Who would ever have thought lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe and buffalo to name but a few, would once again roam our Karoo wilderness! If I were ever to design or own a lodge, Blaauwbosch would certainly be my blueprint. With the perfect balance between community up-liftment, wild life conservation and a lodge that caters for even the most discerning of travelers, Blaauwbosch is truly unique Africa safari experience.
With Garden Route Safari lodges being somewhat dime a dozen, Blaauwbosch has created something completely unique – situated on the edge of the Great Karoo, the scenery and flora at Blaauwbosch differs considerably to its Addo counterparts.
Craig and his team, Warrick, Warren and Tyrone are clearly very passionate about this place, and this passion shines through to deliver a safari experience comparable to any of the big names in the safari business. The bush and game are the primary reason our guests travel so far to visit our beautiful country so I was eager to get out and see what Blaauwbosch had to offer.
Bearing in mind I have been on few game-drives in my time, and having driven with a few safari legends I can understand any ranger being some-what apprehensive, but I can honestly say that Warren rates as one of the best Rangers I have had the pleasure of driving with, and reason enough to visit this beautiful reserve. Knowledgeable and passionate about every aspect of the Blaauwbosch project, our drives were interesting, eventful and highly rewarding.
Over and above your traditional game drives, Blaauwbosch offers Cheetah tracking – on foot – an unbelievable experience aswell as bushman paintings and walks in the reserve. The lodge itself is beautifully positioned at the base of the mountain with rolling lawns with a large inviting pool. While beautiful rooms and bathrooms can be found at most lodges today, Blaauwbosch’s rooms are spacious, inviting and are all very well appointed. The decks and day beds are so inviting, you’d be excused for never wanting to leave the sanctity of your room.
The service, food and wine simply compliment what makes Blaauwbosch such a special place. Privileged to have had the opportunity to experience what can only be described as perfect hospitality, we at Rhino Africa look forward to supporting everything this reserve stands for by sending many more Rhino Africa guests to this magical part of our country.
It is important to note that unlike Kruger, the establishment of a reserve in this area is a constant work in progress. Returning farm-land to wilderness, restocking it with game and developing an eco-reserve that supports and enhances the lives of local communities is no mean feet, and as such is deserving of our support in order to ensure the long-term success of up-liftment and wilderness creation is achieved.
To Craig, Warrick, Warren, Tyrone and the entire Blaauwbosch team, on behalf of the 12 Rhino’s that ‘crashed’ your lodge this weekend, Thank You so much for your hospitality.
The Rhino Team
