africa’s border with Mozambique. It offers 15 luxurious loft style suites with commanding views of the Nwanetsi River. Designed around the theme of an eagle’s nest, the lofts are bright, airy with floor to ceiling glass panels for optimum visualisation of the wildlife below.
The whole resort takes your breath away but it was not just the accommodation which made the lasting impression, it was the safari.
On one of the evening game drives, our very friendly and extremely knowledgeable guide, Jared, took us on the ultimate adventure of our lives. After locating a pride of six lions, our party followed the pride as it went searching for prey. You will not believe how close the Land Rover was to the lions, almost within touching distance, as the lions swiftly and quietly moved through the bushes. As the lions picked up speed, the Land Rover expertly driven by Jared followed suit. I could feel the excitement and the intensity of the pursuit just as if I was part of the pride and even though we had to leave without witnessing a kill, it was perhaps the most exhilarating experience of my life.
Would a safari in South Africa be an ideal option for a honeymooning couple? Absolutely! The level of service, the quality of the food and the creature comforts provided by all three resorts are of the highest standards. Spa treatments are available in all the Singita resorts for those who have to be pampered while on holiday but ultimately, the highlight must be a return to nature that only a safari can provide.
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