{"id":9371,"date":"2020-09-28T15:37:41","date_gmt":"2020-09-28T13:37:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/ballito-umhlanga\/?p=9371"},"modified":"2024-05-28T12:41:52","modified_gmt":"2024-05-28T10:41:52","slug":"luxe-safari","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/ballito-umhlanga\/blog\/2020\/09\/28\/luxe-safari\/","title":{"rendered":"Luxe Safari"},"content":{"rendered":"

A once-in-a-lifetime offer at what is arguably the finest safari lodge in the country. Thornybush\u2019s Saseka Tented Camp is, quite simply, beyond perfect!<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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The romance of a safari … mosquito-netted beds and oversized baths<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Let\u2019s be honest. It\u2019s been a long, hard slog this year. Lockdown. Curfews. Restrictions. But now travel\u2019s open. We can cross borders and head off to hotels and guest houses and lodges. And we can have a glass of wine when we get there. Life is good. And particularly good, we have to tell you, if the escape you\u2019ve planned is to Saseka Tented Camp.<\/p>\n

The jewel in the crown of the Thornybush collection of lodges, an escape here is a once-in-a-lifetime treat. Not only because it\u2019s sensationally beautiful, but also because of the special end-of-lockdown rates … it\u2019s one of the few times – heck, perhaps the only time – this lodge will be South African friendly, cost wise.<\/p>\n

\"\"So what\u2019s so special? Designed by architects and designers Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, the lodge cleverly and seamlessly combines classical style with cutting-edge design, and takes attention to detail to a whole new level. From the roof over the massive, tiered deck which mimics the dappled light of a tree canopy to the botanical prints on the tents\u2019 ceilings, which, besides being aesthetically pleasing, also educate since they include the Latin names.<\/p>\n

The colours used throughout the lodge delight and surprise … although they shouldn\u2019t, since they reflect the hues of the surrounding bush. Think ivory for the environmentally-friendly flooring that mimics the colour of the sand in the river below, dark olive, sage and apple from the Jackalberry, Apple Leaf and Leadwood trees, and occasionally touches of pink, picked up from the flowers in the area.<\/p>\n

The main area, with a sexy little bar and wide open deck, overlooks the dry, seasonal Monwana riverbed, and has comfy intimate areas for sitting and doing as little as possible, and dining tables set along the edge so you don\u2019t miss the ellies stroll past while you\u2019re lingering over breakfast.<\/p>\n

Glamping is taken to luxe new heights in the tents … it\u2019s all eye-catching black mosquito nets, draped floor to ceiling windows, bespoke furniture, a romantic bath and adventurous outdoor rainfall shower, and each with a private deck and plunge pool. It would be unusual for you not to sometime during the night hear the low grunts and moans of a lion or the whooping call of a hyena.<\/p>\n

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OMG puds!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For groups of up to six, there\u2019s an uber luxury, private Villa, with its own central lounge, dining area, pool and an outdoor area which you\u2019ll find it difficult to tear yourselves away from. Villa guests also get their own private game vehicle and chef, and children are welcome. Massive spoil!
\nMeals, too, are created to surprise … so dinner may be around a fire in the river bed with traditional – albeit really glammed up – lodge options, or up on the deck with true gourmet options. It\u2019s all great platters of tapas or grilled calamari or tempura prawns or lamb loin, it\u2019s mango salsa, and ashed brinjal, and smoked raisin puree. Sounds pretentious … it\u2019s not.<\/p>\n