AMAKHOSI SAFARI LODGE

SOUL CLEANSING AND CONSCIOUS CONSERVATION

Zululand is one of the most unique destinations for an African safari. Apart from its magnificent scenery and interesting history, it also boasts an array of lodges with a strong conservational aspect to it. One such lodge is Amakhosi Safari Lodge, located along the banks of the Mkuze River in the Amakhosi Private Game Reserve, not too far from Pongola. Couple that with a yoga session or three and you’re set for a soul cleansing, experiential safari of a lifetime.

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by Renate Engelbrecht Images: Renate Engelbrecht

On a recent yoga safari with Yoga with Virginia, I was once again amazed at what nature and a bit of breathing and stretching can do for one’s mind, body and soul. Amakhosi’s ideal location and recently launched yoga safari experience had us submerged in the sights and sounds of nature from comfort of our luxurious and spacious rooms, our seats at the dinner table and even while doing yoga on the spa’s lawn.

Keep an eye out for Amakhosi Safari Lodge’s upcoming Yoga and Health Retreats available in 2023.

As with most safari lodges, Amakhosi Safari Lodge offers the usual morning and afternoon game drives. Our experienced ranger and tracker, Philip and Jeremy went out of their way to show us as much as possible during our stay. In fact, we got to see a cheetah with her three cubs twice, Philip - a specialist birding guide - mimicked birds like I’ve never heard before, Jeremy told us about the Zulu culture and we even got to take part in a bush walk. A MAGICAL BUSH CLEANSE Considering the fact that it was a yoga safari, our senses were heightened, we were more conscious of our surrounds and evidently, we were able to appreciate so much more of our three-day bush experience. It was pure bliss.

Amakhosi – which means the place of kings – left a lasting impression. Amidst Knob Thorn Trees, Black Monkey Thorn Trees, impressively large Euphorbia Trees and Magic Guarri Trees, we got to explore a piece of bushveld very different to that of the Kruger National Park. And, while Amakhosi is home to the Big 5, it really was the birdlife that took our breath away. Evidently, it was quite the bonus to have Philip – with his immense passion and knowledge for our feathered friends – as our ranger.

5 BIRDS TO SPOT: • Blue Wax Bill • Yellow-tailed bunting • Emerald spotted wood dove • Yellow front canary • Southern Bubu

In addition, Amakhosi Safari Lodge offers guests a very unique safari experience during the rainy season. For those keen on heading into the bush on foot as the moon sticks out its head behind the clouds, Amakhosi’s Frogging Safari could be a lifechanging experience. Be sure to enquire about this adventure when you book.

CULTURAL HERITAGE, BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION The Zulu culture is deeply engraved in the area and even on the reserve. The Zulu king’s palace is merely 20km from Amakhosi Private Game Reserve, hence the lodge is technically located in a royal region. Ulundi is about an hour’s drive from it, where the famous Battle of Ulundi took place, and there is even some signs of bushmen who lived in the area. The Zulu king, Dingaan and his half-brother, Mpande are also said to have fought here, with Mpande receiving some assistance from the Voortrekkers to beat Dingane.

Amakhosi Safari Lodge is located on an irreplaceable piece of land when it comes to biodiversity too. According to Alwyn Wentzel, the reserve’s Operations Manager, the area is home to a lot of red data plant species and various vegetation types. Plus, 30-40km of the Mkuze River is “quite protected under reserves,” he says. It’s also part of the iSimangalisu Wetland Park, which is a World Heritage Site. Keeping the animals on the reserve safe, is yet another priority. Wentzel says in the past five years there has been less and less support from government in the fight to keep rhinos safe. Hence, he says they’ve taken things into their own hands and Amakhosi now has a canine unit. Since that’s been put into place, arrests on pursuits have increased.

Wentzel also confirmed the sad truth that White Headed Vultures have disappeared from the area, mainly due to poisoning. These precious creatures’ brains are used for muti since it is traditionally believed to give wisdom.

Amakhosi is also part of the Cheetah Meta Population plan, through which data is being recorded on the cheetah numbers in South Africa. This has become a very detailed data bank of all the cheetahs in the country and since it is a sink population (one that’s never grown) it’s good to know that South Africa has been seeing growing numbers lately.

Whether you’re keen on frogging, or visiting a destination that invites travellers who are conscious about conservation, Amakhosi is undoubtedly worth the drive.

Plus: It’s not too far from Mozambique, so you can even combine it with an additional stopover for the ultimate bush-and-beach experience. H

1 www.amakhosi.com Q @amakhosi_safari_lodge m +27 34 414 1157 res@amakhosi.com