It was time to leave the office – we had been behind our computers too long and the African bush beckoned. So after an early morning flight to Port Elizabeth and a quick visit to the stylish and brand spanking new Shamwari Townhouse on the beachfront (note to self: must return for the cigar bar and private cinema), we made our way to the Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
We arrived at the 25000 hectare reserve just in time for an ice-cold drink on the terrace of Long Lee Manor. My hangover quickly disappeared as the bush rolled out before us with antelope littering the almost endless plains. It was the African bush and it smelt good. We made short work of a site inspection and then settled down for a superb lunch inside the austere dining room – the first of many smorgasbords to fill our stomachs over the next few days. Then we hopped into a game vehicle with our trusty ranger Christo who showed us white rhino – Shamwari must be one of the best places in the world to view rhino – bathing hippos, giraffes and more before we arrived at the family-friendly Riverdene Lodge. With wonderful views of the Bushmans River and well-appointed rooms, we were impressed.
Up next on our whirlwind tour was Bayethe Tented Camp – where Samantha, one of our newer recruits with the drinking potential of a thirsty camel – used to work for a few years. Having sung the praises of Bayethe almost non-stop, we tried our best to prove her wrong but to no avail. A wonderful lodge with tented accommodation with private decks and plunge pools, and funky hammocks overlooking the bush, it was hard to drag Samantha away. Until we offered her a drink of course! Jokes aside, it was a pity we couldn’t stay the night.
Onward and upward we continued, stopping for a South African sundowner as the sky turned crimson and a chill wafted through the evening air. A few drinks warmed us up slightly before we made our way to Lobengula Lodge, spotting an elephant wandering around the entrance. This was our overnight stop and we checked into spacious and elegant rooms before gathering around the fire for a few glasses of wine. And then a few more. A buffet supper followed with a sterling selection of African meat and an awesome accompaniment of salads, soups and stews. Shooters soon followed and the night took a festive turn as the crash of Rhino Africans erupted in the bush.
The next morning was less lively though a slap-up breakfast helped remedy matters. We finished off our Shamwari adventure with a visit to Eagles Crag, arguably the most exclusive of the lodges, with luxury rooms and private decks nestled below a dramatic cliff. Each lodge we visited offered something different but with a touch of class. And with some pretty good game viewing, it is certainly one of the best Malaria Free Safari destinations around.
We left Samantha behind and made our way back to reality.
