HLUHLUWERIVERLODGE,HLUHLUWE-UMFOLOZINATIONALPARKOnly half an hour's drive away from Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park is this lovely guest lodge,located on the edge of Lake St. Lucia. There are12 A-frame chalets with high thatched roofs andprivate decks shaded by indigenous forest. Guestscan enjoy guided game drives into Hluhluwe-Umfolozi each morning and afternoon, as well asother activities in the area including horse trails,mountain biking, kayaking and boat trips on thelake to enjoy the birdlife. Between activities,guests can relax on the terrace or by theswimming pool. This is a good value base forexploring the area.Phinda Game ReserveYears ago, Phinda was a collection of overusedfarms, which have been carefully restored to theland's natural state, providing a haven for wildlife.Aptly named after the Zulu word 'The Return',Phinda's land has been given back to its ancestralowners, who have committed to protecting thereserve and the flora and fauna within it. Thispioneering conservation project has become amodel for similar projects all over Africa. Activitiesinclude game drives, walking safaris and trips onthe Mzinene river, exploring by boat or canoe.ANDBEYONDMOUNTAINLODGE, PHINDAGAMERESERVEPoised on a summit within the Phinda GameReserve, the elegant Mountain Lodge offerssuperb views over the bushveld. The mainbuilding forms a semi-circle, hugging a courtyardand spacious deck, from which views unfoldacross the treetops. 25 suites are spread acrossthe lower slopes, tucked away to maximiseprivacy. Each suite is modern and stylish, set overtwo levels, with a private plunge pool and lovelybalcony where you can sit and watch vervetmonkeys in the forest. Delicious meals await youalongside a roaring fire in the boma each evening,the perfect end to a thrilling day on safari.Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park Originally two separate national parks, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi offers some superb game viewing intruly diverse landscapes. Umfolozi, the southernsector of the park, is vast and flat, dissected bybroad rivers. This area was pioneering in itsconservation of white rhino in the 1950s and 60sand is widely credited as saving them fromextinction. It is still one of the best national parksto see these ancient herbivores and this is boundto be a highlight of your safari here. To the north,the Hluhluwe section is hillier, and numerouslookout points offer superb vistas across its rollingvalleys. Wildlife species are diverse, includingcheetah, giraffe, wild dog and numerous antelope,alongside the Big Five. Game drives are the bestway to uncover the varied fauna of this beautifulnational park, either self-driving or on guidedexcursions from your lodge. 38Buffalo at Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National ParkandBeyond Mountain Lodge, Phinda Game ReserveLion, Phinda Game Reserve

Thanda Game ReserveSituated in the north eastern corner of KwaZuluNatal, only an hour away from the Indian Oceanis Thanda Game Reserve. The proximity to thecoast gives it a warm, balmy climate year-round.The 14,000 hectares of bushveld are home to anarray of wildlife, including lion, buffalo, elephant,black and white rhino, leopard, cheetah and wilddog. Birding here is also superb, with more than400 species present and the scenery is beautiful,with vibrant yellow fever trees scattered amongstthe veld. Game viewing by open vehicle or onfoot with the knowledgeable guides is anenriching experience. By night, enjoy unimpededviews of the African sky and learn about theconstellations of the Southern Hemisphere. TENTEDSAFARICAMP, THANDAGAMERESERVEThis luxurious tented camp has a superb positionwithin the Thanda Game Reserve. The tents arespacious and luxurious, with a four-poster bed,wooden floors and en suite bathroom withoutdoor shower. The honeymoon tent alsofeatures a private plunge pool. The main area hasa stylish open-air lounge and plunge pool, withplenty of comfortable chairs to relax in. Meals areserved in the dining tent or the outdoor bomaunder the stars. The guiding is excellent andcombining guided walks and game drives willensure you get the most out of your time here. www.audleytravel.com/southafrica ?01993 838 550 ?KwaZulu Natal39LUXURYSAFARILODGE, THANDAGAMERESERVEThis luxurious lodge offers a superb base forexploring the Thanda reserve. There are ninebush villas, spacious and sumptuous in theirfurnishings. Outside each room is a private deckwith infinity pool and shady sitting area, perfectfor relaxing and enjoying the marvellous views.Each has an en suite bathroom with an oval-shaped bathtub and indoor and outdoor showers.The main lounge overlooks a small waterhole, andthere is a library, wine cellar and a small spa.Dining is either in the seclusion of your villa, onthe deck, or other romantic locations around the property.White rhino, Thanda Game ReserveLuxury Safari Lodge, Thanda Game ReserveHoneymoon tent at Tented Safari CampCandlelit dinner at Luxury Safari LodgeZulu warriors on Thanda Game ReserveWild dog puppies, Thanda Game ReserveCheetah, Thanda Game Reserve