Leshiba and it’s magical mountains is a travel destination for an authentic experience.
Over the years, Leshiba Eco Lodge was re-created into an authentic traditional Venda village with the help of internationally renowned Venda artist. The walls and over 40 sculptures are made from traditional clay and dung bricks, making Leshiba an authentic African ‘work-of-art’.
Leshiba Venda Village accommodation was the original homestead for Maulaudzi family, and Joyce who grew up in the village is now the manager.
Besides traditional Venda village-style accommodation, Leshiba offers luxury sites named: Mwedzy (meaning Moon in Venda), Duvha (the Sun), and Lavish suites: Naledzi (the Star), Tadulu ( the Heaven) and Miloro (the Dreams).
Leshiba private game reserve offers unspoilt nature with a variety of wildlife and activities for the whole family.
The activities, besides game viewing, include hiking on mountain trails, horse riding and visiting San rock paintings.
Leshiba is estimated 430km from Johannesburg and the last 7 km offers an adventure 4×4 drive up the mountain to reach Leshiba.
However, if you opt-out from the low range 4×4 drive, Leshiba does offer pre-organized transport from the carport below the maintain.
Who doesn’t love pleasant surprises!
Graceland is not just an eco-retreat, but a ‘treat’ in its true meaning.
The first moment of ‘awe’ was when on our arrival at Graceland we discovered that we have arrived at South Africa’s giraffe ‘manor’. Graceland is home to six giraffes (the Presley family) – each with its unique personality and Pricilla is the most inquisitive of them all.
The owners, Anders and Douglas, their ginger cats and lively Cocker Spaniels made us feel welcomed and spoiled.
It is a ‘treat’ in its true meaning.
And, Anders’s culinary work-of-art took us by surprise as well. The gourmet dinner – the taste and attention to detail – is an experience in itself. It is a treat! Anders and Douglas are using fresh ingredients from local ethical farmers and from their own organic vegetable and herb garden.
We got chatting with Anders (who is originally from Sweden), about their eco-home, what they expanded to a retreat and a restaurant for guests, and what it took to make it to a high eco standards. It is always great to find people like Anders and Douglas, who have such a passion for sustainable living and travel.
Diverse Graceland and its area.
The reserve, bordering on the forest of Magoebaskloof and Woodbush Forest Reserve, is home to a free-roaming Kudus, Impalas, Mountain Reedbuck as well as a wide variety of birds. You could spot Verreaux Eagle, Crowned and Long-Crested Eagle, Purple Crested Turaco – are just a few of many to mention. Graceland is ideal for hikes, birding, stargazing, or just chilling with giraffes and let the mountain vista and sounds of nature to melt away the word worries. The entire area has a lot to offer from festivals, breweries and cultural tours and, canopying and mountain bike trails to the adventure seekers.
But, for our next visit, we shall take extra time to have a picnic on a hiking trail in Graceland Eco retreat.
Click for the link to: Graceland Eco Retreat Accommodations: Giraffe House / Kudu Chalet / Serapana House / Impala Studio / Pangolin Studio.
More information on Graceland Full-Eco ‘Gold’ credits:
Post-Corona pandemic change is inevitable, but how we adapt to it is crucial for our survival.
The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted in untold misery and disaster for the human race but paradoxically resulted in a welcome boost for nature. For once, after decades, the Earth can ‘breathe’ again. The signs are there. The air over Europe is 40% improved after a few weeks of rest, and the murky waters in the Venetian canals are clear again with dolphins present. In Asia, the summits of the Himalayas are again visible, the first time in human memory. This all because of a massive drop in human activity and actions.
It is prudent to take stock of where we stand and where we are going to.
It is painful and also disgraceful to admit that this catastrophic event is mostly self-inflicted caused by human actions or neglect to act in other instances. To only blame the Chinese for this disaster because of their disregard for animal rights and destructive ecological practices is disingenuous. We, the rest of the world, is equally to blame. We only have to look at pollution (air, water, environment), overpopulation, habitat disruption, harmful policies, health and hygiene standards coupled with civil disobedience to understand the cumulative effect on the pandemic.
Charles Darwin aptly said, “adapt or perish.”
Before the pandemic world/international travel was one of the fasted growing industries and ecotourism, responsible tourism was growing even faster.
Post Corona, the tourism landscape will transform dramatically. With the newfound realisation of social responsibilities combined with less disposable income, tourism will never be the same.
We can safely predict the ‘new’ tourist will become more discerning and demanding how their hard-earned money will be spent.
This new (or not quite so new) trend, places exciting new challenges for both the consumer and the service provider.
Our carbon footprint can be either uplifting or destructive, depending on our choices and actions.
As the responsible traveller, we must adhere to strict eco principals and standards. It starts with our choice of accommodation and transport. We have to verify or check to see if the lodge/hotel or reserve comply with responsible and eco standards. Relying on promotional marketing claiming ‘eco’ is not sufficient. We must check their credentials and grading (eco grading) we have to be alert to identify the ‘green washer’ who falsely proclaim to be eco for marketing reasons. We must take care to select locations or establishments who respect and improve nature as well as uplifting the local community. Also important to determine if their facilities and practices are truly and genuinely eco-friendly.
Eco-standards and grading
The service provider, on the other hand, has different challenges and opportunities to comply with. The current lull in local and international tourism is the ideal opportunity to get the ‘house in order’ and improve the infrastructure to comply with eco-standards and responsible tourism. Looking for, or improving renewable and energy-saving strategies, implementing water-saving policies, re-looking at amenities in the rooms and prioritise kitchen and catering standards to improve eco ratings. Use the available time to implement bush clearing of invader plants and trees and utilise the wood thus harvested for fire-making. What a better opportunity to rope in the already struggling local community, to render cultural and other uplifting activities to the establishments for the benefit of the guests. Planning new activities like birding, game drives and cultural visits, can be stimulating for the owners and also enhance their reputations. This is but a few examples, but the list can be much more extensive.
We have no choice but have to adapt to survive.
The current time is the best opportunity for all involved parties to unite their efforts to establish a true eco-community and grading for our tourism market. Here we include service providers, consumer individuals and groups combined with other involved experts to set a credible standard and grading process to guide the tourist in their decision making as well as the service provider in understanding the expected standards.
Eco safari experience in Big 5 Game Reserve – with added big smiles from the lodge staff making you feel genuinely the most important guest. Exclusive Wild Ivory Lodge is an intimate place where you find privacy and the time to rejuvenate in the midst of sounds, views and smell of African ‘bush’. The lodge has no fences, that makes you feel all the
All units are having a panoramic view to enjoy the morning coffee admiring the changing canvas of sunrise colours of the plain below.
We particularly like the self-catering option, two bedrooms well equipped spacious family unit that is situated high up in the mountain. It is connected to the pain Lodge with a steep winding pathway.
On our first game drive, we were treated by Herbert, our guide, to a sighting of three rescued cheetah orphans feasting on an Impala. The rest of our stay filled with excellent game drives with almost all the Big 5 sightings and unforgettable experience of dust billowing mock-charging elephant. And one of the most memorable sundowners was with Rhino and a suckling calf in sight as golden glowing sun rolled down to the horizon. Truly very special!
Wild Ivory Eco-lodge in Welgevonden Game Reserve
Panoramic view over the plains of Big 5 Game Reserve
The next morning we woke up to the sound of Hyena calls; they were strolling around the waterhole below the deck, just a few meters from our tent and as they left, a herd of Zebras took their place – no need even to drive around for the sightings 😉 🙂
As always, it is not just the place, location and great sightings – it is warm and welcoming people that add to the experience.
Our stay at Wild Ivory Eco Lodge was complimented by the attentive Ginag – manager; Herbert – our guide; Joseph – a chef with a biiiig smile (Joseph was so accommodating to my vegetarian requests) and Nomsa, Sarah and Lazarus. Thank you, everyone!
Your wishlist might be to stay in a Eco cottage
That is secluded, and you have full privacy. To be spacious yet welcoming.
Rustic feel but artistic with personality.
Log fireplace to keep cosy and old-fashioned bath.
Might be too much of a wishlist, but we managed to find it for you! It is ‘Die Kliphuis’ cottage in Gannaga lodge that is on top of Gannaga pass in Tankwa Karoo.
Flower season in Tankwa Karoo
We drove up on the winding gravel road of Gannaga pass that was narrow and steep some places, admiring the breathtakingly beautiful views to the distance over otherwise flat Tankwa Karoo. As we summited 1700m high pass, we saw a stone cottage amongst of Karoo bushes and wildflowers. A further down the road is the main Gannaga lodge, that is equally unique and with lots of character.
It’s not only the lodge that has a character, but it is also equally the people that give the personality to create a welcoming experience. We were greeted at the reception by a friendly and smiling face of Enrico, who told that he hails all the way from George. Enrico was always there to ensure that we were well looked after and entertained us with his jokes.
Die Kliphuis Eco cottage takes you back in memory lane
We discovered that Johann Visagie is the owner of Gannaga lodge, of which history goes back to Johann’s great-grandfather to the years of sheep farming. The Kliphuis stone cottage we stayed in, apparently, was the very first farmhouse dating back to the1800’s. ‘Die Kliphuis’ now invites visitors who look for a quiet time in privacy with an idyllic view and Eco experience. Our only regret was that we should have stayed longer.
Die Kliphuis cottage is self-catering but you can opt to eat at the main lodge, and this what we did. Back at the lodge, Johann himself appeared from the kitchen with an apron and smiling. Chatted with all the guests, served drinks from the bar, and put the apron back on as the head chef who was on leave. That is multitasking and having all under control with a big smile.
Johan with Gannaga lodge owner Johann Visagie (on the right)
Finding Vegan meals all the way in Tankwa
The menu offered something to everyone, from Karoo lamb chops, sheep head delicacy, vegetarian option and to my greatest surprise a Vegan Shepherds Pie. Finding vegan meal option offered in Tankwa Karoo was impressive, considering that even many commercial, big-city restaurants fail to do that.
What you can expect is not a fast-food but a ‘slow-food’ – that means a freshly cooked homemade hearty meal especially for you. I ordered tomato-basil soup and Vegan Shepherd Pie that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Our stay in Die Kliphuis is eco and nostalgic experience.
The Tankwa Karoo weather turned freezing that night, but the fireplace, electric blankets and warm duvets were welcoming. Water for the bath/shower was heated by *donkey. To refresh one’s memory, – donkey heater is an old-fashioned water heating system consisting of a drum of water that is heated by a fire outside the building.
Our stay in Die Kliphuis was a real eco and nostalgic experience.
Beside the stone cottage, Gannaga lodge offers a wide variety of accommodation option in the main lodge.
Johan says: Takes you back in memory lane.
Annica says: Can’t wait to go back there again. (Just have to book well in advance).
We were in search of a true eco safaris game lodge experience and Umlani Bushcamp in Timbavati seemed just the kind of ‘Eco’
Not having Wifi and phone signal might sound daunting at first, but then, watching a red ball of sun rolling down to the horizon while drinking in the scenery of African Bushveld, you realise that this is just what you subconsciously have been longing for.
We were in search of a true Eco game lodge experience and Umlani Bushcamp in Timbavati seemed just the kind of ‘Eco’ we were looking for. But yet, we are all familiar with the thought ‘maybe too good to be true’ and admittedly went with a slightly sceptical and curious mind.
Said that, well, what a pleasant discovery we had. Umlani Bushcamp is definitely to be rated in our terms as ‘Evergreen’ – that’s the true Eco.
Authentic African Eco Safaris experience.
Already on our arrival, we realised that Umlani is not presenting the kind of ‘stiff’ commercial luxury, but a type of place you can have an authentic African Eco Safaris experience.
Besides a high electric line to keep out the elephants, the lodge has no fences around, which makes you feel somewhat part of nature.
Sandy pathways between gardens that are kept natural with only indigenous and water-wise plants, such as aloes and succulents, lead us to our eco-rondavel. With a high thatch roof and surrounded window, eco-rondavels are designed to maximise thermal insulation and also considering natural ventilation to keep it cool in the summer. The large outdoor shower was my absolute favourite, with an open sky for a ceiling. Home
With no possible distraction from electronic equipment, we spent quiet time before the evening game-drive in the spacious lounge area where Johan found a bookshelf equipped with exciting eco safaris reads. A book ‘White Lions of Timbavati‘ by Chris Mcbride, took up the rest of his afternoon.
White Lions have a colourful history that dates back for many centuries and are thought to be endemic to the Timbavati / Greater Kruger region. According to African legend, these genetically rare lions were believed to be the children of a Sun God, sent to earth as gifts. Tragically, the last remaining White lion of Timbavati was killed earlier this year. There is a hope though that the genes have lived on and will reveal the gift again in the wild. (Some more informative reading on White Lions click here).
Shadrack, our ranger, and his team were keen to show their excellent tracking skills, and indeed after what felt like an hour keeping us in suspense, presented the lion brothers concealed by dense mopane shrubs.
Being amidst the herd of elephants, from the seniors to tiny-tots leisurely going on with their business of munching away and in-between lifting their trunks inquisitively to check us out in our vehicle, was a highlight of our evening eco safaris game-drive.
A five star Eco Safaris Lodge with minimal impact to nature and the environment was notably inspiring
Back at the bush camp, pathways dotted with lit paraffin lamps lead us to a welcoming boma with a blazing fireplace in its circle. Everyone followed the tradition of sitting around the dancing flames with a glass of wine, talking about the bush, the birds and the trees. Unexpectedly we met Alice Ross, who not only took care of our booking, that to mention was pleasant with a personal touch and easy as a breeze, but she has also been part of Umlany ‘family’ for many- many years and Greg, her son with his wife Rouxle being Umlani managers. Talking to Greg about the efforts on keeping Umlani truly eco with as minimal impact to the nature and environment as possible was notably inspiring. Umlani Bushcamp is a great example that with a conscientious planning and mindset, running an eco-lodge of a five star standards is clearly possible.
Check out on your visit the exclusive treehouse next to the waterhole.
We are already contemplating our next trip, but this time we will definitely include a night adventure in their exclusive treehouse situated next to a waterhole. For more information on genuine eco accommodation, explore the establishments we have personally visited and approved in our Eco accommodation section.
To justify Umlani Bushcamp eco credentials:
