Luxury and Rawness collide
Simply put, we’re obsessed with safaris.
The wildlife, the adventure of the unexpected, the awakening of senses and the beautiful landscapes will enchant you as much as the wildlife. The sunsets and sunrises leave you speechless, the cultural heritage touches your soul, the luxury and rawness all rolled into one will never leave your mind.
We were so fortunate to stay at another remarkable safari lodge in the beautiful Tshukudu Suite, meaning Rhino in Setswana, at Rockfig lodge Madikwe.
Madikwe Game Reserve is currently the fifth largest game reserve and is also one of the lesser- known parks in South Africa.
The Big 5 park offers a number of luxurious lodges in a malaria-free zone, and is just a mere 4 hour drive out of Jhb.
Rockfig lodge is a privately owned lodge which is the only lodge in the reserve that offers a self catering stay, or you can choose the all-inclusive option. But believe me you do not want to miss out on the culinary magic that chef Kyle serves up, just delicious.
The modern suites are relatively new so they are immaculate, decorated with warm tones and distinctively unique African art, luxurious finishes and all the amenities you could ask for. The unit has its own splash pool and beautiful panoramic views of the Dwarsberg mountain range, which make you feel like you are the only guests there. I honestly could live here!
We took the weekend to unwind in our very own luxury modern villa, and despite the freezing weather and strong winds and not being able to take advantage of our pool, or the lovely pool and deck area at the main lodge, we really did make ourselves at home, keeping warm with the fireplace that links from the dining room into the bedroom, and although we opted for the all inclusive meal option, I really could see myself cooking up a storm in this gorgeous kitchen.
The game drives were exciting and we had many incredible and unique sightings once again including massive elephants playing boisterously against a dramatic overcast sky, and amongst another large herd one of the tiniest baby elephant I’ve seen yet, still trying to figure out what to do with its trunk. We encountered a cheetah family made up of 3 well fed and curious juveniles and a very capable mom. After our brief stop to enjoy a gin and tonic, just as the sun is beginning to set, we settle for a few minutes at the most scenic waterhole which is abundant with jackals, elephant herds, rhino, zebra and impala all perfectly backlit by yet another unbelievable African sunset.
A trip on safari will always end up rendering you the most amazing memories, photos, and stories to tell, and will leave you yearning to be back in nature exploring the raw beauty that the wilderness has to offer.