Prrrp prrrp … Tintswalo Scops Rest is calling you to retreat
Water ripples reflect light. Sun rays kiss your skin. Freshly mixed frozen margaritas cool you down. And the only noise to be heard is the deep wheezing honks from hippos in the distance. This is the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve where guests are in for an incredible and exclusive safari experience. A breathtaking 60 000 hectares of bushveld beauty to be explored and more than 500 bird species calls to be heard. And home to a new luxury bush villa.
Nestled away in the Klaserie in the Greater Kruger region is the brand-new Tintswalo Scops Rest … an exclusive-use bush villa for up to eight guests. Striking African artwork, bold line patterns and pops of bright blue, orange and mustard yellow accents liven up each area of the villa, which has four rooms, each with a viewing deck overlooking the serene bush, where calls are heard clearly throughout the night. The en-suite bedrooms differ in size and offerings but are all equipped for comfort with king size beds, air-con, even sweet and salty snacks. The main room is massive, interleading to a space where two children can be accommodated, while another of the rooms leads out to an outdoor bath where you can soak up nature.
Two private chefs do their scrumptious thing in an open-plan kitchen, which adds to the homely atmosphere. Expect African-inspired dishes like warthog carpaccio and grilled sea bass, and the most delish baked cakes for high tea. By the end of our stay, we were begging chefs Nelly Godi and Mpho Mawelele for the crunchy biscuit recipe. Breakfasts include imported cheeses, lunches are light and fun – build your own taco was a nice light twist on a midday meal, while dinners are either enjoyed in the bush, open fire boma style outdoors or inside in fine dining style. Top tip … you won’t want to skip dessert. Melt-in-your mouth berry pavlova and ooey gooey rich chocolate fondant are the perfect sweet endings before bed.
Butler Privy Sithole mixes up a mean frozen margarita – freshly prepared with limes, silver tequila, white sugar, orange liqueur and ice, while Shantteller Nkuna makes sure your wine glass is always topped up with a lovely local South African wine – like the Constantia Royal Sauvignon Blanc from Constantia or a Bernard Maverick blended red 2020 from Paarl. Wines are stored in a gorgeous stone wall cellar in the living area. The best spot to sip on a few drinks … poolside or by the bar where the hanging Stephen Pikus fire and ice fixture echoes tinkling sounds throughout the day. And an even better way to unwind is a spa session … a full-body Swedish massage before tea time will have you feeling relaxed and recharged for your game drive.
Two daily game drives or guided bush walks are included, with consideration for your preferred schedule. And there is a low vehicle density on the tracks, making the game viewing experience intimate and timeless during sightings. On our morning drive, we had spotted three of the big five and a few giraffes before 7.30am. Guide Bradley Rinsma is eager to create memorable moments … We spent time watching African wild dog pups fighting over a stick, then lion cubs playing hide and seek in the bushes. There were sundowners in a treehouse, where we watched the hippos while sipping on champers and slurping oysters … and the unforgettable, magical experience of stopping at firefly crossing and seeing the bushes sparkle. Knowing that the villa is named after the African Scops owl, we were most happy to spot one up in the tree close by to the villa.
The personalised touches and attention to detail are what truly sets this villa apart … personalised menus, being called by your name when addressed, arriving to your room and finding a keepsake telegram from your daily game drive created by manager Demi Rinsma, who is always willing to work with your schedule and meal preferences. And at an additional cost, you can brave a sleep-out treehouse with a king-size bed, protective mosquito netting, soft lantern lighting including electricity and a private bathroom, with full view of Klaserie River, home to plenty of hippos and crocs. There’s no guarantees you will sleep a wink but it’s an experience that will be forever remembered.
Tintswalo Scops Rest is conveniently accessed just 30 minutes from Hoedspruit and Eastgate Airport. A night’s stay costs from R120 000 per night based on eight guests sharing, which includes accommodation and all meals, house wines, local beers and soft drinks, two game drives per day with refreshments, Wi-Fi & complimentary laundry and a private safari vehicle.
Details: www.tintswalo.com/tintswalo-scops-rest-big-5-safari
Compiled by: MEGAN BRETT
