| South Africa: Isibindi Zulu Luxury Eco Reserve Lodge | | Print | |
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iSibindi Zulu Lodge is situated in a private game reserve in the ruggedly beautiful Zululand. An architectural celebration of the Zulu nation, the lodge is a peaceful bushveld retreat which also offers a host of activities for our guests wanting to experience a combination of luxurious accommodation, gameviewing, battlefields and Zulu cultural experiences. This 12 bed luxury lodge is a stone's throw away from the historically momentous Anglo-Zulu battlefields of Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana where Zulu and British clashed in a devastating battle which had enormous consequences for the Zulu people. The lodge also offers a choice of authentic Zulu cultural experiences. Isibindi Game Reserve Battlefield tours Zulu Culture and History You can combine your stay at this lodge with traveling to Also have a look at the 8 night fly in safari packages ex Johannesburg. The Suites - Architecturally inspired by the traditional Zulu beehive shape, the beehive suites offer panoramic views of the game reserve and its diverse habitats ranging from montane grassland to riverine forests. Each Beehive suite has its own viewing deck overlooking the game reserve and the surrounding hills like Rorke's Drift. All rooms are en-suite with separate bath and spacious shower. The Honeymoon suite, comanding views of a particularly game rich area of the reserve, has a romantic sunken stone bath. The rooms are individually set along the ridge ensuring ones privacy in this tranquil environment. Main Lodge - The main lodge set amongst huge Buffalo Thorn Trees and dolorite boulders boasts a homely lounge with a large fireplace, a library, a unique bar carved out of a Wait-a-Bit Thorn Tree, a swimming pool with a view and spacious verandah. The privately set swimming pool has breathtaking views over the game reserve. Guests gather around the bar in the evenings to recall the days safari on the Anglo-Zulu Battlefields or a game walk on the game reserve. Isibindi Zulu Lodge takes pride in its cuisine and has developed a reputation for its unique presentation of South African Fair. Breakfasts and lunches are either served al fresco at the swimming pool or on the verandah.
Rates per person per night sharing in EUR:
Includes: all meals, teas & coffees, one game walk or drive a day; Zulu Boma Dinner, if staying 2 or more nights Activities at Isibindi Zulu Lodge: Battlefield tours - The tour includes a description of the context of the Anglo-Zulu War and events leading up to the outbreak of hostilities in January 1879. The battlefield tour starts at approximately 8h30 when guests are collected by their guide and head for Isandlwana. This battle was considered the greatest defeat in British colonial history and as the dramatic events of the day unfold, guests begin to envisage the tragedy and the bravery of this extraordinary battle that took place during a solar eclipse. At approximately 12h00 guests travel to Rorke's Drift to enjoy a picnic lunch. The events of Rorke's Drift (the battle proceeded from Isandlwana to Rorke's Drift later in the same day) are described, as well as a short tour of the museum. Eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded at Rorke’s Drift for bravery, this being the largest amount awarded to any single regiment in British history. Other battlefields and sites of historical interest in the area, such as Fugitives Drift; the site of the death of the French Prince Imperial and Blood River can be visited by prior arrangement. Tours usually last a day, but are tailor-made to suit your particular interests and can also be arranged as a half day activity. This activity needs to be pre-booked. Zulu Boma Dinner - At iSibindi Zulu Lodge you are offered the opportunity of learning about the Zulu culture which still retains many of its traditional aspects. A Zulu Experience usually starts just as the sun starts to set, shedding golden light over the koppies (hills). Guests are lead down a winding, narrow path through dense bush to a clearing. As you emerge into the clearing, you come upon a traditional Zulu umuzi (family homestead). Here, you smell the smoke from the cooking fire and hear the cattle lowing, the beating of drums and the singing of the dancers. Before sun set, you are given an energetic and powerful performance of Zulu dancing and singing, the fading light adding to the magic of this unforgettable experience. A tour of a traditional home is also given to explain more about the Zulu ways. A Zulu meal follows comprising traditional cuisine such as phutu (stiff maize meal porridge), isijingi (sweet pumpkin mash), umngqush (samp and beans with butter) and inyama (meat and potato stew) and is served in the Kraal of the Umuzi, under the night sky(weather depending). A knowledgeable guide is present throughout the experience to answer any questions and to share the Zulu traditions and customs with you. (Provided for any guests staying 2 or more nights. If staying only one night, must be requested). Zulu Homestead Visit - This is a full day trip departing after breakfast. You head off to Elandskraal Store first, which is a traditional Zulu trading store where you can buy pots, curios and mingle with the locals. From there you go to a farmhouse to meet a lovely family involved in subsistence farming, who will show you around and explain how they farm. This is followed by a visit to a local village halfway between Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana. The lead Zulu dancer at the Lodge – Senzo, will escort and explain the everyday life of the people living here as well as hopefully seeing the resident Sangoma (witchdoctor). If she’s home, she will invite you into her house and explain her beliefs and practices and also show her special muti (magic potions). After this tour you drive to the nearby Museum for a picnic lunch and also have the opportunity to buy from the craft shop there. You will return to the lodge around 3:30pm. Panorama & Cultural Tour - These tours are only available through one guide in this area; He is a qualified historian with a special interest in the Zulu culture and his trips entail a day of unknowns in the surrounding rural areas. Your trip could consist of a varied list of things including: •Mangeni Falls (known by the locals as Istwabeni) and watch the water cascade some 160 metres below. This place is still used as a Zulu sacrificial site. On the way, view giant gorges and other scenic spots. •Walk around a traditional smelting site where the Zulus would melt iron clay to make their spears and then see how to sharpen these spears at special rock sites. •Bushman Rock Art (some of which only the locals know about) deep in true Zulu-land where you will walk on paths that were very possibly the same ones used to reach these spots centuries ago. These are not always guaranteed as an easy journey. Up hills and across rivers in some instances, to finally reach the caves and crevices where wonderful examples of primitive art present themselves. These sites have not been visited by many so it’s a chance to glimpse a piece of real history. Some of the paintings are in fact blue – a fact that any expert will tell you is impossible. However some archaeologists who’ve come to inspect these enigmas have verified that they are still true bushman paintings. •Visits to local Zulus in their homes and catch a glimpse of ladies creating their beaded jewellery. Your guide is ‘A Relic Hunter’ looking for antique spears and traditional bead work from the locals. Often these are available for your purchase should you be looking for such items. These trips also serve as transport of relief items such as clothes and shoes to these local communities. This is a must for anyone who is looking for a True African experience, however it is essential that you book well in advance. (Min 2 pax). Game Drives/Walks - Guided game drives and walks are available on request and subject to availability. All drives are in open game viewing vehicles to enable 360 degree viewing. The game farm can also be explored on foot as there are no dangerous predators, making it safe to walk. Do bear in mind that there are snakes in the bush, so always keep your eyes open! You will be encouraged to walk as much as you like. There are 18 species of hoofed mammals on the reserve, including Giraffe, Burchell’s Zebra, Black Wildebeest (White-tailed Gnu), Blue Wildebeest (Common Gnu), Red Hartebeest, Nyala, Bushbuck, Blesbok, Waterbuck, Common and Mountain Reedbuck, Impala, Kudu, Grey Duiker, Steenbok and Warthog. There is also a diverse array of carnivores including the elusive Leopard and smaller species such as Black-backed Jackal, 3 Mongoose species, Caracal (Lynx), 2 otter species and the Honey Badger (Ratel). The birdlife is abundant and extremely rewarding for keen birders. Even novice birders will have a fabulous time spotting! The species list currently stands at 234. Fishing - The Buffalo River forms the eastern boundary of the reserve and provides some excellent fishing opportunities. Barbel and Yellowfish (Scaly) are both to be found in the river. Guests must bring all their own fishing equipment, including bait. Transport to the river is on foot (about a 5km walk) or by 4 x 4 vehicle. Special - If travelling with children, a trip to the low flowing Isibindi River can be arranged for a bit of a swim and perhaps some tube riding down this gentle flowing River. (Parents supervision required and at own risk). Picnics can also be arranged for guests wishing to picnic on the reserve. Bush breakfasts can also be provided with prior arrangement; this will consist of a game drive with a break somewhere in the bush to enjoy a breakfast cooked to order. Other places of interest:
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