Stepping out of the car and into the 39 degree heat of Hoedspruit in Limpopo is quite something. From air-conditioned comfort, you’re suddenly almost stifled by the heat, but the sounds of silence mixed with cicadas and the rustle of the bush around us, made me realise how lucky we were to be there at all.
The owners of Shikwari Game Reserve, a small lodge just outside of the sleepy hollow of Hoedspruit, greet us themselves. Sue and Ian packed up life in corporate Johannesburg six years ago to dive straight into the lifelong dream of owning their own boutique accommodation establishment out in the bush, and their passion is alive and well!
A lazy giraffe makes its way along the outskirts of our peripheral vision as Sue shows us into the common area of Shikwari. Large comfy couches, a massive communal dining table and a fireplace welcome us, while the promise of a pool outside and large terrace trickle through the French doors on other side.
Shikwari only has four rooms, giving it a very relaxed atmosphere and plenty of space and privacy for guests. The four individual cottages lead off from the main lodge along paths that seem to disappear into the bush. The colourful bedrooms with their king-sized beds and large, sunken baths are the perfect weekend hideaway for couples. An outdoor shower makes for a great change from city life too!
The hero at Shikwari is its food. Over the two nights we stayed there, the three-course meals prepared by guide-turned-chef Ann were phenomenal. Ann is also Sue and Ian’s daughter, and her excitement about preparing elegant meals is clear from the start. Breakfast was wholesome, fresh and had everything you could possibly need out in the bush.
Guests can take a safari walk through Shikwari’s property, or choose to drive around. While this isn’t a Big Five reserve, there is still plenty to see. We heard about the baby giraffe that has just been born on the reserve, but weren’t lucky enough to spot it. My highlight was definitely seeing a pygmy kingfisher up close when it accidentally flew into the lodge and gave itself a bit of a shock!
The drive from Jo’burg to Shikwari takes about four hours and there is plenty to do in the surrounding area including Big Five safaris, a day trip to Kruger, and dining out in Hoedspruit.
Shikwari Game Reserve are currently offering an awesome special
Click here to book your stay at Shikwari Game Reserve
Images and Text: Kate Els