Showing posts with label Mpumalanga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mpumalanga. Show all posts

Sunday, 3 December 2023

South Africa: Inside Kruger Park - landscapes

Kruger National Park is a South African National Park and one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It covers an area of 19,623 km2 in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in northeastern South Africa, and extends 360 km from north to south and 65 km from east to west. The administrative headquarters are in Skukuza. Areas of the park were first protected by the government of the South African Republic in 1898, and it became South Africa's first national park in 1926.

To the west and south of the Kruger National Park are the two South African provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, respectively. To the north is Zimbabwe and to the east is Mozambique. It is now part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a peace park that links Kruger National Park with the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe, and with the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique.

The park is part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, an area designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as an International Man and Biosphere Reserve.

The park has nine main gates allowing entrance to the different camps.

Over 420 recorded archaeological sites in Kruger Park attest to its occupation before modern times. Most sites however had relatively short occupation periods, as the presence of predators and the tsetse fly limited cattle husbandry. At Masorini Hill, the H9 route, iron smelting was practiced up to the Mfecane era. The reconstructed Thulamela on a hilltop south of the Levuvhu River was occupied from the 13th to 16th centuries and had links with traders from the African east coast.

Before the Second Anglo-Boer War, the area now covered by the park was a remote section of the eastern South African Republic's last wild frontier. Paul Kruger, President of the South African Republic at the time, proclaimed the area, which was inhabited by the Tsonga people, a sanctuary for the protection of its wildlife. James Stevenson Hamilton noted many kraals along the Sabi River and also further north beyond the Letaba River although the north was sparsely populated compared to the south.

Many of the local natives were employed by railway companies for the construction of rail connections, notably that between Pretoria (now in South Africa) and Lourenço Marques (now Maputo, Mozambique) during the end of the 19th century. Abel Chapman, one of the hunters who noted that the area was overhunted by the end of the 19th century, brought this fact to wider attention.








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Monday, 13 November 2023

South Africa: Rissington Inn

Rissington Inn

Rissington Inn is an award-winning, affordable, family-friendly country lodge in the heart of South Africa’s Lowveld to the north-east of the country. Relaxed and informal, the inn makes a perfect stopover en-route to the game reserves and an easy base from which to explore all that Mpumalanga offers.

Twenty individual rooms and suites are surrounded by 20 acres of colourful gardens and offer comfortable, spacious, airy accommodation. All have air-conditioning, ceiling fans, bar fridges, Nespresso machines, tea and coffee, en-suite bathrooms, verandahs and private entrances. All have televisions. The rooms and the charming, thatched farmhouse are shaded by magnificent trees and have breathtaking views down the valley. The popular garden suites and hillside suites all have hammocks/daybeds and outside showers. 

Outstanding breakfasts, lunches, light meals and table d’hôte dining, seven days a week. Extensive choices including child, vegan, gluten-free and African options. Welcoming licensed bar. Complimentary unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi throughout.

Rissington’s easy-going hosts ensure cheerful, attentive hospitality allowing guests total freedom to unwind and enjoy the peace of the bush, to lie by the sunny pool or to walk, enjoying spectacular birds and small game sightings. Activities on offer for children.

One kilometre through indigenous bush on a good gravel road off the R40, south of Hazyview. Ten minutes from Kruger National Park. Close to attractions of the Escarpment and Panorama Route. Golf, horse-riding, elephant interactions and numerous adrenalin activities nearby.

Rissington – the perfect balance of friendly, unobtrusive personal service. Everything you needed and a little more than you expected.

Award-winning rooms, menu and wine list

Portfolio with Chef’s Hat. Diners Club Wine List of the Year Platinum Award. 

Afristay Best Value Establishment. TripAdvisor Travellers Choice. Frommers, Fodor, Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, Le Petit Futé, Iwanowsky’s Guide, Sleep Out and many more.

All rooms now have Nespresso machines. Also unlimited free high-speed Wi-Fi Internet access in rooms, gardens and restaurant/bar Kigelia, Mahogany and Baobab now have a king size bed and a single (previously queen and single).

UPDATED DESCRIPTION

Rissington Inn is an award-winning, affordable, family-friendly country lodge in the heart of South Africa’s Lowveld to the north-east of the country. Relaxed and informal, the inn makes a perfect stopover en-route to the game reserves and an easy base from which to explore all that Mpumalanga offers.  Twenty individual rooms and suites are surrounded by 20 acres of colourful gardens and offer comfortable, spacious, airy accommodation. All have air-conditioning, ceiling fans, bar fridges, Nespresso machines, tea and coffee, en-suite bathrooms, verandahs and private entrances. All have televisions. The rooms and the charming, thatched farmhouse are shaded by magnificent trees and have breathtaking views down the valley. The popular garden suites and hillside suites all have hammocks/daybeds and outside showers.  Outstanding breakfasts, lunches, light meals and table d’hôte dining, seven days a week.

Extensive choices including child, vegan, gluten-free and African options.

Welcoming licensed bar. Complimentary unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi throughout. Rissington’s easy-going hosts ensure cheerful, attentive hospitality allowing guests total freedom to unwind and enjoy the peace of the bush, to lie by the sunny pool or to walk, enjoying spectacular birds and small game sightings. Activities on offer for children. One kilometre through indigenous bush on a good gravel road off the R40, south of Hazyview. Ten minutes from Kruger National Park. Close to attractions of the Escarpment and Panorama Route.  Golf, horse-riding, elephant interactions and numerous adrenalin activities nearby. Rissington – the perfect balance of friendly, unobtrusive personal service. Everything you needed and a little more than you expected.

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Wednesday, 1 November 2023

South Africa: Kapama Kruger Homestead

An African Anthology

Kapama Private Game Reserve

The long-awaited moment has arrived. We are thrilled to introduce Kapama Kruger Homestead.

Situated within the renowned Kapama Private Game Reserve, this hidden gem offers unparalleled experiences. It is designed to provide guests with a unique and intimate getaway into the heart of Africa.

The 3 luxurious en-suite rooms provide spacious accommodation, showcasing the complete essence of comfort and elegance. Furthermore, this secluded haven goes beyond its accommodation. Come and unwind in the elegant lounge space, meticulously curated with a harmonious fusion of modern flair and African allure.

At Kapama Kruger Homestead, main areas include a swimming pool, boma, and gym and you'll have access to your own private safari vehicle, guide, and assistant guide, as well as a dedicated chef and concierge, catering to your every need. Among our diverse range of activities, discover a thoughtfully tailored children's program designed to engage and delight the little ones, allowing you the opportunity to unwind and enjoy well-deserved relaxation.

Join us in extending a warm welcome to Kapama Kruger Homestead as the newest addition to our family.

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Wednesday, 3 August 2022

South Africa: Kapama Lodge win Tripadvisor's choice award

An African Anthology 

KAPAMA LODGES WIN TRIPADVISOR 2022 TRAVELLERS’ CHOICE AWARD

Kapama Private Game Reserve has done it again, we are thrilled to announce that Kapama River Lodge and Kapama Buffalo Camp have been recognized as 2022 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award winners.

Kapama River Lodge was named #1 Top Hotel in South Africa and 8th in Africa, and Kapama Buffalo Camp finished as 3rd Top Luxury and 3rd Top Small Stay in South Africa and 6th in Africa.

We are very proud to be part of this remarkable property Kapama Private Game Reserve.

2023 rates are ready. Also, we are continuously updating our specials pages, and to make it easier for you our trade partner, we feature the date the special was uploaded along with the validity period. We recommend checking back weekly for more fantastic deals.

54 Bath Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa

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Saturday, 11 June 2022

South Africa: Blue Mountain Lodge

Introduction - Blue Mountain Lodge

Blue Mountain Lodge is a 5* property set in 200 hectares of indigenous bush in Mpumalanga. This lodge offers accommodation in Victorian Suites (8), Quadrants (4) and Ballentine Suite (1).

Activities on the premises include bird watching, fishing, hiking and horse riding. This 5* luxury boutique hotel is situated very close to the Kruger National Park and offers guests the opportunity for day visits to the park.

The eight Victorian Suites come equipped with king size beds (one suite has 2 x ¾ beds), en-suite bathrooms, robes and slippers. The four quadrants are duplex rooms with a gallery bedroom upstairs, lounge, separate bath, shower and toilet downstairs . The Presidential or Ballentine Suite comes equipped with luxurious en-suite bedroom, lounge and private plunge pool.

Blue Mountain also offers guests conferencing for up to 15 delegates and a Wedding Chapel and venue hire. This guest lodge offers a swimming pool, fountain, cobble stoned courtyard, forest views, restaurant, wine cellar, chapel and spa treatments at a spa nearby.

Our accommodation includes breakfast and we do offer a 4 course dinner at additional cost.

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Friday, 10 June 2022

South Africa: Nkomazi Kruger Lodge and Spa

Nkomazi Kruger Lodge and Spa

As part of the Nkomazi Kruger Stay Portfolio, Nkomazi Kruger Lodge is a spectacular facility situated on the southern side of the Kruger National Park in close proximity to the Malelane gate entrance.

As part of the Nkomazi Kruger Lodge experience we offer.

° Bush breakfasts and dinners in a private area overlooking the Crocodile River and the Kruger National Park. Simply breath-taking and unmatched in terms of wildlife dinning in this area.

° Pampering Spa experiences located on site.

° Open vehicle safaris into the Kruger.

° Day tours and and airport transfers.

° Golf.

° State-of-the-art conferences and events.

° The new Family Tents will need to be used should there be 1/2 children traveling with 2 adults – Maximum 4 pax 

° Note that all other tents can sleep a maximum of two persons

° Children of all ages are welcome at Nkomazi however parents are responsible for their supervision

° Please note should guests arrive outside of the gate times (seasonal and will be advised at time of booking), a R500.00 penalty will apply 

° Additionally, should guests arrive after 20h00, a R2 500.00 penalty will apply

Expect a commitment to excellence and a management team passionately dedicated to hospitality.

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Wednesday, 30 March 2022

South Africa: African Askari Safaris: 5 Nights Big Game Kruger Park Safari

African Askari Safaris

5 Nights Big Game Kruger National Park Safari, South Africa

Visit Kruger National Park in a Five Night Open Safari Vehicle (OSV) and capture the best possible photos of wildlife, birds and landscapes.

Itinerary Day One

Meet and greet by one of the partners at the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport on arrival. Includes tour welcome briefing, Covid protocols and safety talk. Its approximately an hour transfer by good road to your accommodation where you will be based for your entire stay. Check in is scheduled for any time after 14h00 and as such lunch is not included on arrival, however you can easily arrange for lunch should your flights arrive earlier at an extra cost of around R200.00 pp.

Relax, unwind, order drinks and snacks, and enjoy the views as you settle in your accommodation.

Dinner. Enjoy great south African cuisine with a safari touch. The South African star lit nights are simply spectacular and provided the weather plays the game your chances are good for experiencing at least one such evening.

Overnight. Get a good night’s rest.

Itinerary Day Two

(Breakfast, Lunch and dinner are included)

Full day Kruger National Park Safari. Your host will brief you the night before of your wake up time and you need to prepare for an early start with an African sunrise. Coffee and tea are usually served at around 5:30 in summer and around 6h30 in winter.

The Safari includes the whole day in the park and captures everything available. You are likely to see many large and small game species including a rich diverse amount of fauna and flora. Many of our clients see at least four of the big 5 and if you are lucky five of the big 5, however there is no guarantee as animals roam freely.

The Safari includes the whole day in the park and captures everything available. You are likely to see many large and small game species including a rich diverse amount of fauna and flora. Many of our clients see at least four of the Big 5 and if you are lucky five of the Big 5, however there is no guarantee as animals roam freely.

Experience the legendary Kruger National Park, home to the magnificent ‘Big Five’ animals of the world, and a host of others besides…147 species of mammal, and over 500 bird species.

Our specialist tour into this famous reserve is in specially modified, open safari vehicles, both to enhance your game viewing, and to provide the finest, unimpeded vantage points for photography and bird watching.

There’s little between you and your subject!

Our qualified experienced guides will undoubtedly enhance the experience with their deep understanding of the bush and the movement and identification of animals and birds, knowledge they will impart to you. You’ll not only relish the experience of being in the Kruger environment, but you’ll leave with gems of information you’d never have known before.

Your experience highlights:

Professionally guided open vehicle game drive

Big Five game viewing

Choose between an early morning breakfast at your lodge or a packed breakfast in the Kruger National Park.

Depart to the Kruger Park where we will enter the park at either the main Malelane Gate entrance or the main Crocodile Bridge Entrance.

Lunch is at one of the Kruger National Park Camps situated in the park. Your Safari is brought to a close at around 17h30 to 18h30 pending season. Enjoy Leisure time with some pre dinner drinks back at your lodge as the sun sets.

Dinner is served at around 19h00 to 20h00 in the evenings.

Overnight.

Itinerary Day Three

(Breakfast, Lunch and dinner are included)

Leisure day.

This day has been reserved for you to decide what you would like to do and includes the following all of which will be discussed with you after dinner the previous night by your host. It may include simply sitting around the camp, enjoying the special views across the park, reading your book, enjoying drinks, meals, the pool and other facilities. Just doing the bare minimum.

Exciting options which are available should you feel energetic, which are not included but can booked on site. See the detailed description of these safari and explorative options below this itinerary:

An additional full or half day Kruger National Park Safari. Recommended.

Book a round of Golf at one of the most amazing golf courses in South Africa – link

Scenic full day Panoramic Route. Daily on Request:  06h00 – 16h00

Scenic full Day Tour to Swaziland. Daily on Request:  06h00 – 16h00

Visit to Chimp Eden Half day tour departs daily on Request

Full Day Tour to Mozambique. (City Tour of Maputo) Daily on Request 07h00-17h00

Full Day Tour to Mozambique. (Day on the beach) Daily on Request 07h00-17h00

Upon returning from your day tour enjoy leisure time with some pre dinner drinks back at your lodge as the sun sets.

Dinner is served at around 19h00 to 20h00 in the evenings.

Detailed descriptions of extra activities available on site at an extra cost on Day 3:

An additional full or half day Kruger National Park Safari

Book A Round Of Golf

Scenic full day Panoramic Route

Scenic full Day Tour to Swaziland

Full Day Tour to Mozambique. (City Tour of Maputu)

Full Day Tour to Mozambique. (Day on the beach)

Visit to Chimp Eden

Itinerary Day Four

(Breakfast, Lunch and dinner are included) 

Your 2nd Full day Kruger National Park Safaris as per day 2.

Itinerary Day Five

(Breakfast, Lunch and dinner are included) 

Day at leisure.

We highly recommend that you simply use this day to relax around your lodge and enjoy the African sunny weather. Laze around the camp, enjoy the special views across the park, read your book, enjoy drinks from the bar, meals, the pool and other facilities.

Your host will however discuss options with you the night before should you feel energetic and explorative and in such case you can choose to participate in any of the activities as listed under Day 3.

Itinerary Day Six

Breakfast at your lodge.

Depart for Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport with one of the partners of Askari Safaris.

Included in your tour :

Return airport transfers Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA).

5 nights Lodge accommodation Dinner, Bed & Breakfast.

Lunches x 4 days. (Days 2, 3, 4 & 5)

2 x Full day Kruger National Park open vehicle safaris including park entrance fees.

Not Included:

Lunches on either your arrival or departure day if required.

All Drinks.

Extras available on site.

Extra day tours available on leisure day 3 and 5.

Covid tests applicable to cross border tours on leisure day 3 or 5 if booked.

Visas where applicable to cross border tours on leisure day 3 or 5 if booked.

Flights to and from Kruger Mpumalanga International airport KMIA.

Important information:

Rates are quoted per person (min 2 people) per 5 night tour including items as indicated.

All rates are subject to change without notice and are based on availability. Please get a final quote from African Askari Safaris for the most up-to-date rates and special offers (use the form below).

Clients are collected and dropped off at the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport KMIA (MQP) for arrivals and departures.

Vehicles on Safari:

Kruger National Park Safaris are conducted in open 4 x 4 specially adapted and specially registered as (OSV) vehicles with the Kruger National Park. Vehicles are accredited by the South African Bureau of Standards.

Tours and transfers are conducted in mini busses or similar sedans which are air-conditioned and maintained to distinction. Vehicles are carry the required transportation permits both in South Africa and cross border.

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Thursday, 3 December 2020

South Africa: news from An African Anthology: Black Rhino Game Lodge & Mjejane River Lodge

An African Anthology

It's with excitement that we announce the addition of two new safari lodges to our portfolio!

Black Rhino Game Lodge

Pilanesberg, North West Province

Black Rhino Game Lodge is a hidden treasure set within a Tamboti forest at the foot of an ancient volcanic crater within the 58 000 ha Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa. This area has become renowned as one of South Africa’s most exciting big five eco-tourism destinations. A mere 33 km from Sun City this ‘Malaria Free’ safari destination is within easy reach of Gauteng and the Johannesburg International Airport.

An ideal family retreat, Black Rhino Game Lodge boasts 22 spacious luxurysuites, which will ensure our guests of comfort and style. Each air-conditioned suite offers television, tea and coffee making facilities and expansive bathrooms including an outdoor shower.

Our private game viewing decks are the perfect spot to enjoy the tranquility and excellent birding opportunities. Overlooking a busy waterhole, which is a hive of bird and animal activity and a favourite playground for elephant and buffalo, the central gathering area is an expansive space which invites the opportunity of outdoor living.

Mjejane River Lodge

Kruger, Mpumalanga Province

Mjejane River Lodge is an exclusive lodge situated within the revered Mjejane Game Reserve – a private Big 5 Game Reserve incorporated into the Kruger National Park. Perched on the banks of the Crocodile River and surrounded by thousands of hectares of raw African wilderness, it is here that the paths of predators and prey cross. It is here that you are assured of a breath taking wildlife experience.

From the first friendly welcome, to your journey of discovery through the African bush with an experienced game ranger at your side, to a starlit dinner around a dancing fire, to the individually decorated luxury bedrooms, Mjejane River Lodge is a truly unforgettable destination. Mjejane Game Reserve is fully absorbed into the Kruger National Park. The Kruger National Park is the third biggest game reserve in the world and has the widest array of fauna and flora in the world. It is simply unbeatable as far as safari is concerned.

Both lodges are well established, firmly entrenched properties within the Domestic and International space. As with all properties within our portfolio, these are owner run products offering excellent service delivery.

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