Sabi Sand gems and Casterbridge Hollow Boutique Hotel
Sabi Sand gems
Djuma Game Reserve situated in
the world-renowned game viewing
sanctuary, is an intriguing two and
a half hour drive from Kruger Mpumalanga’s
International Airport to the reserve’s 7000
hectare expanse. The reserve borders
the Kruger National Park with no dividing
fence and its accommodation offerings
outshine the standard Sabi Sand guests’
expectations with its choice of lodges and
excellent game viewing.
Guests are offered the choice of three
lodges, which include the luxurious
Vuyatela Lodge and charming Bush
Lodge where guests are sure to experience
high service standards, delicious cuisine
and a warm atmosphere ensuring a
memorable safari. Galago Camp is a
self-catering option available to private
parties of up to 10 people. The camp
is an ideal retreat for those looking for
complete privacy.
Vuyatela Lodge is decorated by locally
sourced furnishings which emanate
a proudly South African yet subtle
heritage. With the use of rich fabrics
and opulent lanterns, the cozy couches
are accentuated by the perfect colour
palette and more; the lodge is nothing
short of five star luxury. Consisting of
eight luxurious air-conditioned suites,
complete with their own deck and
private plunge pool, Vuyatela Lodge
offers exclusive privacy and the ultimate
indulgence. A truly unique African
experience, one can sip on cocktails
from their private deck while watching
animals meander past. A library, gym
and wellness centre adds to the lavish
ambiance of the lodge. Vuyatela Lodge is
sure to impress even the most discerning
of guests.
Djuma’s Bush Lodge is an idyllic bush
camp retreat surrounded by exquisite
natural beauty. The eight thatched
chalets are tucked away in the Reserve’s
indigenous garden, leaving one feeling
ensconced by the bush surrounds. An
open thatched boma with two viewing
decks makes up the main building, and
overlooks the lodge’s watering hole –
the perfect-set up for unsurpassed game
viewing. For those who want to get back
to nature in a down-to-earth, friendly
atmosphere, Bush Lodge is it.
The self-catering and fully serviced
Galago Camp has a dedicated ranger,
tracker and game vehicle. With activities
like daily game drives and bush walks
guests can choose to track game, or
simply relax in the cooling swimming
pool. The camp is serviced by staff all
day and with the option of a five-star
chef to prepare meals, guests are sure
to relax and unwind with friends and
family.
If choosing between these inviting
camps is a tough call, leaving this
peaceful place and its people is even
tougher. It’s reassuring to know that
when you’re back in the city you can
return to Djuma with the click of a mouse
via Wildearth TV (www.wildearth.tv),
a live webcast via cameras based at
one of Vuyatela’s dams. In a heartbeat
you’re back in the bush, watching game
drinking and listening to birds belt out
their song. And when the Land Rover
heads out on that sunset drive, you can
chat to the ranger in real time. Now
there’s an antidote to city living!
Editors notes:
In addition to Djuma Game Reserve,
Seasons In Africa’s portfolio of offerings
includes three other luxury game
lodges, six boutique hotels, and four
unique adventures in Southern Africa.
Combination packages are the leading
tourism marketing and management
company’s point of difference, with
guests able to combine stays at various
Seasons In Africa properties and
adventures. Further details can be
found at
www.seasonsinafrica.com.
Go to www.djuma.com.
How to get there:
Airlink offers regular, conveniently
scheduled daily direct flights from
Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban
to Nelspruit Kruger. Airlink also connects
Nelspruit Kruger to Livingstone. Book online at
www.flyairlink.com
or call +27 11-978 1111.
Casterbridge Hollow Boutique Hotel
A unique lowveld destination
Once a sprawling mango plantation,
Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre on the
outskirts of White River has evolved
into the cultural heart of the Lowveld. It boasts
the region’s only art cinema and vintage car
museum, various artist and ceramic studios,
jewellery workshops, furniture and décor
craftsmen, a deli and a variety of restaurants –
set against the backdrop of neatly manicured
gardens.
Casterbridge is also home to the
lowveld’s only contemporary art gallery,
one of the region’s top-rated wellness
spas, a weekly organic market, and
the most recent edition – the stunning
Casterbridge Hollow Boutique Hotel and
sister restaurant, Magnolia. The Centre
is flourishing with its newest additions
and has evolved into the most unique
weekend hotspot in the lowveld.
The double-volume entrance at
Casterbridge Hollow Boutique Hotel grabs
your attention and draws you in with its
soaring gables, flowing linen curtains and
glossy flooring that you can see your
reflection in. The entrance hall leads out
onto a large courtyard and swimming
pool that looks particularly impressive
when lit up at night.
The hotel is filled with local supplies
from the Centre, with touches that convey
its South African roots. Richly textured
baskets, sleek furnishings and designer
fabrics featuring proteas and bokkies
give the hotel its original handprint.
Accessories like wire-work baskets,
hand-crafted tiles and decorative light
fittings were all made by local artisans.
Dotted with local craft work and colourful
handmade knick-knacks, the 30 rooms
are unique in their design, but true to the
hotel’s ‘boutique’ designation, are very
comfy and have all the modern facilities,
including telephones, flat-screen TVs and
luxurious linen.
The convenient access to the variety
of restaurant options is a big plus for
Casterbridge Hollow, with a choice of eight
within walking distance from the hotel.
Enjoy fine dining and cocktails at Magnolia,
grab a sandwich at the Courtyard Cafe and
Deli, tuck into some pub grub at Bluegumz,
get a takeaway pizza from Pappas Pizzeria,
or cross the road and sample sushi at the
Fez, try some contemporary cuisine at Salt,
Stefano’s for Italian or enjoy the best coffee
in town at Zanna’s.
Casterbridge Hollow Boutique Hotel
offers an entire shopping experience
on your doorstep where guests get to
experience top-end produce and craft
from the White River district in the hotel,
restaurants and in the shopping area.
There is plenty to do in the area. Book
an air-safari to explore the hidden valleys,
gorges and waterfalls of the lowveld
escarpment with Mpumalanga Helicopter
Company. Custom-made tours are
available, as well as the spectacular Blyde
River Canyon tour through scenic icons
such as God’s Window, the free-standing
Pinnacle Rock, Three Rondawels and
some of Africa’s tallest waterfalls.
A short 25 minute drive will take you
to the world-renowned Kruger National
Park, or simply take a leisurely drive
through the spectacular Panorama Route.
Elephant Whispers offers an unforgettable
experience when visiting the six resident
elephant in Hazyview; this is where
guests often begin their lifelong affair
with elephants on their first interaction
with these gentle giants.
A day trip to feast on prawns in
Mozambique is very possible too.
From the hotel’s calming, uncluttered
bedrooms and generous pool to the
Centre’s creeper-clad walls, this all-South
African spot is a great base for exploring
the lowveld.
Editor’s notes:
In addition to Casterbridge Boutique
Hotel, Seasons In Africa’s portfolio of
offerings includes five other boutique
hotels, four luxury game lodges, and four
unique adventures in southern Africa.
Combination packages are the leading
tourism marketing and management
company’s point of difference,
with guests able to combine stays at
various Seasons In Africa properties
and adventures. Further details can be
found at
www.seasonsinafrica.com.
Go to
www.casterbridgehollow.co.za
for further information or call +27 13 737 6624.
How to get there:
Airlink offers regular, conveniently
scheduled daily direct flights from
Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban
to Nelspruit Kruger. Airlink also connects
Nelspruit Kruger to Livingstone. Book online at
www.flyairlink.com
or call +27 11-978 1111.