Liselle’s clients were fortunate enough to stay in the exclusive Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve in the Kruger Park.
Chitwa-Chitwa, what an absolute blessing!
Even on very short notice, everybody- Sun Safaris and the lodge personnel went out of their way to make it a lifetime experience!!
Being a South-African, I am use to going to our National Game Reserves, but Sabi Sand is totally above the norm! Our veld guides and rangers put all of their heart and personalities into each and every game drive. We spent at least eight hours every day on the open vehicles. We saw everything from chameleons right through to the leopards, lions, buffalo, rhino & elephant. Our guide also had a special interest in birds, which awakened a new interest for me.
Sabi Sand Reserve is known for the abundance of leopards, and we thoroughly enjoyed seeing many of these shy cats up close, even within a few metres. We saw Thandi hunting for her two month old cubs, two other couples were working on their future generations and another mom was protecting her young cub and kill from a determined hyena.
On one of our sun downer trips, we were surrounded by a herd of at least 35 elephants and their offspring. The elephants were totally relaxed. Our guides taught us so much in that hour of these great creatures, in the midst of these giants passing us within a few metres, some even sniffing at the staff! What also amazed me was the way that the veld personnel would really trek spoor, not just staying on the dirt roads, many a time they really went ‘bundu bashing’ to show us something remarkable. They also stuck to the rule of not more that two vehicles per sighting, something that all the tourists really appreciated.
Coming back to the lodge was absolutely refreshing. The scenery of the veld and the lodge all melts together, you feel one with the bush while enjoying the absolute best in comfort and hospitality. The cuisine was typical South African, but always presented in a fresh idea and modern recipe. The first day I was without my friend, I thought it would feel akward with the rest of the guests being couples or families, but Chitwa-Chitwa’s staff are really extremely hospitable, I really felt very relaxed and at home.
The chalets are all hidden in the bush, making you feel very private and spoilt. We enjoyed a remarkable view over the river, with hippos, antelope, lions and an array of birds visiting us day and night.
Even though it was only four days, it was one of the best and most refreshing experiences I have ever enjoyed!
Thank you, Liselle & Sun Safaris for the trip of a lifetime!!
Corne Loots.
