Sensational safari experiences await sharing a sanctuary of biodiversity.
Sitting down to a pool-side three-course lunch with Impala grazing just a few meters away is a common occurrence at Safari Plains. The pool deck is the best spot to spend your time … soaking up the African sun, taking a dip to cool off, dining and gazing out into the open savannah plains. And just ahead is a watering hole where you can catch sight of a wild animal stopping by for a drink of water.
Welcome to the Waterberg region, Limpopo and what better way to experience the bushveld than sleeping in a tucked away tent surrounded by nature itself. Sandy paths lead to your tented safari suite, cleverly positioned for privacy. And you are, trust us, in for a glamping treat. You won’t find the usual zipped up tented experience where you need to duck down to climb in and have no space to unpack.
Rather it’s a timber wrap-around deck with a swinging chair and a door that opens up to an air-conditioned luxury suite with all that you need – and more. Think romantic draped mosquito netting covering your bed, a working desk and a mini bar with a decanter of sherry – a glass before bed and a hot water bottle waiting in the sheets will make for a cosy night’s sleep.
Freshening up is a breeze in the fully-kitted bathroom with his and her basins, shower, full length mirror and even a rail to hang up your outfits. There is a lovely sunken bath and through the tented mesh windows you can see outside into the bush – still giving you a sense of camping but way more glamorous.
The lodge is kid-friendly with family style tented suites that have a second bedroom, with the added bonus of babysitting services on offer. By booking one of the luxury suites, you can enjoy a day bed for lazy afternoons. A loud grunting sound is your friendly-reminder of the roaming visitors at the camp. Impala are plentiful and love to wonder around and the red-billed hornbill is another happy camper that flies about.
Outside the camp, there are 12 000 hectares of Mabula Game Reserve to explore. They have the Big Five, Little Five, Ugly Five plus around 300 bird species so you won’t want to miss the two daily safaris.
The bush fever is turned up high when you are on a chase dashing past common sighting to get a glimpse of a few ellies and you arrive just in the nick of time and see them heading into the dense bush. We also spotted a beautiful White Blesbuck and got to meet one of the fastest antelope, the Tsessebe. There were also lows… circling for some time in the hopes to see a wild dog but no luck there. Our highlight … getting to see the endangered ground hornbills and having a sundowner by the wild fig tree, home to baboons.
Returning back to the lodge at night you get a whiff of the sweet Baobab scent as you walk in and the lit-up lanterns illuminate the lodge making it all feel magical. Both the bar and dining area are spacious and grand but sitting around the roaring boma fire outside with a glass of wine is a far better way to end off the day.
We miss the smell of the freshly baked bread arriving to the table before every meal and would go back again to order a plate of their butternut lasagna. Food manager Paul Putter works closely with both chefs and front of desk to ensure that the menu favours majority of the guest dietary requirements. No easy task when you offer an à la cart menu. We commend the consideration of guests and inventive menu options of dishes like falafel served with hummus and crispy chickpeas.
The staff are always checking in on you and at Safari Plains you are always well fed, feeling energised and plugged into nature. They have a spa on site for a rejuvenating spoil and you can shop at their safari curios for mementoes.
Rates are R6186 per person sharing. Inclusive of accommodation, three meals and selected beverages, two safaris daily. Details: safariplains.co.za
Compiled by: MEGAN BRETT
