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This experience was WOW, but not your typical "I can't wait to do this again" but rather a "I can't believe I survived."
Granted, this was my first time in the bush, I rate I actually had it quite lekker!
The drive to the premises was a bit of a challenge as we arrived really late and could not see the sign to turn onto the 15km gravel road which took about 30minutes as we did not have a 4x4.
The rooms were something out of a horror movie, not bad, but the thought that anyone/animal could walk up the steps and just unhook the latch and open the door was scary enough. Then you realise that the windows are just cut-out rectangles from the wooden hut and covered by canvas. This adds to the fear. With the security of a mosquito net hanging over the bed, I panicked on my first night and barely slept... The next night was far better. Of course, I woke up perfectly fine on Day 2.
The showers were the next surprise. When I was told about outdoor bathrooms, I immediately thought: "Wow, what would that be like in the bush?" I was pleasantly surprised until I wasn't 🙈 Mid-shower, I happened to look up at the lookout point and notice other guests looking out not at the lookout point but rather me 🤦♀️ I panicked and crouched down to hide. After a few minutes, I managed to finish my hot shower and get dressed in the area. Did I mention the bathroom is enclosed with wooden poles and is open air?
The kitchen was fully stocked with access to a freezer, fridge, stove, and running water. Be careful, as everything is open-air monkeys among other creatures have access to food items left on the counters.
There are many seating areas, and the only plug point throughout the premises can be found in the lounge area upstairs. To be honest, this was the best thing for me... I actually got to switch off on my holiday. I used my phone mostly to navigate around the area.
On our last day, we encountered something you quite honestly would only experience in the bush. After packing our car and saying goodbye to family who was staying a bit longer we saw a massive black snake slither passed from under one of the neighbouring huts across the walk way around to the other side of the premises. I ran to the car and couldn't wait to get home.
Looking back at the experience, it was a lekker glamping option. We had the opportunity to see some wildlife from the lookout point on the premises, had a comfy bed to sleep on, hot running water, and har all the necessary amenities to really enjoy the area, all at a budget-friendly rate.
Just noting that there are other options that do not require you to be as "exposed" to nature like family houses, but if you want that true outdoor experience, I would suggest the huts.
As I mentioned, it was a lekker glamping experience for my first time, and a lot of what I experienced was just inexperience.
The staff on site caretaking the premises were friendly, helpful, and extremely welcoming. The premises was well maintained and very clean.
My 2 cents is to try it out for yourself and be...
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Lovely cosy self-catering place in a private nature reserve near the Kruger National Park. Staff are very friendly and welcoming.
We were upgraded to the family chalet at no extra cost because there were no other visitors at the time, being during the early part of the week. So we had the place to ourselves. Bliss!
The chalets are of wood construction with a thatched roof. The kitchen is communal in the open air with a thatched roof offering protection from sunny and rain. The shower and toilet facilities were also open air but with a wooden wicker fence around them.
There was a splash pool - shallow but lovely to sit in to cool down.
A short walk brings you to an animal hide where you can watch animals at a watering holes which seems to be hidden behind some bushes.
The downside was rather there are no fans in the chalets (there was an electricity supply) so we struggled to sleep due to the heat at night despite mesh windows . We didn't leave the door open to let any breeze in - we didn't want any unexpected visitors such as a leopard or monkey (which we had been warned about). We had to use a wet towel, in the end, to dampen our skin in an effort to cool down. The mosquito net didn't fit properly over the double bed.
Horse riding safaris are offered on their website however my husband sent 2 or 3 emails about wanting to book but received no response prior to our arrival. When we did ask the owner, face to face, about a horse riding safari (there were hoses) she kept avoiding the subject, suggesting places of interest to visit in the area. A simple yes or no would have sufficed but in the end we still didn't have an answer so didn't bother which was a real pity.
We had booked 3 nights but ended up staying only 1 as we couldn't bear the thought of another hot sleepless night. We certainly would have stayed if there had been a fan...
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Where to start? An amazing two part Safari starting with two days at Solio Rhino reserve, five star accommodation and service from Arva and her team, John our guide a brilliant guy who’s endless knowledge of the reserve and animals in it allowed us to be part of his world without being intrusive. Smiling happy faces made us welcome the minute we arrived. We moved on to Ndoto offbeat safaris in the Maasai Mara where our accommodation was to be a tent !! Not just any tent, a little super king size divan bed, a flush toilet, shower, bathroom constant hot water and a lounge with Wi-fi||On arrival we were met by Bob and his amazing team who once again offered five star service. Our guides for the four days were local Maasai tribesmen who spoke very good English, again local knowledge and a passion for the preservation of the animals and land they are custodians of, gave us an intimate view of every breathtaking area they took us, an abundance of wildlife resulted in almost 2000 photos. This package was expertly put together by Jen from Offbeat Safaris, brilliant attention to detail from someone who is at one with what she is promoting and obviously as passionate as the Maasai she works with. In all we had ten days filled with amazing experiences, adrenaline rushes and emotional memories, would we recommend, in a heartbeat, we plan to return. Jim and Penny from Cornwall,||Feel free to contact us...
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