The rest of the Shambala team welcomed us at the lodge with warm towels and a welcome glass of chilled French champagne and heated towels to refresh with – who ever said one can’t have creature comforts in the bush! The chef on duty then proceeded to talk us through the options in the buffet lunch that he prepared for us, which consisted of crispy fresh salad, perfectly cured springbok, a delicious salmon and amazingly tender lamb. We also learned a few valuable tips for if we ever had to encounter a rhino on foot – Tip: if a rhino levels its horn with the ground and stomps like a bull you are in trouble! We then proceeded to the picturesque 30 minute drive through the Game Farm to Zulu Camp, which turned into a mini game drive with sightings of antelope and rhinos. Here we were welcomed by the Assistant Lodge Manager as well as our Game Ranger for the trip. Having been worried about how I would last until Vaalwater without some sustenance, this was a welcome treat before I settled into my book.īefore long, we approached the impressive entrance to the game farm, splashing through the little stream that runs across the access road.
The 2,5 hour drive to Shambala Private Game Reserve started off with a surprise breakfast pack prepared by the Saxon Hotel chef with fresh muffins, fruit, sandwiches and juice.