Wildlife

Feb

2019

A democracy of buffalo

Posted On February 14, 2019 By Characterstays And has No Comment

If you want a perfect example of “ubuntu” (the African concept of ‘we exist because of one another’) in the animal kingdom, look no further than the African buffalo. These creatures are very protective of one another, and will gather around to take care of young, […]

Nov

2018

Beautiful-ugly beasties of the bush

Posted On November 13, 2018 By Characterstays And has No Comment

I just adore these beautiful-ugly beasties – the warthog (a.k.a Pumba in the Lion King). These African hogs just ooze character with their warty faces and compact fat bodies. These warts are actually protective bumps, especially useful when the males fight one another with their tusks. […]

Sep

2018

Why I love critters

Posted On September 7, 2018 By Characterstays And has No Comment

If you are lucky enough during your stay at Thonga Beach Lodge, you may join Layla Leigh Edeling on a guided forest walk. Her enthusiasm about all things creepy and crawly, feathered and fluffy will infuse your visit and you will look with renewed appreciation under […]

Aug

2018

Ten reasons to visit Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park

Posted On August 22, 2018 By Characterstays And has No Comment

By Philip Briggs from Safaribookings.com Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park rivals the world-famous Kruger National Park as one of southern Africa’s most alluring safari destinations. Extending over 1000 square kilometres of beautiful green hills, it is the world’s most important rhino sanctuary, and hosts a rich biodiversity including all […]

Jul

2018

Dolphins – some of our favourite friends

Posted On July 3, 2018 By Characterstays And has No Comment

A dream that I have had for a long time is to swim in the ocean with dolphins. Somehow it is a dream that I have had since my childhood, since dolphins feel to me like creatures that belong with more mythical beings such as angels […]

Jun

2018

Celebrating the humble Aloe

Posted On June 26, 2018 By Characterstays And has No Comment

If you visit any of our beautiful lodges set in pristine parts of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, do ask one of our guides to show you different varieties of Aloe plants. These succulents make great photographs in the setting sun, back-lit or silhouetted. There are over 500 […]

May

2018

The African Wild Dog

Posted On May 16, 2018 By Characterstays And has No Comment

Dr Sharon Grussendorff tells us about one of her favourite wild game sightings: the African Wild Dog. When I visit a game park, one of the most exciting animal sightings for me is to see a troop of wild dog jogging along the side of […]

Apr

2018

iSimangaliso natural world

Posted On April 30, 2018 By Characterstays And has No Comment

There are so few unspoilt places left in the world and one feels it keenly when one enters such a protected natural part of the globe. One of my favourite such places is the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, one of South Africa’s first World Heritage Sites. Passionately […]

Apr

2018

Rock pool awe

Posted On April 23, 2018 By Characterstays And has No Comment

By Dr Sharon Grussendorff, regular guest at the Isibindi Africa Lodges, with images from the talented Carl Moller of Thonga Beach Lodge. Many of us have happy memories of playing on the beach as a child with our bucket and spade, splashing about in the […]

Mar

2018

Birdwatching in Northern KwaZulu-Natal

Posted On March 18, 2018 By Characterstays And has No Comment

Where you can see the widest range of grassland, freshwater, sea and forest birds in one trip (with images by Dr George Hughes) I held my breath as we do sometimes to stop time when something wonderful has touched us Mary Oliver Encountering […]