Showing posts with label Eastern Cape Safari. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eastern Cape Safari. Show all posts

11 July 2007

Nguni River Lodge - Addo, South Africa


Guests at Nguni River Lodge are welcomed by a spectacular view over a pristine floodplain with the majestic Zuurberg Mountains as backdrop. Nguni River Lodge is situated in the malaria free Addo Elephant National Park within an hours drive from the coastal city of Port Elizabeth. This luxurious destination offers extraordinary biodiversity with a wide variety of outdoor adventure activities.

The luxurious Nguni River Lodge is an eclectic combination of architectural shapes, textures and colours combined with modern individually styled interiors. Each guest suite boasts a romantic bathroom with an opulent stone bath and outdoor shower, private balcony and swimming pool. From the privacy and comfort of your suite, sightings of Africa's abundant wildlife can be seen on the floodplain below.

The malaria free Addo Elephant National Park offers a world of extreme bio-diversity in one great park comprising of a 240 000 hectare terrestrial and a 120 000 hectare marine zone. Africa's abundant wildlife is without a doubt the main attraction at Nguni River Lodge. Experience close encounters with both the Big Five and numerous smaller animal, bird and reptile species on either game walks, horseback safari's or open game drive vehicles led by professional game guides.


Addo Elephant Park
Situated in a malaria free area just one hour's drive from the South African coastal city of Port Elizabeth, the magnificently diverse Addo Elephant National Park offers a wide variety of game viewing, outdoor adventure, accommodation and cultural experiences. You will be amazed at the variety of natural landscapes and wildlife species that can be experienced in one easily accessible destination.
You've heard about Africa's Big 5 - the elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo. Well, the Addo Elephant National Park is about to become the only wildlife park in the world where you can view Africa's Big 7 in their natural environment - Yes, with the expansion of the park, you will be able to see the Big 5 plus whales and great white sharks - all in one great park comprising a 240 000 hectare terrestrial zone and a 120 000 hectare marine zone.
Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape is the only province in South Africa, and one of the few places on earth, where all seven biomes (major vegetation types) converge. Key attractions include:
The rugged beauty of the Wild Coast.
Port Elizabeth, sunshine capital of the Eastern Cape with its friendly people and excellent beaches.
The Tsitsikamma National Park, forests and rivers.
East London, South Africa’s only river port, originally established as a supply port to serve the military headquarters at King William’s Town.
The village of Qunu, former President Nelson Mandela’s childhood home.
The world’s highest bunjee jump (180 m) at the Bloukrans Bridgeon the Storms River.
Outstanding, and varied, game reserves: the Addo Elephant, Mountain Zebra and Mkambati parks.
South Africa
South Africa performed very well in 2003 compared with global markets – the country posted a 4.2% increase in overseas arrivals and a 1.2% increase in total foreign arrivals (some 6.5 million arrivals) from 2002. Often described as “a world in one country”, South Africa offers the visitor a breathtaking variety of scenery, from desert and lush forest, to soaring mountains and vast empty plains. Culturally as diverse as the landscape, many visitors are drawn to experience for themselves the miracle of the peaceful overthrow of Apartheid. Others are attracted by endless golden beaches, big game, diving or snorkelling or bird watching. Whatever their reasons, visitors will find South Africa positively inviting, with world-class infrastructure, transport and accommodation.



06 January 2007

Bukela Game Lodge

Bukela Game Lodge is situated in the malaria free, 6000 hectare Amakhala Game reserve just 40 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth. The Owners, Deon & Elsa Truter, have for many years dreamed and envisioned such a place, where one could relax and partake of the splendor of the African bush whilst still enjoying quality service and comfort.
Having both explored most of the South African reserves extensively, they chose “this place of great admiration” in order to realize their dream, not only for its magnificence but also because it would offer their guests an opportunity of discovering the Eastern Cape which is of significant cultural and historical importance.
In addition, the proximity of the coast to Bukela Lodge offers guests the opportunity of enjoying the bush and discovering the pristine beaches of the Eastern Cape. In creating the Lodge, Elsa Truter has drawn on Africa itself for her inspiration in designing and decorating the lodge where ever possible. This theme extends as well to the cuisine offered which is both traditional and contemporary African cuisine.. The lodge therefore offers the guest a true African experience encompassing all of ones senses, and not tempered by Western or European influences except where comfort and service are concerned. In this regard, guests can expect every service they would expect of an exclusive 5 star international establishment.

Accommodation at Bukela Lodge is luxurious and of an International standard. The main lodge comprises of a reception, dining and sitting area with a central fireplace which is always welcome in winter, a media and library area with Internet, television, dvd player, games and books and a large wooden pool deck overlooking a small dam frequented by buffalo. A separate area known as a “boma” adjoins the main lodge where bush braais and special festivities may be enjoyed.The four suites, each individually styled in African simplicity while never compromising on luxury, sleeps 2 guests and are privately located separate to the main lodge. Each suite is well appointed for a guests’ optimal comfort with every amenity including large, en suite bathrooms each with a spa bath overlooking the African bush, an indoor and outdoor shower for the more adventurous, a central fireplace for romantic evenings, a private wooden deck, bar fridge and hot drink amenities. Beds are King size or 2 singles depending on guest requirement. All suites are air conditioned while bar fridges and automatic kettles are an added convenience. All our suites are luxurious but the “honeymoon suite” with a huge four poster mahogany bed can be reserved for that special occasion.

Game that maybe viewed include White Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Serval, Giraffe, Black Wildebeest, Zebra and more than 12 species of Antelope. Smaller game include Bat Eared Fox, Vervet Monkey, Bush Pig, Warthog, Aardvark, Aardwolf, Spring Hair, Porcupine and Tortoise. Approximately 250 bird species may be viewed in the area including the rare African Finfoot and include many raptors such as the Fish Eagle, Crowned Eagle and Jackal buzzard. A variety of snake and insect species may also be discovered. Flora and fauna is typically African valley bushveld punctuated by colorful wild flowers specific to the area.

The word “Amakhala” is a Xhosa name given to the regal Aloes which proliferate here. With their striking orange flowers, this well known medicinal plant grows in abundance in the reserve. Flat savannahs and riverine forests offer a variety of habitat for game and the area has 20 small dams and 17 kilometers of the Bushmans river winding through it. From a historical perspective, Bukela Lodge offers their guests an ideal platform from which to explore and discover not only the many 1820 English and Dutch settlements in the surrounding area, but also stone age “workshops’ dating back 300 000 years. The first Stegosaur skeleton (Paranthodon Africanus) to be documented in South Africa was discovered in the Bushmans river valley less than one kilometer down river from the reserve. Bukela Lodge is situated in an area which was considered to have the highest concentration of game in South Africa before the hunting parties of the 1800’s changed this. Continued conservation endeavors and the shared vision of ‘turning back the clock’ has ensured that future generations will also be able to appreciate the splendor of the area. Eco- tourism has in part ensured this, but of equal importance is the contribution guests make when visiting the area towards the development of skills in previously disadvantaged indigenous communities. This has empowered communities to achieve economic independence, a sense of self worth and has further ensured a symbiotic relationship between man and nature.
Contact Lathita Expeditions for a African Safari to the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

24 December 2006

Thatchwood Country House - St. Francis Bay

Welcome to St Francis Bay and Thatchwood Country Lodge,



Situated at the entrance to the village of St Francis Bay over looking the golf course. Your hosts Harrie and Sarah will cosset you with warmth, in a relaxed home from home atmosphere, where nothing is overlooked - but the golf course.

On warm summer days you can relax at the poolside, whilst the cosy lounge invites friendly conversation around the fireplace in winter. The lodge is fully licensed and guests are invited to help themselves at the honesty bar. Superb buffet breakfasts are served in the enclosed patio, to the accompaniment of birdsong provided by the prolific birdlife in the natural vegetation surrounding the lodge.

Francolins, weavers, waxbills and a host of others will keep you fascinated when they come for their repast. Being near the St Francis Bay's golf courses 6th tee, the manicured greens and fairways stretch into the distance towards the sea providing a tranquil, extended garden to the tastefully thatched lodge.



Contact us for further information on the "Thatchwood Country House".

South Africa Accommodation – Namibia Accommodation – Botswana Accommodation – Zambia Accommodation
Cape Town Accommodation – Garden Route Accommodation – Eastern Cape Accommodation
Wild Coast Accommodation – Drakensberg Accommodation – Free State Accommodation

23 December 2006

Escape to St.Francis Bay

Explore St. Francis Bay in luxury - Beach Break Guest Lodge;


Beach Break, luxurious, well appointed secure beachfront accommodation with sweeping views of both Seal and Shark Point and easy access to the beach. Secluded outdoor entertainment area with swimming pools and Jacuzzi promise idyllic relaxation.


Cape St Francis, with its historic lighthouse, is a tranquil Eco – destination . The pristine beach, the mild temperature and the longest sunshine hours on the South African Coast ensure a relaxed all year round destination. Action or leisure, the choices are endless. Our sundowner cruise through the marina at St. Francis Bay has become a traditional highlight. On a less organised note, a trip to Seal Point Lighthouse (built in 1878 to warn ships of the dangerous reefs that stretch more than a kilometre out to sea. It is the tallest masonary tower on the South African coast standing at a height of 27.75 metres), with guided tours departing every 45 minutes, a round of golf at the nearby 18 hole links style course, bowls, squash, tennis, a visit to Port St. Francis home to the chokka (calamari) industry, or simply a stroll along the beach is all part of the Cape St. Francis experience.


For the more active all of the following are available: the Sand River with green emerald pools and big sand dunes, various paths through Irma Booysen fynbos Reserve, or the Cape St. Francis Nature Reserve at Shark Point, or, a walk to the Beacon with the most spectacular views.

For the more adventurous: Kromme River boat cruise, diving, deep sea fishing, sea and river kayaking, horse riding, guided riding safaris through Lambordini Game Farm and surfing to name but a few.The area is the ideal base camp enabling you to visit nearby Addo Elephant Park, Shamwari Game Reserve, Tsitsikama Canopy Tours, and the Kouga Cultural Centre or experience the ultimate thrill of Bloukraans bungy jumping .From this most southern point one is centrally situated to experience all the Eastern Cape has to offer.


Accommodation
- 3 free standing units all with a swimming pool.
- 12 en suite bedrooms are spacious, individually decorated.
- 6 have seaviews,
- 1 leads onto the Jacuzzi.
Room facilities – tea/coffee facility, hairdryer, safe, guest amenities.

Other facilities include;
- Satelite Television Bar Dinners on request- suggest seafood barbeque
- Internet access - Fax facility - Limited room service - Baby sitting on request - Laundry service - Airport shuttle - rates vary depending on number of guests
- Conference Venue

Contact Lathita Expeditions to find out more about the Beach Break Guest Lodge.

21 December 2006

Camp Figtree Lodge, Addo

Camp Figtree Lodge



Camp Figtree, a private game reserve set in the heart of Addo on top of the stunning Zuurberg Mountain range. This luxury colonial lodge with its breathtaking 270-degree views offers the finest in lodge cuisine and service in a style reminiscent of its previous bygone era. The game reserve is wedged between the Addo Elephant National Park to the north and east and the Riverbend conservancy to the South.


Camp Figtree is a remote, private lodge set on top of the stunning Zuurberg mountain range. Resting between a conservancy and the Addo Elephant National Park, the camp boasts the most breathtaking 270-degree views to be found in the Eastern Cape. Camp Figtree has been designed around its original 1920's traditional colonial building style. Historically, this includes the distinctive use of corrugated iron roofing and wide, sweeping verandas which provide areas for relaxed sociability. The lounge and dining room are intoxicatingly evocative of the romantic colonial era.


At Camp Figtree, four luxury suites offer guests the unique opportunity to experience exclusivity, privacy, and the gracious style of Old World elegance. Each bedroom is individually decorated, has a bathroom en-suite, and has a private veranda featuring stunning views. In addition, a separate luxury tented camp has recently been constructed. This camp is in close proximity to the main lodge, and has been designed to mirror the hey-day of the golden years of the East African tented safari.


MALARIA FREE AFRICAN BUSHVELDInternational guests will find comfort in knowing the entire region is malaria free. Evenings are spent in traditional African style around a unique "boma" with the sounds of the crackling fire and night noises drifting up from the lush valley below.


Presented by Lathita Expeditions; Camp Figtree, Colonial Luxury in malaria free bushveld of the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

19 December 2006

The Safari Lodge

The Amakhala Game Reserve is a Big Five, Malaria Free Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. On a recommended two to three day safari guests are enthralled with an abundance of wildlife and activities ranging from game drives to river cruises. This cooperative conservation initiative is an ideal safari experience that will round off your Cape Town, Garden Route visit to South Africa. A selection of owner managed, friendly, four star, bush lodges and gracious colonial houses offers a fantastic choice of accommodation.



THE SAFARI LODGE

Listen to the heartbeat and hear the rhythms of Africa at The Safari Lodge in the breathtaking Eastern Cape wilderness. The Safari Lodge is tucked away in a valley of indigenous bush at the northern boundary of the 6000 hectare Amakhala Game Reserve. Nestled between Shamwari Game Reserve and Addo Elephant National Park, its location is ideal for the best wildlife viewing South Africa has to offer. The Safari Lodge offers a three day package which, along with activities on Amakhala, includes a game drive into Addo and a day trip to Shamwari.


The landscape and elements of African tribal design influenced owners and artists, Mike and Justine Weeks, in their endeavour to achieve a holistic safari experience. This intimate thatched lodge with its unique air-conditioned safari huts offers all the comforts of a luxury four star lodge and is an undisturbed retreat where you can regenerate your soul and tune into the sounds of nature.


The Safari Lodge sleeps 12 people. In addition to the four original safari huts there are two new luxury suites complete with private plunge pools and separate lounge areas.
Canvas drop blinds open up the safari huts and the central lounge to views of a small waterhole where monkeys come to play and antelope and zebra to quench their thirst.


You can soak away the heat in a luxurious double bath with the sights and sounds of nature or splash off the dust in a double outdoor shower. Large beds draped with mosquito nets, sparkling wine on ice alongside a double bath filled with aromatherapy scented bubbles make this a favorite for honeymooners and the romantic at heart.


In the evening the haunting sound of the kudu horn will summon you to the fireside, to share tales of your day’s adventure and to enjoy award winning South African wines and local cuisine under a magnificent canopy of stars. Our resident chef will treat you with gastronomic delights presented with African flair to end off the perfect day.
The Safari Lodge’s warm and hospitable environment and the personal touch from friendly well-trained staff will create unforgettable memories.