South Africa - Part 2: Shambala Private Game Reserve

Part 2: Shambala Private Game Reserve

When we were planning this trip, I got so excited and the ideas started flowing. I wanted to do and see it all. Of course we didn’t have the budget nor the time to do that, so we whittled it down to a few select locations and activities. Since most travel reviewers and sites talk at length about how imperative it is to do an animal safari, and because I really did want to go on a safari to see animals in their habitat I kept it on the list. To be honest, I narrowed our options down to the Shambala Private Game Reserve in Limpopo because I read that the late, great Nelson Mandela would stay there, holding meetings with dignitaries and distinguished guests. Never mind the fact that the word Shambala, Tibetan for “Paradise on Earth” is in the title. I wanted to be as close to a quiet and reflective setting that a titan of truth and reconciliation once walked. The fact that this villa was established on November 2, 2001, my birthday was a sign. So, we stayed on site and it remains one of the most amazing and unforgettable experiences of my life to date.

GETTING THERE

We hired a private vehicle via the reserve. It was not cheap, as we rode a considerable distance to get there. But it was quiet, relaxing and nice to see the countryside. They also offer the option of a helicopter flight into the area.

ARRIVAL

When you arrive, you are greeted by staff, checked in and transferred to a safari vehicle. Because this is a private reserve with conservation efforts, I’ll refrain from going into to much detail. Suffice it to say they take extra precautions and have serious security to protect the animals from poachers and the like. I will say that they spoiled us on site with snacks and beer waiting for us in the safari vehicle. When we drove on site, I swear I felt like I was in the scene from the first Jurassic Park movie, where the characters are seeing dinosaurs across the plain for the first time ever. We saw so many beautiful animals and the sun was setting so this golden sheet of sunlight bathed the whole landscape and added to the magic of the moment.

LODGING

As it’s a resort, lodging and meals are included and on site. We stayed in the Zulu Camp and it was a dream. Visitors have their own luxury chalet, as its called. It’s a private home in the traditional rondavel (cylindrical) shape with a cone-looking, thatched roof. It’s spacious with one of the largest bathrooms, a huge tub and an outdoor shower. Yes honey, you can return to your roots and be one with nature.

We were lucky in that we were the only guests there for our last two days at the site. So it felt as if we had the place to ourselves.

MEALS

I remember every morsel of food and it was absolutely delicious. Our first meal, upon arrival, was a traditional South African Braai. A lot like your throw down, wood smoked, back yard BBQ (there’s the wood fire and meat and sides grilling) a braai also includes other types of meats we wouldn’t normally eat in the U.S. But don’t call it a BBQ because it’s a Braai.

We usually ordered our meal the day before and it was fresh and cooked to perfection. One day we enjoyed ostrich, for breakfast I remember an eggs Benedict, wine was never off the table, and we had the lions share of options as drinks were also included in the resort costs. Bottomless mimosas? yes please honey!

SAFARI & EXPERIENCES

Our big draw for staying at a remote location like this was an opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitat, undisturbed, and with minimal crowds or even risk of being hyper intrusive. Our trip to Sri Lanka included both a whale watching trip and a safari and both were both crowded and convicting. I remember feeling so bad, as if we were scaring the whales as the boats circled around the ones that were spotted out to sea.

In this case, we got up close and personal and it got real at times. For example, on our first day, a rhino in heat seemed pissed that he couldn’t find a female rhino. Our guide said he was displaying signs of angst and frustration. I politely, but firmly suggested we give him space before he turns his aggression on us. In another instance, we were told that hyenas were walking the zulu camp and to be aware. While they weren’t the “aggressive” type, they were still wild animals with teeth and we were in their territory. So, I didn’t fancy running into anything that looked like one.

In addition to safari outings, the reserve boasts a lot of other offerings.

On the evening of our first full day there, after our first safari excursion, we enjoyed a private river cruise on site. It was magical. We saw a sweeping stretch of the reserve, which is comprised of 10,000 hectares, so definitely larger than what we could see from the sundowner boat. We saw hippos at a distance because they warned us to stay away.

Another interesting feature is that this location is malaria free, something that we’re grateful we didn’t have to stress about.

We also enjoyed a spa experience at a separate area of the site. I fell asleep and my masseuse giggled because I was snoring. But it was a really good massage.

It rained for several days while we were there, so we didn’t get to see any of the cats, but we saw 3 out of the 5 BIG Five including a herd of elephants and a baby elephant, on our way to tour the Nelson Mandela Centre for Reconciliation. One of the most jaw dropping moments was while we were in the safari jeep and I was recording the view. All of a sudden, out of the bush walks this gorgeous and massive giraffe. I was starstruck and brought to tears. I had never been so close and it was so majestic and serene.

A tour of The Nelson Mandela Center for Reconciliation influenced our decision to stay at this site. So, we naturally asked our guide to add a little tour to the end of our visit and he kindly obliged. We got to walk around the space, look at the rooms and learn the history of it’s creation.

STAFF

Last, but never least, I have to give a tremendous shout out to the staff. They were all so sweet, personable and engaging. I felt like we were among our peers and we felt welcomed. Each of them made sure we felt at home and they are the reason I would love to return one day with a larger group of family.