#MonthlyMankwe: Botswana Emerald Season Update

Mankwe Tented Retreat is thick in the throes of the emerald season, with sheets of rain replenishing the landscape on a regular basis. A recent Facebook post of ours briefly touched on Mankwe’s current sightings, so today we’re going to expand on Yolande’s recent update. From African wild dogs to elephants, awe-inspiring landscapes, and beautiful birds, Mankwe’s summer season is brimming with abundance.

Summer brings with it a different kind of game viewing experience, where verdant landscapes come alive with the flutter and chorus from colourful summer migrant birds. Woodland kingfisher, arrow-marked babbler, paradise flycatcher, and the Kurrichane thrush are just a few of the visitors to Mankwe’s traverse. Yolande managed to photograph a few of the spectacular winged residents lapping up the spoils of the season.

Botswana’s drier winter season is renowned for being the time of year to spot big predators, and prolific game at waterholes. The thinned-out vegetation characterizing the winter season makes it easier to spot wildlife, while summer’s contrasting lush greens provide cover for predators to hide out. This summer, things are different – sightings are still at an all-time high!

The breeding elephant herds are still congregating around waterholes, putting on quite a show for onlookers. Young calves are learning from elders within the herd, and bumbling around the muddy banks of dam, making for entertaining viewing.

Wildlife is still in abundance, moving between overflowing waterholes and dew-laden shrubbery. Although the bushveld is dense, the Mankwe team is still enjoying prolific sightings. The waterhole in front of the camp is a popular year-round place for plains game and pachyderms, while further afield predators roam the roads. While out on game drive, the intrepid team spotted a pack of wild dogs taking the easy route along the road just roaming the extensive Botswana wilderness. The pack was quite habituated to the game viewer, making viewing that much more exciting. These nomadic dogs cover a wide range, and are quite rare to spot. Seeing dogs in the wild is a privilege.

The African Retreats Portfolio

Once a month we will use our blogging platform to showcase properties from our sister company, African Retreats. African Retreats does the reservations and marketing for a collection of affordable lodges and traditional bush camps in Southern Africa, and creates activity-based itineraries to match. While most of the Sun Destinations properties are located in Big 5 areas, and include activities in their rates, the African Retreats collection focuses more on properties outside of reserves. To kick-off, we’re going to briefly introduce you to each property.

Nambu Camp

Elevated above the landscape and built on an old anthill lies Nambu Camp, a 6-bedroom safari lodge located in the heart of the Big 5 Balule Game Reserve. This is an owner-run and managed camp, and careful attention to detail is evident throughout the camp. Nambu is known for its off-the-charts dining experience, and beautiful riverside sundowner set-ups – the owner once made his own tonic water. Two game drives a day are included in your stay, and take place in the world-renown Balule. On-site there is a swimming pool, raised boma area, lounge, and various viewpoints. Simply put, Nambu is classy, charming, and oozes a laid-back sophistication.

Click here: www.nambucamp.com

Rukiya Safari Camp

Owned by Lily and Conraad, Rukiya is known for its excellence and luxury take on affordability. Located in the Wild Rivers Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger, the camp offers beautifully constructed Meru-style tented rooms built on raised wooden platforms. There’s also a family-style villa for hire, complete with a wood-fired hot tub. The luxury camp is built on the banks of the river, under a canopy of trees. In front of camp, the lawns cascade down to the banks of the river, where hippos regularly forage. From short drives on the reserve to longer drives into the neighbouring Big 5 reserves and mountain biking, Rukiya offers abundant activities. One of the most Instagrammable spots at camp is the rim-flow swimming pool overlooking the river!

Click here: www.rukiyacamp.com

Sava Dunes

Sava Dunes is the only coastal property in the portfolio, and is located in a remote location along the Inhambane Coast. There are 5 ocean-facing cottages overlooking the golden beach and expansive ocean; each with a private balcony. There is also a garden-facing chalet ideal for families! Sava is perfectly placed to experience a marine safari, while the actual lodge is on the sand dunes on the beach. Sava is a coastal sister camp to Rukiya (same owners), and provides the same level of luxury. The main selling point is the incredible swim-up bar, where visitors can order cocktails while enjoying a dip in the pool.

Click here: www.savadunes.com

Kruger Cliffs

Kruger Cliffs is in an enviable location in the Greater Kruger, and offers supreme views of the Drakensberg Mountain range. The lodge is self-catering, and each unit has its own plunge pool on a raised deck. Expansive windows open out onto the wilderness, while outdoor showers provide the perfect invigorating experience in the bushveld. Each of the cottages has their own barbecue/braai area, and overlook the extensive wilderness beyond. Ideally located for activities in both lowveld and highveld, Kruger Cliffs is a favourite. We highly recommend booking the hiking experience through Kruger Cliffs combined with your standard

Click here: www.krugercliffs.com

Avoca Bush Camp

Avoca is an authentic safari retreat in the Timbavati Nature Reserve, and offers guests the opportunity to stay in affordable accommodation in the heart of a game-rich, world-renown reserve. Avoca is a secluded rustic hideaway that looks like a massive log cabin. Accommodation at Avoca is basic and comfortable, sleeping 8 guests in either twin or double chalets, each with their own bathrooms. Each room is a little log cabin built beneath tall trees and within close proximity to the main lodge area, pool, and boma. Guests can hire out Avoca on a catered or self-catered basis.

Click here: www.avocabushcamp.co.za

Safari Moon Luxury Bush Lodge

Safari Moon Luxury Bush is a 5-star graded property located in the Greater kruger with a guest house feel. It’s the ideal stopping point in between your Big 5 safari experiences. In every corner there’s designer decor and interiors, and beautiful architecture. It’s located close to Hoedspruit airport, and is the gateway for safari adventures.

There are 6 stylish suites to choose from during your stay, named after different wildlife species that can be seen in the estate and around the lodge. Every room has its own charm, style and story, not forgetting a vibrant collection of both international and African art. The main lodge opens out to a stylish outside lounge area, pool deck, sun loungers, succulent gardens, braai area and cosy boma. Beautiful water features are found throughout the gardens, providing a tranquil atmosphere ideal for relaxation.

Click here: www.safarimoon.co.za

Bushwa Game Lodge

Bushwa Game Lodge is a malaria-free luxury safari lodge located in the Waterberg Biosphere, which is just a couple hours outside of Johannesburg. Bushwa is an incredible place for a weekend break.

This luxurious lodge has a variety of accommodation options, luxury chalets and safari-style tents all with private balconies. There’s even a remote, romantic treehouse overlooking a waterhole that certainly sets the standard in terms of an exclusive romantic wilderness experience. Relax at the rim-flow swimming that has breathtaking views of the wilderness, enjoy evenings under the stars in the boma area or relax in one of the many lounges. The self-catering camp also has its own swimming pool and facilities, making it ideal for groups.

The treehouse is perfect for a spot of romance, and comes highly recommended for honeymooners. Food is a highlight at Bushwa, and there’s plenty of homegrown fare on offer – vegetables are produce are grown on the property. Bushwa is the ultimate in safari bliss.

Click here: www.bushwa.co.za

The Island River Lodge

The Island River Lodge is a retreat resting on the banks of the Blyde River, and is a lush eden home to hippo, abundant birdlife, and a forest of ancient riverine trees.

The Island River Lodge’s own backyard is an 8 hectare stretch of land in a prime location on the Blyde River. The accommodation sits under a canopy of trees and is dotted among lush, untouched pristine riverine vegetation.

The Island River Lodge offers rustic and authentic accommodation provided on a dinner, bed and breakfast option or self-catering basis. Rooms are interlinked via meandering pathways that are lit up during evening times. This lodge is a birding paradise. Trumpeter hornbills, Pel’s fishing owl and kingfishers are just a few of the species to spot while enjoying the sweeping views of the river below from the viewing deck, boma and swimming pool area.

Click here: www.island-river-lodge.co.za

Kingly Bush Camp

Resting comfortably in the heart of the Greater Kruger’s Big 5 territory amidst the dense mopane woodlands in the GDP Reserve, sits the charming and rustic Kingly Explorer Camp. Designed for the true wilderness explorer, this intimate camp holds great appeal for safari-enthusiasts who want to immerse themselves in an authentic back-to-roots style safari experience.

The entire camp is built around a waterhole frequented by buffalo and elephants. Each of the 4 tents is linked to the main area by lantern-lined elevated wooden walkways, offering an added sense of safety in the rugged wilderness.

Click here: www.kinglyexplorercamp.co.za

Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside: Authentic Kruger Safari in the Sabi Sand Area

If you’re looking for an authentic Kruger safari in the Sabi Sand area, then Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside comes highly recommended. Located in the heart of leopard territory in the prestigious and private Sabie Reserve, Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside is bordered by the Kruger National Park and Mala Mala to the east. The ecologically diverse terrain supports a wealth of species, the most famous of which is the Big 5, which are often spotted while out on professionally led game drives.

Umkumbe’s enviable location on the banks of the Sand River means that guests are consistently rewarded with sightings of predators from the comfort of the lodge. Umkumbe is one of our longstanding lodges, and is one of the most affordable accommodation options in the area.

Part of Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside’s charm is that it offers a laid-back and personal safari experience, where the focus is on wildlife and location as opposed to opulent luxuries. The lodge is owner-run and managed, and has an atmosphere of rustic charm that contributes to its authenticity. There’s something very “real” about staying at a lodge so firmly entrenched in a historically significant wildlife region. There are abundant drainage lines and potential den sites for leopards to raise their young, which is why the Sabi region is renowned for its leopard sightings.

Guests regularly see elephants, hippos, buffalo, and antelope grazing in the river bed. In fact, the best place to spot the wild things is from around the pool deck or in the pool. It’s not uncommon for Umkumbe management to see guests tanning on the sun loungers, while simultaneously spotting game.

The lounge, bar and dining area flows out from the swimming pool deck area, and there’s also a classic boma area where plenty of stories are exchanged.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside can sleep a total of 20 guests, who can be accommodated in 10 chalets. Each of the rooms has its own verandah, with views of either the Sand River or open plain with a watering hole. On the verandahs, there are comfy chairs and small side tables that provide a place of solitude to take in your surroundings. When you’re not soaking up the tranquil safari atmosphere at the lodge, you’ll be exploring the vast bushveld in an open-topped game viewer with qualified guides at the helm.

Choose Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside for an authentic Kruger safari in the Sabi Sand area.

Mankwe Tented Retreat Has the Best Safari Lodge Swimming Pools

When you conjure up images of poolside splendour in the sizzling summer season, a safari lodge in the middle of the African savannah certainly doesn’t come to mind. Blissful days spent around a swimming pool lapping up the sun and sipping on sunset-inspired cocktails are normally reserved for coastal getaways. The two go hand-in-hand. That is until Mankwe broke the stereotype with their two beautifully designed swimming pools, and brought a bit of tropical flavour to their bushveld paradise.

Mankwe is located just outside of the Moremi Game Reserve, where temperatures can soar to a whopping 40 degrees celsius during the summer months. During downtime between game drives, a pool is a necessity. Mankwe lodge’s architects and designers have thought of everything. Because of the lodge’s potential capacity, it was decided to build two swimming pools to give guests abundant space for cooling off, as well as space to soak up the sun.

It’s without a doubt that Mankwe Tented Retreat has the best safari lodge swimming pools. The primary pool is in the main section of the lodge, and is surrounded by a wooden decking area laden with deck chairs and designer parasol umbrellas. The deck flows effortlessly from the pool area to a neat outdoor dining section, and lounge area. There are a few breakaway enclaves with separate relaxation areas. The pool in the main area is just perfect if you’d like to go for a dip, and then retire to the lounge area to read a book.

The second swimming pool is a bit more secluded, and truly celebrates all that’s tropical. A raised wooden walkway winds its way down to a dedicated pool area, also kitted out with umbrellas for shade and sun loungers for kicking back and relaxing. There’s a stylish pool bar ideally located a few steps away from the turquoise waters, which means it’s not too far to walk for your safari drink of choice.

Mankwe Tented Retreat Extends its Traverse to Khwai River

We are very excited to announce the extension of Mankwe Tented Retreat’s traverse, which will add huge value to daily game drives. Mankwe’s current concession occupies 365 000 hectares of prestigious territory on the outskirts of the Moremi Game Reserve, at that tip of where the finger-like channels extend into iconic semi-arid Kalahari landscapes. The additional traversing rights include 20 000 hectares of game-rich terrain along the banks of the famed Khwai River, an area frequented by lions and other predators.

The varied ecosystem in this region comprises mopane woodlands, savannah grasslands, lagoons and pans, swampy marshes, and riparian vegetation. This extension of Mankwe’s traverse, in addition to the day game drives into the Moremi, adds plenty of scope for incredible wildlife sightings while on safari.

The Khwai Riverfront

The source of the Okavango River – called the Rio Cubango – is in the Angolan highlands and is the fourth largest river system in Africa, extending a whopping 1 600 kilometres. The river forms the border between Namibia and Angola, and flows into Botswana where the course ends in an alluvial fan, the Okavango Delta. The Khwai River extends from the Okavango River, and is basically the overflow of the river that forms the northern border between Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve. During the dry season, the Khwai riverfront area provides a sanctuary for wildlife.

Wildlife to See on the Khwai River

The Khwai River is perennial and offers stellar game viewing opportunities year-round. It is one of the top places in Botswana to spot high concentrations of predators, elephants, and hippo. It’s not uncommon to see massive herds of elephants drinking alongside pods of hippo. During the dry season, when the rest of Botswana has dried up, the Khwai Riverfront is a magnet for wildlife. From sycamore figs to jackalberry, sausage trees, and bands of camel thorn, the riverfront area

A few of the common residents of the area include:

Red lechwe
Waterbuck
Hippo
Crocs
Saddle-billed storks
Marabou storks
Lilac-breasted rollers
Lions
Leopards
Elephants
Hyena

Safari Activities at Mankwe Tented Retreat

Safari activities at Mankwe circulate around daily game drives on Mankwe’s concession and Khwai Riverfront, and excursions into the bordering Moremi Game Reserve. It is in the perfect position for observing the perennial drama of the African Bushveld and provides excellent birding. Activities at the camp include morning and afternoon game drives, as well as after-dark spotlight game drives in the concession.

Mankwe is the perfect place from which to begin a journey into the Delta, where there are many islands dotted throughout the myriad of waterways. If the water levels are high enough, guests can add on a traditional mokoro or boating experience while out in the Moremi. Other activities on-site include special sundowner set-ups and birdwatching.

Kruger Walking Safaris: 2022 is the Time to Get Those Vellies Dirty

Did you get a new pair of trail shoes or hiking boots for Christmas? Then it’s time to kick start 2022 with a Kruger walking safari! Don’t let those pricey Puma’s or veldskoen gather dust as you did with last year’s gift. Your new kicks are best utilized on our 3-day Africa on Foot Wilderness Trail through the undulating terrain of the Balule region in Greater Kruger. The team does everything for you, all you need to do is have a reasonable level of fitness, a sense of adventure…and plasters if you’ve seriously haven’t worn your shoes before. It’s TIME to get those VELLIES dirty!

The Lowdown

This is one is for relatively fit adventurers who are looking for an incomparable walking safari experience in the Kruger. A sister camp to Klaserie’s Africa on Foot, Wilderness Trails is designed to offer 3 nights of camping in the Maseke Balule Game Reserve, each night in a different location. Guests at Africa on Foot always love their 3-hour morning walk, so it was a natural progression that a trails camp would open.

Each day on Wilderness Trails is spent walking through the 8000-hectare reserve in the Greater Kruger Park, and each night is spent at a new, fully set up mobile campsite in a scenic location. A maximum of 8 guests (sleeping in 4 tents) are taken on the Kruger walking adventure of a lifetime, with plenty of stops en route. The terrain is quite flat, but undulating – it’s bushveld walking, not clambering up peaks. A professional Africa on Foot trained guide and tracker team will lead an informative, thrilling, and unforgettable walk in the wild, and end the day off around a crackling fire back at camp with a drink in hand.

You can expect to stop for lavish lunches, water breaks, and snack breaks at scenic viewpoints. Because the trails are on or close to the jeep tracks, a vehicle is always on standby should anything go wrong. Every evening there’s a short game drive, just to introduce you to the marauding nocturnal species in the area.

Wilderness Trails Accommodation

Each of the 4 dome tents can sleep 2 people comfortably on individual mattresses, made up of bed linen, duvets, and pillows. These foam mattresses roll up easily into canvas covers, and are easily transported and reassembled at the next campsite. Camping doesn’t come more comfortable than this!

Each tent has an attached bathroom, which consists of a bucket shower and a chemical toilet. A specially designed canvas panel is erected adjacent to the dome tent, creating an enclosed, yet open-air, bathroom facility. Water for the bucket showers is heated on the fire and filled for each shower.

The canvas exterior of the tent is lined with fly screen mesh, which allows the canvas flaps to be opened while keeping the insects out. Home comforts, such as bug spray and mosquito repellant, hand soap, and toilet paper are provided.

It’s TIME to get those VELLIES dirty!

#MonthlyMankwe: Mankwe is Elephant City

Resting comfortably in a game-rich corner of wilderness on the doorstep of the Moremi Game Reserve is Mankwe Tented Retreat. You’re probably no stranger to this new addition to our portfolio, which shines a spotlight on one of Botswana’s remote and coveted regions. From our side, we will be delivering a monthly lodge update fresh from Yolande, the effervescent and friendly lodge manager. The #MonthlyMankwe update will highlight recent sightings, goings-on, and other snippets of excitement from their sublime sanctuary.

When we contacted lodge manager Yolande Pieterse, we had no idea what was in store for us. After a recent break, Yolande returned to the hallowed grounds of Mankwe, only to be confronted by prolific elephant sightings. If Botswana is the land of giants, then Mankwe is elephant city. If you’ve seen Stew Nolan’s magnificent portfolio of images of Mankwe, you’ll notice that the sanctuary has a waterhole in front of camp, and one further afield on their traverse.

Yolande says,”At one stage, we had a few bulls coming up to 3 – 4 times a day to cool off and drink water, and every day there is a resident herd of kudu and impala that visit”. She also mentions that – like clockwork – hyenas come to visit every night and that it’s not uncommon to see 7 hyenas in one sitting. Yolande excitedly says, “The animals are become more aware of the camp’s waterhole as a stable source of water, especially since the others have dried up. Kudu herds are still a bit skittish, but are slowly getting used to the sound of movement at our newly established lodge.”

During the drier months, wildlife flocks to any available water source to replenish their thirst. Waterholes become a hive of activity, with wildlife jostling and vying for a position on the banks. Elephants are purveyors of fine water and will travel miles to seek out the perfect dunking, swimming, bathing, and drinking spot. Mankwe’s waterhole seems to fit the criteria for these local giants!

Summer is fast approaching which means the rains will replenish the bushveld, making sightings of jumbos at the waterhole less frequent. But, the good news is that the waterhole is the new place to be seen…If you’re an animal!

Meet the Meerkats of Roam Safari Lodge

One of the main conservation goals at Roam Private Game Reserve was to habituate the local meerkat colonies in an effort to study their behaviour, and enhance tourism in the Karoo. The naturally occurring meerkat colonies in the Karoo were extremely skittish when the lodge first opened. When the team spotted a lightning-fast sentinel was cause for celebration! Lodge managers and conservationists, Abi and Don, made it their plight to habituate the meerkats, while still respecting their place in the wild.

After clocking many hours’ worth of observation, and just quietly being in the presence of the meerkat, the critters eventually warmed to their surroundings. The meerkat colonies on Roam Private Game Reserve are finally habituated, and guests can now enjoy reliable meerkat sightings in the Karoo. Do bear in mind that sightings in the wild are never a guarantee, but the consistent sightings of these adorable carnivores is a major win for the team. At long last, Roam Safari Lodge is now “on the map” for meerkat sightings in the Karoo.

Abi says, “There is a trio of meerkats that actually visit the lodge regularly and drink from the waterhole. Guests often spot them from the comfort of the deck, and there’s always one creature that struts its stuff around the pool deck. It’s so nice that the meerkats are relaxed around the lodge! Their main burrow actually isn’t too far from the pool and hot tub area.”

5 Interesting Facts About Meerkats

Because they belong to the mongoose family, meerkats are immune to most snake venom, and will successfully sleep off a cocktail of toxic compounds.
Meerkats extract plenty of moisture from the grubs and shrubs they eat, and don’t actually need water.
They live in cooperative packs of 3 to 25 and live in an intricate burrow system with a number of different entrances.
The entire pack hunts together for food, while the sentinel looks out for potential threats.
Meerkats are raised and assisted by all adults in the colony.

Stylish and Affordable Botswana Safari Lodge Close to Moremi

Mankwe Tented Retreat redefines the art of simple luxury with its effortless design and quintessential bushveld retreat-style architecture. It’s not only Mankwe’s fresh take on bushveld living that is a major drawcard: it’s also the price tag. It’s no secret that finding a stylish yet affordable Botswana safari lodge close to Moremi can be as scarce as hen’s teeth, which is why Mankwe is set to make waves in the budget-friendly bracket of Botswana accommodation. Not only is Mankwe well-positioned, but it offers visitors the opportunity to experience elegant dining, spa treatments, game drives, and stylish spaces for a fraction of the cost of their competitors. Mankwe is worth it.

Mankwe Tented Retreat is the ideal Botswana safari lodge close to Moremi. The retreat has 10 Meru-style tented suites individually erected on raised wooden platforms. Tents are built from a mix of typical safari canvas and light wood, giving it a fresh ambiance. Each suite is plush, furnished with handwoven artifacts, and decorated with contemporary softs. En suite bathrooms enveloped by canvas walls overlook the bushveld beyond, inviting the wilderness inside. Mankwe has a spa treatment room, two swimming pools, an outdoor dining area, and plenty of relaxation areas.

Daily game drives provide the perfect introduction to the 365 000 hectare concession. This well-positioned Botswana safari lodge also offers game drives into the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve and the waterways of the Okavango Delta. After a day spent exploring the Moremi and Delta, indulging in the best of the land and water-based safaris, guests can retire to a strategically based boma and campfire area at Mankwe.

Mankwe Tented Retreat is located only 96km from Maun. Mankwe is on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta, a renowned World Heritage Site in Botswana. The border of the Moremi Game Reserve lies a stone’s throw to the west of Mankwe, while Chobe National Park is slightly north, and Maun is only two hours south, by road. You could not ask for a better position for a varied safari experience in Botswana.

nThambo’s Warick Talks Lion Sightings in the Klaserie

Warick Wrede, one of the managers of nThambo Tree Camp, furnished us with a sightings update from the Klaserie. In his post below, he reminds us of the Vuyela’s history and bloodline. These lions are no stranger to the nThambo and Africa on Foot traverse, and provide fairly consistent sightings.

Warick’s update is below.

Let me introduce the Vuyela Pride to you. Vuyelwa/Vuyela means come back and they are a lion pride of 9 individuals. The make-up of this pride is 5 males and 4 females. No one is sure of where these 5 males come from but we think they are coming in from the Kruger National Park. The males range in age from 7 to about 9 years of age. These 5 males are very seldom seen walking together and generally we see at the most 2 together.

The females are seen for the most part together. We have a feeling that 1 or 2 of the females might have cubs on our neighbouring property to the North of us. The reason why we say this is because the females we see are lactating, which means that they are producing milk. This is only done when they have cubs or are close to giving birth. The name Vuyelwa is actually the name given to the 5 males as a group but because we see them so often with the males we have decided to call the whole pride The Vuyelwa’s. We have struggled to see them the past week as they have not been around but instead on neighbouring properties to the North and to the West of us.

We tracked long and hard for about four days and eventually, we were rewarded for our patience and persistence. We eventually found the Vuyelwa’s on the cut line between us and our neighbours to the West. When we found them the females were trying to hunt which is pretty difficult when you have 3 males in tow. They were sneaking up on a herd of impalas when the males got too impatient and started to walk around which ruined the hunt of course. Despite the failed hunt we had an amazing sighting of them in the end with the light just right for photography.

Here are some photos of the Vuyelwa’s as well as some photos of what we saw along the way while tracking them down. Hope you enjoy.