Sun Destinations Blog - Page 116 of 119

Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge Chobe

Perched high on the Ghoha hills overlooking the Savuti region in Botswana’s Chobe National Park, lies the luxurious Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge. This camp offer guests privacy and exclusivity, away from the crowds that frequent the more commercial regions in Chobe. Ghoha Hills has been designed to take advantage of the views – rooms, the pool and the dining area alll overlook the Chobe.

There is a waterhole located at the bottom of the hill which is home to an abundance of wildlife and large predators. Guests can expect to see anything from leopard to rare species of bird. Game drives take place in the private concession of the Ghoha Hills, and also on the famous Savuti channel and marsh. Day trips with picnics can also be arranged.

Each Luxury tent sleeps two people and offers en-suite facilities. There are also two luxury family tents available.

For rates and reservations please contact reservations@sundestinations.co.za

Activities

Camp and Accommodation

Wildlife

Chobe Elephant Camp in Chobe National Park

Chobe Elephant Camp is a newly built camp located on the edge of a rocky ridge overlooking the mighty Chobe River in the Chobe National Park, Botswana. Boasting sweeping views and spectacular game viewing opportunities; it’s ideal for guests seeking an authentic stay at an eco-friendly lodge. Built from timber and using renewable resources, the camp has minimal impact on the environment.

The camp can comfortably accommodate 24 guests in 10 suites and 1 family room. The atmosphere is a traditional farmstead in the midst of the African wilderness. Complete with a splash pool, communal lounge area and private verandah, it truly is a rustic escape with spectacular views over one of Botswana’s favourite game viewing areas.

For rates and reservations please contact reservations@sundestinations.co.za

Activities

Camp and Accommodation

Wildlife

Kings of the Kalahari Make Their Mark at Haina Kalahari Lodge

The black-maned lions that roam freely through the Central Kalahari Game Reserve are tough predators who traverse the barren desert landscapes in search of prey. Their distinctive presence is foreboding and unpredictable. They’re the true kings of the Kalahari. These lions are not used to game vehicles and shy away from the presence of humans. There’s an atmosphere about these lions that commands respect.

The males, with their flowing black manes truly are majesti. They’re the pride of the Kalahari. The reason for the black manes? It is thought that the manes regulate temperature. Their dense black manes retard heat loss which keeps them warm during the bitterly cold desert nights. Of course, this is debatable. Some say their black manes are due to them being a remnant population of the Cape Lion. Irrespective of their origins, they are a sight to behold.

Haina Kalahari Lodge is in the enviable position of being located on the outskirts of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, which means it’s an ideal destination for game viewing and a prime location for the black-maned lions to scope out new territory.

There has been an interesting development at the Haina Kalahari Lodge. Adriaan, the lodge manager from Haina, believes that a new pride of lions has traversed its way across from the Central Kalahari into Haina territory. The pride comprises 3 large females, a dominant male lion (he has been with the pride for 3 years) and 3 young males who are beginning to reach sexual maturity. This is problematic for the dominant male who wants to rule the pride. He is trying to oust the two sub-adults to protect the pride from the full testosterone of these two strong males. Unfortunately, it is two against one. It is vital to keep the pride in order – one of the females has 4 cubs roughly 3 months old and the other female has 3 cubs roughly the same age. The third female has 5 sub-adult lions, 2 of which are the males that are trying to take over the pride.

When male lions begin to reach sexual maturity they will need to procreate with females in the pride. Males who become the new leader after a takedown of the current leader will kill the suckling cubs, causing the females to go into estrus and mate with the new ruling leader of the pride. This could leave us in a predicament – if the 2 sub-adults defeat the current dominant males they will probably kill off the cubs. The next few months at Haina will be interesting, if not harrowing. Adriaan and his team will be watching and monitoring these Kings of the Kalahari!

Who will rule the pride? Will the sub-adult males fend off the dominant male? Will the cubs survive? Only time will tell ! Adriaan will keep us posted with the latest updates and the internal sagas within the Kings of the Kalahari pride.

If your guests are interested in finding out more about the black-maned lions and the Kings of the Kalahari, then we suggest a safari at Haina.

For rates and reservations, please contact reservations@sundestinations.co.za.

One of the New Males

Haina Male Scoping Out the Territory

Lioness Hiding in the Bush

Black Maned Lion Wandering Through Kalahari

Machaba Camp in Okavango Delta

Located on the banks of the river in the game rich Khwai area, on the eastern tongue of the Okavango Delta, lies the elegant Machaba Camp. This sophisticated camp overlooks the famous Moremi Game Reserve and is known as the “magical kingdom of animals”. Guests will enjoy safari breakfasts and dinners overlooking the river which is home to wallowing hippos and other wildlife. The atmosphere at Machaba is relaxed and understated.

The 10 luxury tented rooms boast a simple style modelled on an elite 50’s style colonial set-up. Everything at Machaba is subtle and tranquil. The food is gourmet, yet not pretentious. A rustic swimming pool lies tucked away in thicket of bush surrounding camp and overlooks the Okavango Delta. An ideal spot to relax after a morning game drive.

Machaba is refined. An ideal hideaway in the Delta where the focus is on personal attention, care, game viewing and simple luxuries.

For rates and reservations please contact reservations@sundestinations.co.za

Activities

Camp and Accommodation

Wildlife

Video Safari Tour of Africa on Foot & nThambo Tree Camp

Kevin, one of the rangers from Africa on Foot, put together this promotional video of Kruger camps Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp. We’ve loaded it to the Facebook page. Please direct potential guests to the Facebook page which is brimming with latest wildlife updates and

Click here to watch the video safari tour

Jason Kipling Talks About the Wildlife at Umkumbe Safari Lodge

I spoke to one of the guides, Jason Kipling, from Umkumbe Safari Lodge to find out what camp life has been like over the past week. The Sabi Reserve boasts an abundance of leopard and in the next few days we’ll chat to Jason for a leopard update.

Jason said, “Well, Carolynne, this has actually been a VERY busy week in terms of sightings! We kicked off by spotting 14 wild dogs on the hunt which we followed for about 2 hours.

The days have been hot so herds of 300+ buffalo and elephant have been a common sighting in the riverbed in front of the lodge. Rhino sightings as per usual have been fantastic and there is a new calf on the property!!! We have had 3 male lions busy with a kill on the north-western section of the property for the past 2 days.

I’ve also had 3 beautiful leopard sightings over the past 36 hours, of which 2 where spotted this morning. One of the leopards was only a few hundred metres from the camp!! Other species like zebra and kudu have also been plentiful. The smaller nocturnal mammals have been a treat – guests have seen genets, civits and porcupines. Porcupines are becoming a more regular sighting as the winter sets in. We now have a resident bush baby and genet cat who love to raid the dinner buffet, much to our guests’ amusement!”

Umkumbe Safari Lodge is an affordable lodge great for families and adventure lovers.

A Stalking Leopard

Educational to Botswana: My Summary – Carolynne Higgins

Last week I enjoyed a whirlwind 3 day safari of Botswana, courtesy of Sun Destinations. Over the past few months we’ve been working tirelessly at creating combination safari packages for agents – the latest being the 7/8 night package encompassing vastly different regions of Botswana. Areas incorporated included Kazuma Forest Reserve near Chobe, the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari. In this package we combined Camp Kuzuma, Machaba Camp and the Haina Kalahari Lodge.

PDF BROCHURES

Please click here to download a PDF brochure of the Itinerary’s

Botswana Highlights – 7 nights – Sun Destinations

Botswana Highlights – 8 nights – Sun Destinations

Shortly before Indaba we decided to host the first of many educationals for agents. Gill from Livingstone Safaris and Tracy from African Sojourns joined me in this Botswana mini-Odyssey. It really was a case of flying in, going on a game drive and moving onto the next lodge. We flew with a small charter company and made use of the private airstrips at Haina Kalahari Lodge and Machaba Camp in the Delta.

Day 1: Camp Kuzuma, Kazuma Forest Reserve

This was my second visit to Camp Kazuma; and my favourite thing about Kuzuma is the pan which attracts a plethora of birdlife. The decor is quite opulant and reminiscent of a boutique hotel.

The Room at Camp Kuzuma

Elephants at the Waterhole

Birdlife on the Pan at Camp Kuzuma

Lodge:

The lodge comprises 5 cabins joined by timber walkways and a large, grand reception area. A splash pool lies nestled on the wooden deck that overlooks the resident watering hole. There is a spa room, bath and shower in each room and extremely comfortable beds !

Sightings:

Saw incredible birdlife, especially around the palm-fringed pan. Herds of elephant congregated around the waterhole in front of the lodge. Saw baboon, giraffe and zebra.

Selling Points:

Secluded. There were no other game vehicles around and it’s in the heart of an incredible forest reserve.
Waterhole. There is a waterhole in front of the swimming pool which attracts elephant and baboons.
Food. The food is fantastic and while there guests will experience a traditional braai.
Intimate. There are not that many rooms.
Day trips can be arranged.

Take Note: The camp is located an hour’s drive from Kasane airport. It is not Chobe – it is untouched, unspoilt and tranquil. For guests wanting a Chobe experience or even a sunset cruise, this can be arranged from camp. However, you’d need to take into account an hour spent driving to and from where the tour departs.

Day 2: Machaba Camp, Khwai River in the Okavango Delta.

After flying for an hour via small charter flight we landed at the Khwai Airstrip. Machaba Camp is located on the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve on the banks of the Khwai River. Guides refer to the area as a “paradise for wildlife”. They were right !

Sophisticated Machaba Camp in Botswana

Leopard Spotted at Machaba Camp

Typical Sunset in the Okavango Delta

Lodge:

The lodge comprises 10 tents, two family tents. Decor is sophisticated, understated and simple luxury. There are outdoor and indoor showers and all tents have a view of the river. The main area has a beautiful outdoor boma where breakfast and dinner are served. A large circular swimming pool is tucked away in the Overall, the Feng Shui of the camp is perfect – everything ties in together.

Sightings:

You will not be short of sightings at Machaba. Hippos wallow at the edge of the river. Our first morning we were prepping for our game drive and outside of camp we saw hippo, an elephant, a pack of wild dog and a leopard. All strolling past the river. During our 24 hours at Machaba we also saw hyena,

Selling Points:

Relaxed Elegance: Despite it’s sophisticated decor, the atmosphere is relaxed and homely.
Location. Across the river lies the Moremi Game Reserve and the camp is on the banks of the Delta’s Khwai River.
Food. The food is exceptional.
True Safari Dining. Guests dine together on the banks of the
Guides. Extremely knowledgeable and have worked at many of the camps in the area.

Take Note: There are currently no mokoro trips running from Machaba. However, this is due to change by the end of June 2013. It is a 20 minute drive from the airstrip to the camp.

Day 3: Haina Kalahari Lodge, Central Kalahari

Flew for an hour to the Haina Kalahari Lodge. The Haina Kalahari Lodge offers simple, comfortable accommodation in tented lodges. The luxury rooms have a bath and a glass shower overlooking the semi-arid bush. Mongoose is the family room. Haina is the ideal destination for guests wanting to immerse themselves in the local Bushmen culture and who, like me, love the serenity of the Kalahari at night.

Bushmen Walking Experience in the Kalahari

The Game Drivees at Haina Kalahari Lodge

Lodge:

The lodge comprises six standard tents, three luxury tents and a family tent. The standard tents are due for an upgrade, but overall the tents are comfortable with simple decor. The luxury rooms have a great shower with a view. Each tent is located a fair distance from the next, offering a private

Sightings:

The watering hole outside the bar area at camp was quite busy. We managed to see kudu, oryx and other small buck species. Out on the game drive we noticed lion tracks but did not see them. However, we did see a banded Cobra and a baby Mozambique Spitting Cobra. It’s the time of year for snakes!

Selling Points:

Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Guests can do a full day trip into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve to see Deception Valley.
Dinner. Meals are prepared by local chefs and traditional meals are served. Dinners were outstanding.
Cultural. Walking with the Bushmen is a highlight for many visitors.
Activities. Guests can enjoy a quad biking safari, sundowners on the air strip and night game drives.
Atmosphere. Very much a family vibe at Haina Kalahari Lodge.

Take Note: Each of the tents are located quite far from the main lodge. You can walk to the main lodge, but will probably take the wrong path. Guests normally wait to be picked up by one of the rangers.

Video of a Kruger Walking Safari at Africa on Foot

Matthew, one of the guides at Africa on Foot spent time creating this wildlife video of his sightings in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. Feel free to share this video with potential guests who would like a virtual safari of what to expect from Africa on Foot.

Botswana Highlights Special 8 Nights

If you’re interested in the below special, please contact brett@sundestinations.co.za for the Nett/STO Rates.

DAY ONE

Upon arrival at Maun Airport, your guests will be met and assisted to their light air transfer to Haina Kalahari Lodge for 3 nights on a fully inclusive basis.

Haina Kalahari lodge is a luxury lodge situated on an 11000 hectare private wildlife conservancy in the heart of the Central Kalahari. Bordering the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, and close to Deception Valley, the Haina Kalahari Lodge really is located in a prime game viewing destination. Guests can expect an authentic African safari experience with game drives taking place in open savannahs and immaculate bushveld.

Highlights include

Bushmen activity
Day trips to Deception Pan (weather dependant)
Game drives on a private Kalahari game reserve

Review of a day trip into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Kalahari Bushmen Experience

DAY FOUR

After your morning game activity and brunch, you will be transferred to the airstrip to connect with your light air transfer to Machaba Camp for 2 nights on a fully inclusive basis.

Located along the Khwai River on the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve, Machaba Camp is ideally located close to one of the most beautiful reserves in southern Africa, and offers spectacular game viewing. Expect to see herds of elephant passing the camp on their way to the Khwai River in search of acacia pods.

Highlights include

Spectacular big game viewing
Views of the Khwai River
Excellent year round game viewing

Machaba Camp Review

Gourmet Dining at Camp Machaba

DAY SIX

After your morning game activity and brunch, you will be transferred to the airstrip to connect with your light air transfer to Kasane Airport. Upon arrival you will be met and road transferred to Camp Kuzuma for 3 nights on a fully inclusive basis.

Camp Kuzuma is an opulant and exclusive safari lodge located in the Chobe region. Situated 65km outside of Kasane in the Kuzuma Forest Reserve, the lodge offers a unique Botswana experience. Camp Kuzuma overlooks a watering hole which is home to an abundance of predators during the high season. They also have their own pan within the reserve which is ideal for birdwatching.

Highlights

Watch elephants come to drink from the waterhole in front of camp
Excellent game viewing in a private Chobe concession
Optional extras include Chobe River Cruise and Day trips to Victoria Falls

Camp Kuzuma Review

Sunset Over the Camp Kuzuma Pan

DAY NINE

After your morning game activity, you will be road transferred back to Kasane Airport to connect with your onwards travel arrangements.

End of Services

INCLUDED

All meals, game drives, bushwalk & bushman activities, local drinks (soft drinks, local beer & house wines), teas & coffees; all park fees & taxes; transfers to and from Kasane Airport or Zimbawean/Zambia border posts (from Camp Kuzuma); all light air & road transfers and their taxes as described in the above itinerary.

EXCLUDED

Imported alcoholic drinks, all items of a personal nature,any item not described above.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Quad bikes at Haina: US$45 per person per hour

Deception Pan Day Trip: US$100 per person (weather dependant)

Chobe Day trip & River Cruise: US$95 per person (including Park Fees)

Victoria Falls Day Trip: US$85 per person (excludes US$30 Park fees & Visa fees)

PDF BROCHURES

Please click here to download a PDF brochure of the Itinerary’s

Botswana Highlights – 7 nights – Sun Destinations

Botswana Highlights – 8 nights – Sun Destinations

View of the Pan at Camp Kuzuma

Enjoy Quad Biking at the Haina Kalahari Lodge

One of the Many Activities on Offer at Haina Kalahari Lodge

A Luxury Room at Camp Kuzuma

The Haina Kalahari Lodge in Botswana

The Lounge Area at Machaba Camp in the Delta

Bushmen Experience at the Haina Kalahari Lodge

Sunsets and Watering Holes at Camp Kuzuma

Camp Kuzuma is an opulant, grand and exclusive lodge located in the Kazuma Forest Reserve in Botswana’s Chobe region. Upon arrival a warm Botswana greeting awaits eager guests who will be thrilled at the sight of a watering hole located in front of the lodge’s swimming pool.

Cascading chandeliers surrounded by slate stone designs, colonial ornaments and plush curtains create a stately reception area where guests can unwind. The library, bar and dining area are all located within the reception area. Step outside onto the patio and there lies a rather tempting rim-flow swimming pool overlooking a watering hole. There are only 5 rooms, all adjoined by timber walkways. Willowing Mopane trees make up the woodlands that encompass your canvas tented accommodation.

The Kazuma Forest Reserve is located close to the Chobe National Park and stradles the border of Zimbabwe.The Kazuma Reserve is affectionately known as the “elephant corridor” that joins the Chobe National Park and the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. Camp Kuzuma offers guests a great variety of game viewing opportunities. Eager, experienced guides conduct morning and evening game drives in and around the Kazuma Forest Reserve. On Kuzuma’s 4000 hectare concession is a placid pan of water surrounded by palm trees which has become a favourite stop for sundowners . This area is a photographer’s dream – expect silhouettes of palm trees with brazen copper sunsets as a backdrop.

The opulance doesn’t stop at the decor. Expect high tea which is a tasteful combination of both sweet and savoury snacks ! Food wise, guests can also expect a hearty breakfast, light lunches and traditional dinners around the camp fire. The Sirloin steak cooked over the fire was one of the “cuisine” highlights of my stay !

Guests who are seeking a safari with affordable luxury and feel comfortable with glamourous African decor are best suited to Camp Kuzuma.

Fast Facts:

The elephants consider the watering hole their home. During peak safari season it gets very crowded, with smaller mammals quite literally waiting in line.
There is an oasis pan area surrounded by palm trees ideal for keen ornithologists and photographers.
Located in a private concession – 4000 hectares of woodland reserve.
Day Tours to Victoria Falls, the Chobe National Park and evening sunset cruises can be arranged from the lodge.
The lodge can best be described as affordable luxury.
There will be a traditional “braai” (barbecue) on one of the evenings.
There is a health spa with a range of treatments available.
Ground squirrels frequent the communal area of the lodge – a great “added value”.