In December I decided to take a break from London living (the dreaded winter and the relentless blah of the BBC and their terminal view of the economic situation) and decided to work on JUST THE PLANET with my partners in Cape Town. The best decision I have made in years ! So much to do… and a Cape Town summer to do it in. Not a hard choice, obviously!
My first trip back home was to a wedding in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands via a new safari lodge outside of Ladysmith on route from Johannesburg to Durban called Nambiti Plains. Partly sponsored by the wonderful Status Luxury Vehicles (see http://tinyurl.com/ktwd8r) my friend and I drove the Landrover Discovery all the way. What a car – almost like driving a spaceship and so comfortable.
We arrived at Nambiti Plains in time for lunch and were received by the staff with cold drinks and cool hand towels… mmmm… there’s nothing like being taken care of after a long drive. We had a look around the place – particularly liking that each room was its own private villa. We had an uninterrupted view of the landscapes and at one stage had an inquisitive giraffe flutter her eyelashes at us from about 100 metres away. Quite something to behold whilst brushing your teeth!
Nambiti Plains: Peeking giraffe (image: Robyn Hodson)
The lodge was vast and comfortable… huge decks, sweeping views of the bush and waterhole and comfy deckchairs in which to relax and read.
Nambiti Plains: Outdoor lounge (image: Kim Thunder & Nambiti Plains)
I won’t go into the food – suffice to say that it was five star all the way with a wonderful mix of African and European tastes.
The safari drives were beautiful – there’s nothing like a good local guide to make even the smallest plant or animal interesting… and then there were the cheetahs – six of them in total, a band of brothers, long tails steering them into the twilight.
After G’nTs on the patio, a delicious dinner with our enthusiastic and entertaining hosts and then time for bed under a royal canopy of draped mosquito nets (which incidentally we didn’t need in the slightly cooler winter air).
Nambiti Plains: Decadent dinner (image: Kim Thunder & Nambiti Plains)
Oh how I long to go back… I suppose what I loved most was that due to the intimate size of the place the visitor is king. There isn’t a single wish that isn’t granted. Staff are always on hand to help. The guide is your own and there aren’t large groups of people to spoil your fanciful musings.
Nambiti Plains: Pool at dusk (image: Kim Thunder & Nambiti Plains)
I also LOVE having an outdoor shower… it’s all so ‘Out of Africa’!
Nambiti Plains: Outside shower (image: Kim Thunder & Nambiti Plains)