Shamwari Lobengula Lodge, Shamwari Game Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Set amidst the dense bush of an Eastern Cape valley, Lobengula Lodge, in the famous Shamwari Game Reserve, guarantees a quintessentially African experience. The rich palette of earthy colours, the woven textures of the fabrics, and the colourful artworks all reassure you that you are most definitely in Africa. This is a perfect romantic honeymoon destination.

But it is not only the decor for which people come to Shamwari; it is the malaria-free safari experience in the heart of the Eastern Cape that draws most visitors to the reserve. Animals roam across great swathes of land – just over an hour away by car from the coastal city of Port Elizabeth.

This part of the world is known as the Sunshine Coast and it lives up to its name with an average of seven hours of sunshine per day and daytime temperatures ranging from 16°C to 28°C in summer and from 7°C to 20°C in winter.

For those who might find the temperature a tad hot, there is sufficient water at Lobengula in which to cool off. Guests can make use of the large communal swimming pool, conveniently situated right next to the bar, or take a dip in the exclusive plunge pool that comes with their luxury suite. Others might prefer to cool down by dozing on the bed in an air-conditioned room.

There is definitely a need for an afternoon siesta, if for no other reason than to digest the copious quantities of delicious food. Breakfast is served before the morning game drive in winter and after it in summer. Then lunch – a feast of soups, salads, fish, quiches and more – is served from midday till 3 p.m. Do not leave lunch too late or it will merge into afternoon high tea, with delectable cakes and irresistible tarts on offer.

Be sure to save some room for the four-course dinner or the evening barbecue in the fire-lit boma. If all this seems like far too much work for one chef, you would be right. There are four chefs, all for a maximum of twelve guests.

rr