Overview

Xugana Luxury Lodge is situated in The Okavango Delta which braids across 15 000 km² of Botswana’s Kalahari Desert, providing an oasis to an abundance of wildlife. In the permanent delta, the myriad of sparkling waterways coil amongst reed and papyrus beds, and open unexpectedly onto tranquil lagoons fringed by wooded islands.

Xugana Lagoon is widely accepted as being the most spectacular permanent water site in the Okavango Delta and Xugana Island Lodge is located in a private concession in its heart. The lodge, on a wooded island in the Xugana Lagoon, nestles beneath the shade of old wild ebony and African mangosteen trees facing the shimmering waters of the lagoon.

This exclusive reed and thatch structure blends into the surrounding landscape, and offers spectacular game viewing in an area rich in birdlife, wildlife and scenic beauty. Xugana prides itself on faultless service, comfortable accommodation, mouth-watering cuisine and attention to detail.

This luxuriant establishment is ideal for solo travellers, couples looking for a romantic getaway and groups of friends wanting to experience sumptuous surroundings in one of the most beautiful and diverse areas of the world.

Accommodation

The recently refurbished Xugana Island Lodge accommodates a maximum of sixteen guests in eight reed and thatch ‘Mesasas’. The rustically elegant chalets are on raised timber platforms and open onto private decks with spectacular views over the shimmering lagoon. All the chalets are en-suite and offer walk-in showers.

Wildlife

Xugana Island Lodge borders the Moremi Game Reserve, which has diverse habitats supporting a wide variety of animals. As well as possible sightings of wild dog, leopard and cheetah, other resident species include lion, elephant, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, hyena, zebra, kudu, red lechwe, sable and roan antelope.

Bird-watching is excellent throughout the year. Reed cormorant, African darter, Eastern white pelican, African spoonbill, Goliath heron, egrets, glossy ibis, sacred ibis, storks, geese and ducks are just a few of the many species that have been recorded in the area.

More Info

Children
No children under 6 years old are accepted.
Children aged between 6 and 11 pay 50% of the adult rate, and children aged between 12 and 15 pay 75%.
Children above the age of 15 pay the full adult rate.
There are no child-minding facilities at the lodge.
Families with children aged 6 to11 will need to book private activities at an additional cost.
Children aged under 16 must share accommodation with a parent.
Please Note:
Xugana Island Lodge camp closure 01 February 2017 – 01 March 2017

Directions

• BY AIR:

• Xugana Island Lodge is located near Xugana Airstrip which is accessed by charter aircraft from Maun International Airport (IATA: MUB) and Kasane Airport (IATA: BBK).

• Kasane Airport is served by daily road transfers from Zambia’s Victoria Falls (IATA: VFA) and Livingstone (IATA: LVI) international airports.

• AIRSTRIP INFO:

GPS Coordinates: 19.2169444 (latitude) 23.0766666 (longitude)

• Privately owned and maintained by Desert & Delta Safaris, Xugana Airstrip is 900 metres long with a grass and sand surface and is licensed for aircraft of a maximum all-up weight of 2,300 kg.

• Prior written permission must be obtained from Desert & Delta Safaris before landing.

• Guests arriving and departing by aircraft or boat transfer are limited to a baggage allowance of 20 kg per person in soft sided bags (duffle type bags).

Overview

Balule Game Reserve, in the South African Limpopo province, forms one facet of the extensive, 23 000 square kilometer Kruger National Park biosphere. Hugging the Olifants River, 410 meters above sea level, this reserve is home to an impressive collection of 500 exotic and varied bird species, more than 380 recognised tree species, and 150 mammal groups. The impressive ecozone and rolling landscape are the perfect topographical formula for a romantic stay in the bush – a veritable fest of sights, sounds, exciting safari drives, and amazing nights spent recounting the day’s events around a fire as the sun sets.

The Zulu phrase for paradise is “Ezulwini” – appropriate in relation to the Ezulwini Game Lodges. Alive with the rustle and shimmer of local plantlife, Ezulwini stands as a tribute to the lush and mysterious bush in which it makes its home. With a diverse selection of habitats atrracting guests and enthusiasts from across the country, standing proudly as a member of the Kruger National Park conservancy. This riverine wonderland is the perfect vantage point from which to spot the Big Five, or soak in the crisp, clean air of the Kruger’s famous lowveld.

This is an ideal place for solo travellers, couples and families to experience the wonders of the Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Accommodation

Ezulwini’s  game lodges provide a wonderful cross section of the local landscape – from Billy’s Lodge, flanked on all sides by impressive indigenous vegetation, to River Lodge, affixed as it is to the banks of the mighty Olifants River.

Billy’s Lodge provides luxury, thatched accommodation, with twin bed chalets and en-suite bathrooms, intimate living areas, air conditioning and overhead fans, tea and coffee making facilities, mini-bars, insect proof screening, and DSTV televisions. Sleeping up to ten guests, this riverside lodge also boasts a crystal clear swimming pool

River Lodge offers a series of thatched chalets, all with twin beds, with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning and overhead fans, satellite televisions, tea and coffee making facilites and mini-bars, and elegant insect screens. The lodge accommodates up to fourteen guests.

Wildlife

From the reserve’s impressive hippo population, to the Big Five, and less common sightings such as the honey badger and civet cat, Balule reserve is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream come true.

Adding to the experience are the abundant and colourful bird populations that guarantee a trip out into Balule’s surrounding bush is one you’re not likely to soon forget.

More Info

Children
Children 12 and over pay the full adult rate. Children under 12 pay 50% of the adult rate.
Ezulwini’s Lodge is unable to accommodate children under the age of 6 .

Excludes:
Balule Nature Reserve Entrance Fee of R50 per vehicle and R100 per person (subject to change)

Directions

Travel from Johannesburg on the Witbank Highway N12 – turn off at Belfast and head towards Dullstroom- Lydenburg – follow the R36 to Ohrigstad, go through the Strydom Tunnel and take the R 527 to Hoedspruit. Turn left onto the R 40 Phalaborwa / Mica road.

At approximately 17 kilometres from Hoedspruit, look for the thatched gate on the right hand side of the road which is the entrance to the Balule Nature Reserve – Olifants West Gate, then sign in at the gate.

BILLYS LODGE GUESTS:

Continue approximately 3km straight along Olifants Road, and turn left at Sable Road, continue for another approximately 2 kilometres and turn right at the Ezulwini sign just before the seasonal river.  Follow the road to the Lodge.

RIVER LODGE GUESTS:

Travel straight down the Olifants Road for approximately 10 kilometres until you see the sign for Ezulwini River Lodge (about 1.5km’s after the Pondoro sign).  Turn left onto the River Lodge road.  You will travel roughly 8 kilometres  following the markers. Please note that it is under an hours drive from the Balule Gate to River Lodge. Kindly note that all of the roads within the reserve are sand roads.

Overview

Kololo Game Reserve in the Limpopo region of South Africa, encompasses some 3000 hectares of African bush, consisting of savannah plains and rambling bushveld set amidst Limpopo’s river-valleys. Situated with direct access to Welgevonden Private Game Reserve, on the border of the renowned Marakele National Park, its pristine bushveld surrounds make Kololo the ideal habitat for a wide variety of game, including the famous Big Five.

Settled comfortably in luxurious chalets nestled in nooks of untouched bush, or hilltop villas that offer sneak-previews of the passing wildlife, visitors to Kololo will enjoy not just a tranquil getaway but a once in a lifetime African game experience.

This safari lodge is perfect for solo travellers, families, groups of friends.

Accommodation

A number of stylish villas and chalets make up the accommodation at Kololo, all positioned to enhance privacy and ensure relaxation. Hidden in tranquil nooks of the woodland vegetation, and surrounded by luscious lawns often grazed by passing antelope, the stylish simplicity of standard chalets provides comfortable accommodation to suit anyone’s budget.

Their panoramic view of the pristine bush makes the roomy luxury of deluxe villas, with their own swimming pools and outdoor barbeques, perfect for maximum relaxation.

Wildlife

While the Waterberg is perhaps one of South Africa’s best-kept safari destinations, there is no shortage of wildlife or biodiversity here. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the incredible range of geography and ecosystems make the Limpopo a hotspot for wildlife conservation, while the added attraction of being situated in a malaria-free zone is an additional draw for both local and international tourists.

An abundance of indigenous flora supports the 300 species of birdlife and variety of game from antelope found grazing on the savannah plains of Welgevonden, to elephants browsing the riverine woodlands and predators like lions and leopards stalking the bushveld for prey.

More Info

Children 
• Children 0 to 4 years of age stay free of charge.
• Children 5 to 12 years of age receive 50% discount on the accommodation rate. (Only kids meals included. Additional fee for á la carte)
• Children from 13 years of age pay full accommodation rate.

Please Note:
Gate entry fees for Welgevonden Game Reserve at  R 120.00 per person per night, you will be required to hand back your receipt to the gate attendant upon your departure

Directions

• BY AIR:

• Flights to O R Tambo Johannesburg International

• Transfers to lodge are available

• BY ROAD:

• On the R21 north to Pretoria (Tswane), turn off onto the N1 and continue north towards Pietersburg (Polokwane).

• Turn left on the R33 to Nylstroom (Modimolle) at the Kranskop toll gate.

• Go through Nylstroom and through Vaalwater(Mabatlane).

• Do not turn right on R33 to Ellisras in Vaalwater – continue straight to Bulgeriver/Thabazimbi.

• 8 km after Vaalwater, turn left on the Bakkerspas road (there is a sign to Kololo).

• Drive 29 km on a dirt road and find Kololo’s gate on your right.

• The distance from Johannesburg International Airport to Kololo is about 280 km.

Overview

Located under the shadow of Entabeni Mountain, this thatched wooden lodge is built on stilts and hugs the cliff’s edge, offering magnificent views of unspoilt ravines and wooded hillsides.

This is an idyllic area for solo travellers, groups of friends, families and couples to enjoy and explore the wonders of the African safari.

Accommodation

The lodge offers double/twin chalets, leading onto open sundecks where guests can indulge in bird and game watching and experience the grandeur of the ravine whilst listening to the rippling sound of the water from below the valley. The bedrooms all have an African ethnic theme and a number of stairs to climb.

Total number of rooms: 22

Wildlife

Game viewing is at its best the dry Winter (May-October)  as animals congregate around water holes and the lack of foliage and grasses gives you a clearer view. But it does get cold at night and during the morning game drive, so pack accordingly. For bird watching, summer (December-March) is best: the rivers are full, the bushveld is lush, and there is no shortage of materials for food, nesting and hiding. This is prime holiday season in South Africa, but it can get seriously hot. Autumn (April-May) is also good for birding but probably the worst months for bigger game. In spring (November-December) you can spot lots of new-borns.

More Info

Children
Children 0-1 years of age stay free of charge.
Children 2-12 years of age ,child rate applicable.
Children over the age of 6 are permitted on game drives .

Excludes:
Conservation Levy

Directions

Road Directions from Pretoria:

Take N1 North Highway from Pretoria to Polokwane (Pietersburg). Keep on the N1 through Carousel and Kranskop Tollgates. Travel a further 32km on the N1. Take the Mookgophong (Naboomspruit) R101A offramp/exit (Route 289). Drive 8km to Mookgophong (Naboomspruit). Turn left at the second traffic light in town centre (R520) into Nelson Mandela Road. Continue on the R520 for 11km until you reach a T-junction. Turn left and continue for 500m and turn right at the Marken sign. Keep on the tar road for 24km. The road becomes a gravel road. Continue on this road for another 21.5km. You will see an ENTABENI sign on the right-hand side. Turn right and drive 3.3km on a dirt road until you reach the security entrance.

Important Notice: It is recommended that guests follow these directions instead of relying on a GPS as game fencing restricts access to certain roads in rural areas. 

Overview

Situated on a 26 000 hectare conservancy in the Hoedspruit region, west of the famous Kruger National Park, in the Limpopo province of South Africa and close to the Drakensberg Mountains, lays the breathtaking Makalali. A place where the echoes of Africa are everywhere. With its thatched spires and earthy walls, ancient mystical ornaments and Pan African cuisine. Here you’re surrounded by the untamed bushveld and yet cosseted by the warmth all the comforts of a truly unique resort. Three exclusive camps await, with six rooms each, with an en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, plunge pool, viewing deck, dining area and boma. Each has a raised ‘sala’ a private, timber viewing deck which overlooks the Makhutswi River and serves as an ideal bird and game lookout or the perfect spot for a private dining experience.

Just 5-hours drive from Johannesburg, Makalali is nestled on 26 000 hectares of conservancy and prevails as one of the finest private game lodges in the world. With its thatched spires and earthy walls, ancient mystical ornaments and Pan-African cuisine Makalali offers a truly unique experience.

Makalali Private Game Reserve is home to over one thousand wild animals including Africa’s “Big Five”.

Accommodation

The lodge consists of four camps – Tandane, Mkhiwa, Emtomeni and Phiva. Each camp has six luxury suites, a plunge pool, private viewing deck, dining area and boma. All the camps are private, yet within easy access of one another and are all situated on the banks of the Makhutswi River.

Suites have an en-suite bathroom plus an outdoor shower, fireplace and a raised, private, timber viewing deck (sala) set amongst the Jackalberry trees. The sala is an ideal spot for a private luncheons or dinners.

Rooms are individually decorated in African design styles with sculptured metalwork lamp shades, taps and ceramic basins. Mosquito nets surround the kings-size beds by night.

Wildlife

Wildlife on the reserve includes lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and buffalos.

Conferences

Makalali offers a group entertainment / conference centre situated at Tandane camp. The facility is situated within close proximity to all our camps and consists of a thatched conference area, outside veranda, bandstand, public toilet and kitchen. It has been designed to accommodate conferences, groups dining together, weddings, gala events, etc. Flame torches create a mystical and fiery African ambience at night.

Conference equipment such as a slide projector with remote, portable screen, overhead projector, white board, flipchart, Television set and a VCR are available. Any other required equipment can be arranged. A standard conference package includes welcome drinks at check in, refreshments and snacks served during your conference, tea and coffee on hand at all times

More Info

Children
All children are welcome.

Excludes:
Conservation levy

Directions

Guests can reach Makalali Game Lodge via daily flights from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, to Eastgate (Hoedspruit) or Phalaborwa Airports, depending on which flight guests take. Charter flights can be booked on requests and guests will arrive at Makalali Game Lodge’s airstrip.

Guests can also drive to Makalali. The drive from Johannesburg, South Africa, will take about 5 hours, while driving from Nelspruit will take about 2 and a half hours. Guests arriving at Eastgate (Hoedspruit) Airport will take 45 minutes to drive to the lodge, while guests arriving at Phalaborwa Airport will take an hour. Guests travelling from the Sabi Sand Reserve can expect a 2 hour drive to Makalali Game Lodge.