How to choose the best lodge for your experience?

How to choose the best lodge for your experience? 

There are many lodges to choose from and each seems as lovely as the next. Choosing a game lodge that meets your expectations is about more than just the location and the price. There are many more factors to consider and if you want to be certain that you’re getting a good once in a lifetime experience that will leave you with many happy memories.

Decide which reserve you want to visit as different areas have unique features that should be considered. Once you have chosen the area that meets your needs, you can select the reserve that is best for your visit and then choose a lodge that will enhance your experience.

Animals

You want to see wildlife and effective marketing has told you that you want to see the Big 5. Decide before hand what is important to you and what do you want to see. Then do the research to ensure that the particular animal you want to see is on the reserve you have chosen. If you want to see a good selection of animals and not necessarily all of the Big 5 then you have even more options available to you. Next decide how important it is to you that the animals are free roaming and not in enclosures and how important the conservation ethics of the reserve are. Finally, make sure you can see the animals you want to see in the place where you’re going.

Kichaka Game Lodge 

Setting

The setting of a lodge is often what makes it unique and can go a long way towards creating the atmosphere of a place. Consider whether you want a waterhole view, a view of the open plains, a river view, a dry riverbed view, a valley view or if you want to be secluded in the bush to feel part of the surroundings.

Chapungu Tented Camp

Style – Tented or not

Tented camps have evolved to offer a wide range of facilities and cater for even the most discerning traveler. Most tents are built on raised platforms, have large en-suite bathrooms and is a blend between canvas and concrete creating a secure yet intimate bush experience. Tented camps are ideal for the slightly more adventurous but are not suited to light sleepers. There is nothing like falling asleep to the sounds of the African bush but if you have a wild imagination, then you may prefer a quieter setting. Mobile safaris are the only ones who sleep in traditional tents. Modern camps with tented accommodation can often be some of the most luxurious and is a highly recommended experience.

Malaria and other medical concerns

Compared to city hotels, game lodge staff are usually better trained to act in a medical emergency and have a back up company to assist with urgent airlifts to the nearest hospital. If you require any medicines or need to be close to a hospital for whatever reason, then ensure you choose a lodge that has suitable access and is not located in the deep bush. Malaria is a serious risk to travelers visiting a tropical and subtropical area. Infected mosquitoes deliver a deadly bite, but not all mosquitos are dangerous. Be aware of the risk of malaria to the area you are traveling to. Take precautionary measures to reduce your chances of being bitten. Discuss your travel plans with your doctor and comply with the prophylactic prescribed, preferably one that won’t affect your safari experience. If you become ill with flu-like symptoms, after traveling to a malaria risk area, see a doctor immediately.

Family safaris at Jaci's Safari and Tree Lodge

Who is going with you?

The size of your group and the reason for your trip will influence your choice. If you’re a single traveler, find a lodge that is social, caters for single travelers and won’t be filled with newlyweds and couple orientated events. The age of the children you are traveling with will play a large role in choosing your lodge. Game drives are typically three to four hours long and this may be a bit long for the younger minds who can benefit from a shorter drive focused on their curiosities. If you’re a group of friends traveling together it may be worth your while fining a property that you could book exclusively and if you’re on honeymoon you may prefer a smaller property where you will be left alone.

The Spa at Royal Malewane

How long to you want to stay?

The length of time you have available and the amount of time you want to spend in the bush, will affect the type of lodge you select. Some lodges recommend a two night stay others recommend a four night stay. If you are on a tight schedule then it is recommended to stay for two nights. Should you decide to stay for longer than two nights, then look for a lodge that offers more than game drives such as walks, spa treatments, daily excursions or other activities.

Driving, walking or on horse back?

There are different ways to encounter the animals of the African bush and each holds its own appeal to various travelers.

Vehicle Safari

Game drives take place from the comfort of a vehicle and you can usually select a guided drive or a self drive. The most popular safari option is a guided game drive, ideal for first time visitors. Specially adapted 4x4 vehicles drive along a complex road network and some times, off road all in search of the perfect National Geographic style wildlife sighting. Trackers sit on the front of the vehicle and use animal tracks to seek out animals while qualified game rangers take you up close to the animals. The ranger and tracker have an extensive knowledge of the animals and their surroundings and can usually answer any question you may have about animals, plants or bird life. Some vehicles have a roof structure which keeps out the sun during the summer months and protects you from rain in the winter months. The open vehicles are better for a view of the animals and bird life but are more exposed to the elements. The 4x4 vehicles are usually comfortable with essential items such as blankets, ponchos and water being supplied.

Should you choose to visit a National Park or another reserve where you can drive yourself through the wildlife area. The roads are usually well maintained and your small rental should survive the trip, however, the lower vehicles may not have the best view over the bush thicket. If you do decide to take a self drive, remember to obey the rules and to stay in your vehicle at all times. Please note that many private game reserve do not permit guests to drive their own vehicles through the reserve

Walking Safari

Often combined with a vehicle safari, the walking safaris are always conducted by an experience guide who will be armed. Visitors are usually not permitted to walk on their own. On a bush walk, you have the opportunity to experience the sounds, the smells, and the smaller aspects of the bush life. You can see animals in their tranquil environment but you have less chance of seeing the Big 5 up close. You won’t get as close to an animal as a vehicle would, but there is a thrill in seeing an animal at eye level.

Horseback Safari

Ideal for those who love horses and have experience as a rider, this is unique way to experience the bush. Enjoy getting close to an animal, in the quiet setting of the bush, without the hum of an engine. You need to be confident and able to control a horse as they are regarded as natural prey and predators such as lions could stalk them.

Elephant back safaris

Quiet and gentle, this is an inspiring experience from the high vantage point of the largest land animal. Not very common, the elephant back safaris are highly trained in the bush and in handling elephants in the wild, allowing you to get up close to other animals in the bush. You will certainly enjoy the privilege of meeting an elephant this intimately.

Luxury or Rustic

Some lodges will cater to your every whim while others offer you a comfortable bed and a warm meal. Decide how important the level of service, the standard or comfort and the quality of cuisine is and then find the lodge that suits your needs.

Lodge of the Week - Royal Madikwe

Royal Madikwe

Pure Exclusivity

Royal Madikwe is a particularly luxurious lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve that is only offered as an exclusive use camp for small groups of up to 10 people. The experience here is built around the guest with the lodge offering completely flexible meal times and safari activities built around the guests preferences (due to having no other guests to compete with). The main lodge overlooks a small waterhole. The lodge has many focal points from the outdoor relaxation area to the open boma and attached bar. There is a specific children’s room which is suitably furnished and a decent kiddies’ programme is offered to give parents some time to themselves. There are multiple dining options in and around the lodge which are usually rotated every day so you never eat in the same place. The standard suites are lavishly decorated and contain all the typical luxury items a guest could ask for. The Royal Suite is palatial and is more of a mansion than a room. It is a completely private 2 bedroom villa with its own pool, kitchen, study, TV room and so forth. Guests have the options of indoor or outdoor showers and baths. As one would expect from such an establishment the service is excellent and the staff will go out of their way to accommodate guests in this fashion.

Madikwe Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s premier game viewing destinations and covering 75 000 hectares is the fourth largest in the country. The reserve is in a malaria free area and is situated in a transition zone between the arid Kalahari of the west and the rugged bushveld of the east. Madikwe thus hosts a pleasant variety of habitat types which in turn results in an excellent diversity of animal species. Royal Madikwe is located in the western sector of the reserve where the thickly vegetated sickle bush thickets are broken apart by the rocky Tshwene-Tshwene hills and patches of open plains. Madikwe is famed for its African Wild Dogs and it is one of the best places in Africa to have a chance of seeing this predator in the wild. All the Big 5 occur on the property and the lion viewing is excellent. Although still elusive, leopard sightings have been improving. Elephants and both Black and White Rhino are commonly seen and the bird life of Madikwe is outstanding.

Royal Madikwe is the perfect destination for families and small groups of up to 10 people looking for an intimate, ultra luxurious and completely private and personally customised safari experience.

RATINGS BREAKDOWN
Core Ratings:	Sun Rays
Lodge and Camp	8.2
Safari Experience	7.0
Service	8.6
Facilities	6.9
Unique Rating	6.9
Conservation	5.7
Social involvement	7.5
OVERALL RATING:	8.7

Read more about Royal Madikwe and other unique properties on The Game Lodge Index

Our favourite Homestead style properties - Part 1

Homesteads offer a very different safari experience. Often, these properties can only booked for exclusive use and are an ideal option for a group or a family. Converted building or purposefully built to feel like a private home, homesteads are something special. Here is The Game Lodge Index selection of favourite homesteads (Part 1) in no particular order.....

The Homestead - Kariega


Colonial Elegance

The Homestead is a newly renovated 100 year old farmhouse in the malaria free Kariega River Valley in the Eastern Cape. The house acts as a private lodge and comes with its own hostess, chef, guide and game viewing vehicle. One has to book out the entire Homestead and this allows for a private and exclusive stay which caters for the guests every whim. The lodge consists of a well equipped kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining area, bar with satellite television and a refreshing pool. There are five comfortable, en suite rooms where the lodge sleeps up to ten guests and there are staff on hand to assist in cleaning and changing bedding.

Shamwari - Bushman's River Lodge 


Homestead living

Bushman’s River Lodge offers 4 rooms inside a renovated farmhouse. The building has retained most of the old farmhouse charm which is reflected in the classic décor. Delicious meals are served around a communal table either in the old dining area or outside on the porch. On alternate nights, guests can enjoy a meal in the outdoor boma that overlooks the Bushman’s River below. Satellite TV, an honesty bar (tabs are settled at the end of one’s stay) and internet access are available in the two lounge areas of the lodge. The lawn and swimming pool are protected by the building and gardens allowing guests privacy from any passing vehicles or animals.

Djuma - Galago Camp

Self-catering in the Sabi Sands

Galago is the perfect retreat for small groups looking for an exclusive safari experience in the Sabi sand Game Reserve. As the lodge is self-catering guests are expected to bring their own food and to cook for themselves in a basic kitchen, but a chef from the other Djuma camps can be hired at an additional charge. The lodge has five spacious and en-suite bedrooms, two of which have both showers and baths while the remaining three have only a shower. There is an additional room for a guide. The lodge is an old homestead and looks up on to a small waterhole in an open area. There is a small plunge pool and ample outdoor cooking space around the camp fire. The lodge is serviced daily by four maids, one game viewing vehicle is provided along with a personal guide and tracker. Game drives are flexible and can be scheduled around the guest’s time preferences.

Singita - Castleton Camp


A Family Affair

Castleton was the original homestead of the Bailes family – the original owners of Singita – and as such is steeped in historical significance. The homestead overlooks a vibrant dam and the camp itself is surrounded by shady and serene lawns, having lost none of its traditional charm since becoming a commercial operation. Although it is not as extravagant or lavish as its more renowned sibling Singita lodges, it is a fine lodge in its own right, being open plan in design and extremely spacious. The six en-suite bedrooms are basic yet tastefully furnished. Meals and activities are flexible and scheduled around each group’s needs. There is an impressive selection of activities at the lodge to keep even the most restless guests entertained. These include a recently refurbished tennis court (racquets and balls provided), a trampoline and a pool table

Shamwari - Lobengula 


Elegant Opulence

Lobengula is a prestigious lodge situated in a thickly vegetated hill side in the northern sector of the Shamwari Game Reserve. The main lodge and six independent suites are nestled around a pool, entertainment and garden area. The bedrooms are spacious and lavishly decorated. There is an alluring poolside bar to enjoy a cocktail during the heat of the day and a quaint wine cellar which is open for wine tasting. For those who smoke there is an excellent smoking lounge with a dining and entertainment area that is separate from other common areas in the camp. Health facilities at Lobengula include an adequate gym, steam room, sauna and a small health spa offering a variety of beauty treatments and massages. In addition there is a short nature trail around the camp where guests can stretch their legs and take a gander at some of the smaller fauna and flora.

Manor at Samara

Modern chic in the ancient Karoo

The Manor at Samara in the Samara Private Game reserve is an exclusive use camp catering for private groups or families of 1 – 8 guests. The design and décor is modern and the interiors have an urban living feel. It is in stark contrast to the rugged terrain that surrounds the lodge. There are various lounge and relaxation areas. Guests can spend the day between game drives and other activities lazing by the inviting pool or on green lawns. The food and staff are great and your hostess will ensure your stay is as perfect as possible. Four rooms within the main homestead are all en suite and generously spacious

For more information on these properties or to find your ideal destination, please visit 

The Game Lodge Index

Fun Facts about Servals!

Photo courtesy of PMdTPhotography

 Servals (Felinae serval) have the largest ears and longest legs in relation to the size of their body of any cat.

Photo courtesy of Warrenaken

Their fur is yellow, gold to reddish with black spots that often merge to form stripes on the neck and back. Their ears have horizontal stripes. The stomach is usually lighter color than the rest of the body. They have a long neck and a small head.

Serval cats are diurnal or nocturnal depending on the habits of the prey where they live

The serval’s hind lets are longer than the front ones.

A serval can leap in the air to catch birds.

Photo courtesy PMdT Photography

The main threats to servals are hyenas, leopards, dogs and man. Sometimes they are hunted for their pelts which are passed off as immature leopard pelts.

Modern molecular DNA analysis indicates that servals maintain their own unique lineage descending from the same Felid ancestor as the lion, and though the serval shares common traits with the cheetah, it is the cheetah which is thought to have descended from ancient servals

The serval is native to Africa, where it widely distributed south of the Sahara

Photo courtesy Mike Dos Santos

Although the serval is specialized for catching rodents, it is an opportunistic predator whose diet also includes birds, hares, hyraxes, reptiles, insects, fish, and frogs.

Like the Cheetah, the mother raises her kittens alone and must leave them frequently to hunt. When the cubs are large enough to hunt, the mother will drive the males away from the family first

Solitary in habits, except when mating or when a female is accompanied by her young. Serval scent mark their large home ranges of 15 - 30 square km. Home ranges are not exclusive, but occupants avoid  contact

Serval kitten. Photo credit: Sniktawk

 The serval’s preferred habitat is moist, tall grasslands, often associated with wetlands. This preference results in a patchy and localized distribution.

 Servals' large ears act as radar dishes to locate food. These cats listen for the movement of animals in the grass before they pounce. It is believed that they use their ears as much as their eyes.

Individual servals can be identified by the unique pattern of spots, stripes and rings on their fur because no two servals have exactly the same markings

Photo courtesy Martin Benadie

The serval, one of 30 species of small cat, is sometimes referred to as the “Savannah Stalker” because of its superb hunting skills on the grasslands of Africa

Ancient Egyptians worshipped the serval for its power and grace

Servals are successful at hunting about 50% of the time – a higher success rate than lions.

Would you really want to see a kill?

This is a guest post by Neil Steedman from Jaci's Lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve. The original posted appeared here

Would you really want to see a kill?

by Neil Steedman – 19 October 2010

A wild dog kill such as this might sound exciting, but in reality it can be quite a gruesome affair

For most of us a wildlife safari holds the promise of a share in the magic and serenity of nature. However, many people soon learn that nature can sometimes be raw and ruthless.

Nature has many things to offer us if we take the time to enjoy its bounty: beautiful landscapes, magnificent animals, interesting small creatures, breathtaking sunsets and sunrises! 

All of this is great, but ask any newcomer to the bush what they would like to see most, and the answer is often, “I would love to see a kill!”

But would you really?

It is often the excitement of seeing the chase, the classic hunter vs the hunted. It’s the anticipation created when a lioness crouches in the grass, ears folded back as she intently stalks her prey.

Out on a game vehicle everything goes quiet as everyone holds their breath and some will the impala to spot the feline predator, while others hope the lioness will make her kill.

Slowly, on silent paws, she creeps nearer ... then suddenly dust fills the air, as the lioness breaks into a full sprint, then everything blurs and the only sound you hear is your heart beating. Then there’s silence.

It is only once the dust settles that you see her, alone and without her intended quarry. This time the impala has escaped and will live to see another day.

For most people, this scenario would represent an exceptional game drive. But what if she caught her prey? Would you want to witness the gory death of another animal?

I had the privilege of watching wild dogs kill a kudu. Although it was an amazing sighting, it was also exceptionally gruesome. We watched as three dogs caught the kudu and disembowelled her while she was still alive. 

Doesn’t sound quite as exciting anymore, does it?

But it is not for us to judge the ways of the wild, for we are merely spectators in this particular game of life.

Read more about Jaci's Safari Lodge

Photo of the Week - Lion by Nicole Lloyd

Photo courtesy Nicole Lloyd Photography

Reviewer Diaries: Part 2: Machampane and the Palarangala Wilderness Trail

Part 1 of the reviewer diaries can be read here

The Palarangala Wilderness Trail

The Palarangala Wilderness Trail is a 3 night, 4 day walking trail set on the Lebombo Plateau not too far from Machampane Wilderness Camp and is in the heart of the region where large numbers of game where recently re-introduced including buffalo, elephant and various antelope species. The Limpopo National Park is a wild, raw and rustic destination and although game viewing is not as good as in the Kruger National Park the wilderness experience and authentic African feel makes the visit worth it. The Palarangala site where we stayed was set on the banks of a dry riverbed amongst mopane and tamboti trees. We were treated to a relaxed braai and some cold local 2M beers (not to be missed) and fell asleep to the sounds of the African bush under a breathtakingly starry sky.

The morning started with a bush walk - the duration and length of these can be tailored to fit in with a group’s preferences. Our guide on the walk was a South African guide named Jonty whilst our local armed ranger from PNL was Jose Luis. Jose was armed with an AK 47 which was slightly different from the traditional .375 and .458 rifles usually carried by guides. He assured us that the automatic weapon, stocked with 17 rounds, was more than enough to take care of a situation. We were joined by a Swedish group who had arrived at Machampane the day before. Although not much was seen we came across a number of fresh tracks including those of two young male lions, a large male lion and a lone elephant bull. Jonty described how he had walked into the two large male lions that have been frequenting the area for sometime the week before as well as buffalo and some elephant. After the trail we packed up the camp and moved onto Machampane Wilderness Camp.

Machampane Luxury Tented Camp

Machampane is a fantastic rustic tented camp situated on a beautiful section of the Machampane River surrounded by fever trees and rocky formations. The river is frequented by superb birdlife, large barbel (cat fish) and crocodiles. The camp consists of five comfortable tents (sleeps ten) all with great views of the river below, a main dining deck and an outdoor boma.

The walk that afternoon was to the confluence of the two rivers which was very scenic and a nice break from the typical dry and grey bush we had seen so far. A good number of game species was seen as well as some excellent birding. Scratching about at the bottom of an African Fish Eagles nest produced some interesting prey items including barbel and tilapia remains as well as those of a large rodent which we could only guess was a cane rat. The walk ended with a stop at one of the few large Baobab trees found in the region.

After a refreshing hot shower it was again time for a beer or 5. We relaxed in the outdoor boma with our new Swedish friends, who turned out to be very entertaining, whilst the staff prepared a braai with potatoes and vegetables. Dinner was held on the main deck and was served by the Shaangan ladies. The waitresses announce each course in a charming and amusing manner which went something like this 

-“Lookey nice, 

tastey nice, 

smelley nice…. Bon appetite”

That night we fell asleep to the cries of jackal, baboons barking and the sounds of crocodile hunting fish in the shallow waters.