I have had the
opportunity and honor to travel this glorious planet for
some thirty-eight years. I have transcended mountains,
crossed plans and some of the most desolated deserts in
the world. I have stood on hills overlooking some of the
most beautiful fjords and wind swept valleys. I have also
sailed midsts the Greek islands and crossed oceans. I have
floated silently as a cloud in hot air balloons over great
and ancient rain forests and jungles. I have swum and
canoed thousands of rivers, lakes, streams and coastal
bays. I have also witnessed and felt the grief of utter
sadness and shame when viewing polluted and destroyed land.
Beautiful and glorious land laying in wasted devastation
as mans endless encroachment spreads. Mankind has sought
dominance and control over the earth and its life forms
and thus he is responsible for its preservation.
Fortunately
in many regions of our planet there are still absolutely
untouched and stunning places that will captivate your
spirit and leave you in awe. Our company and my crew will
share our experiences with you as we continue to explore
the best the world has to offer. While exploring South
Africa I was soon to learn that this land has more than
its share of great-unspoiled beauty. The southern regions
of this continent have bestowed countless and great
adventures through out the centuries and now it all lay
before us and by our fifth month of touring this
phenomenal country I have came to truly believe that South
Africa was indeed the birthplace of man and most surely
of...nature itself!
In our initial three months of
touring in the southern regions of South Africa we covered
approximately 40,000 square kilometers of totally
inspiring land, but was anxious to begin our journey north.
We spent weeks exploring the magnificent coast. We then
proceeded to the beautiful Pongola Reserve. We arrived in
the late evening and the umbrella of stars was in itself
an eye opening experience as we drove through the reserve
to our designated lodge. It was beginning to be apparent
that the land and its people are the true wealth of this
nation. While there are many tribes and cultures in South
Africa one of the most dominant tribes in this region are
the indigenous people of the great Zulu nation. We had
spent weeks exploring Zulu Land, visiting many of its
tribal villages and I have concluded that these humble and
gracious people offer an incredible insight to the history
and heritage of this nation.
Thousands of the Zulu
people still live in the rural areas as they have for
countless centuries and the Pongola Game Reserve provides
many employment opportunities. Working in these reserves
allows the indigenous people to continue their connection
to natures golden blessings. These tribal people of South
Africa are surely...the keepers of nature’s spirit and
in the heart of this beautiful reserve one lodge, in
particular, is definitely the keeper of mans spirit...The
Amakhosi Game Lodge.
South Africa is nourished and well preserved by Mother Nature. With the land's
balance of wild life and scenic glory it is apparent of her adoration. Across
this great land she endowed it with immeasurable balance of eco-systems and
awesome beauty. Along the countless kilometers of coast she glorified the land
with endless bays and panoramic beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see.
In the Pongola Reserve the forces of nature's creativity are ever so evident in
the rolling hills, deep valleys, open grazing land, lakes, flowing rivers, heavy
bush, inspiring flora and deep forests. The land is not only incredibly scenic
it provides food and shelter to the ever-diverse animal kingdom.
The Pongola Reserve of South Africa is a direct result of the insight and character of forward thinking men seeking to preserve the best of nature while protecting the heritage and history of the land they loved. Nature reserves assure the sanctuary of nature and the reservation of wildlife for future generations and the Pongola Reserve is one of the largest. Over the years it has merged with open range and farmland to create a balanced and stable home for thousands of varied species of insect, plant, bird and animal life. The Pongola Reserve is home to some of the most awesome species of animal life in the world, including the Big Five! In the heart of this unforgettable land we discovered and embraced a cocktail of enlightening experiences.
One enjoyable and unforgettable experience was definitely our stay at the Amakhosi Lodge. Before arriving, I had rarely witnessed mans willingness or ability to build a development, much less a luxury lodge, without contributing to the deterioration of the land. To my delight, the masterly designed lodge, built in the heart of the African bush, blended with style and artful adherence to rules of nature. In the midst of this haven for wildlife, The Amakhosi Lodge is most surely a haven for mankind. A palace of African design, the lodge shares the solitude of nature and makes its silent presence on the banks of the Mkuze River. As the lodge is a blending of tribal architecture and modern amenities it provides solace and luxury. The animals, the land and the Amakhosi Lodge combine to fulfill mans need of inner peace while still catering to his adventurous spirit.
The staff of the lodge is mostly from the local Zulu tribes and contributes
greatly to the African experience. They are well orchestrated in the fine art of
making quite sure that your stay will be unforgettable. The Zulu people are
invigorating, yet gracious and you may be assured that their smiles are genuine
and are a true reflection of their age-old wisdom and heritage. You are family
and are treated as such.
As agents of Travelers Digest we had the privilege of staying at this
beautifully unique lodge for four days. The smells and sounds of the
surrounding bush-land and the visually stimulating opportunities to witness the
wild animals in their native land revitalized my soul and elevated me to a
higher level of awareness to the precarious plight of our planet. The sanctuary
of this luxurious lodge was proof of mans ability to balance his co-existence
with nature.
Amakhosi means "Place of Kings" in the Zulu language
and such is the value they place on each and every guest.
The luxury, the divine dining, the amenities and their
location are but parts of a whole. Just outside the
sanctuary and stylish comfort of the lodge awaits the
adventure...the game drives. With professional guides and
open roof vehicles your adrenalin will flow like a
mountain spring as you are driven through the plains and
climb the green and flora covered hills. The journey
pushes deeper and deeper into the forest and thickets of
this ancient land and the excitement mounts as you come
face to face with Giraffes, Wildebeests, Impala, Zebra,
Warthogs, Cheetah, the magnificent Lion and the largest
animal on earth...the mighty Elephant. These animals are
not tamed circus performers, nor are they housed or bred
in a zoo...they are as nature created them, wild and free
and now you, your friends and your family can enjoy them...up
close and personal. The hospitality and warmth of this
elegant lodge is felt from the first moment of arrival to
the last reluctant moment of departure and bidding
farewell is most difficult. Come to the land of mans birth...come
to the land that is truly the home of "Mother Nature".
Come to the absolutely unforgettable South Africa,
safe, friendly, affordable and eternally inspiring! Luxury
and adventure awaits you in the heart of Africa's
phenomenal Zululand at Amakhosi Lodge and Game Reserve.
Highly recommended by Travelers Digest. An unparalleled
adventure and experience... we assure you!
Contact Details:
Amakhosi Lodge
Address: P.O. Box 354 Pongola 3170 South Africa
Phone: +(27) 0 34 414-1157
Fax: +(27) 034 414 1172
This editorial in its entirety is the sole property
of Travelers Digest and may not be distributed, sold or copied without
prior written permission of Travelers Digest and/or its licensed
representatives.
