A Milestone Celebration at Ukhozi Lodge

The magic had already begun.

Eight Game Drives With an Exceptional Guide

We met Nic, our wonderfully warm, knowledgeable guide for all eight game drives. With years of experience and a deep love for the bush, he made every outing unforgettable.

Our first afternoon drive set the tone; giraffes against the sunset, blue wildebeest grazing, white rhinos wandering slowly across the plains, playful mongoose, zebras, nyala, elephants, and an array of birds, including the shimmering glossy starling. During sundowners, another guide saved the day with Amarula when Nic didn’t have any on hand. Safari teamwork at its finest!

Dinner in the boma that evening under the open sky, followed by traditional singing and dancing made the perfect end to our first day at Ukhozi.

Our Anniversary & Allan’s Birthday: A Day of Pure Safari Magic

Our milestone day began early with cards, presents, and excitement for the morning drive. A cool mist hung over the reserve but soon lifted into a bright, crisp morning.

We explored the far side of the reserve, spotting zebras, warthogs, waterbuck, and giraffes. Nic searched diligently for the cheetahs but they remained elusive. Breakfast was enjoyed in the bush with steaming hot chocolate enhanced by Amarula a Kariega tradition we adore.

On returning to the lodge, I received one of the sweetest surprises of my life; a bouquet of breathtaking flowers carried out by singing staff, secretly arranged by Allan. Tears were inevitable.

The afternoon drive delivered the ultimate anniversary gift with a sighting of the lioness with her four cubs, followed shortly by the two male lions - powerful, calm, and magnificent. Seeing them so close was a memory we will treasure forever.

Another delicious dinner, a birthday cake for Allan, and a joyful staff serenade closed off a perfect day.

Cloudy Skies, Vibrant Wildlife

Our next day dawned cloudy, but the wildlife was abundant. On our morning drive, we enjoyed sightings of eland, impala, kingfishers, vervet monkeys, rhinos, and a rare treat; about 15 hippos actively moving through the water, rather than sleeping as usual. Weaver birds were busy building their intricate nests. They were a joy to watch.

After lunch, with just four guests now in our vehicle, we crossed into the west section of the reserve. Baboons chattered in the trees, white rhinos walked the road ahead of us, and we encountered a large herd of buffalo, along with blesbok, springbok, and a lone elephant.

Then came one of the most moving moments of the trip.

Nic spotted two male lions in the distance. We approached quietly and were the only vehicle there. One of the males began roaring. A deep, powerful sound that resonated through the air and through our bodies. It was emotional, overwhelming, and unforgettable.

Later we found the two cheetahs. They were calm, alert, and magnificent. As dusk settled, we even spotted a giant African land snail lumbering across the road.

That drive which was four hours long was one we will never forget.

A Rainy Morning and a Unique Bush Adventure

The next morning began with rain and a plan for a river cruise. With just three of us on the vehicle, we stopped to watch hippos and a fish eagle before reaching the boat. Unfortunately, the motor wouldn’t start, so we enjoyed our breakfast under the boat’s roof while the rain poured down. It was different, but just as memorable.

Wildlife was understandably scarce in the rain, and we returned for an early breakfast.

By afternoon the skies had cleared. We welcomed a new family to the vehicle, along with a trainee guide shadowing Nic. The wildlife was quieter, but we enjoyed watching young male elephants sparring and a glorious sunset during sundowners. Dinner in the indoor boma was warm, comfortable, and lively, especially when the teenagers discovered Allan was a former policeman and peppered him with questions!

It was our final night at Ukhozi, and we savoured every moment.

Our Final Morning: A Drive That Took Our Breath Away

Our last morning began with a soft, beautiful sunrise. What followed was one of the most extraordinary drives of our entire stay.

After sightings of rhinos, giraffes, nyala, zebras, and wildebeest, we went in search of lions and found a lioness hiding with great skill in the thick bushes. Nic tried every angle, but she preferred to remain concealed; likely protecting her cubs. Even so, moments like this are part of the magic of safari.

Soon after, we encountered the majestic one-tusked elephant bull standing proudly on a hillside.

Then we came across a huge herd of buffalo walking toward a waterhole. We followed them and watched as dozens entered the water together including small calves sticking close to their mothers.

Not long after that, we found ourselves surrounded by elephants at another waterhole. Elephants to the left, elephants to the right, elephants behind us; feeding, bathing, splashing, interacting. It was thrilling, humbling, and profoundly moving.

Eventually we had to turn back, reluctantly, because we still needed to pack!

As we approached the lodge, we enjoyed final sightings of zebra, impala, and buffalo before arriving to our last hearty Kariega breakfast.

We thanked Nic for his extraordinary guiding, said emotional goodbyes to the wonderful staff, collected my flowers, and checked out - already dreaming about our next visit.

Which it’s already booked.

Our seventh visit awaits and we cannot wait to return!