Recently, the team from our office reveled in a much deserved break to the bush, escaping over the weekend to Garonga Safari Camp in the Makalali reserve close to South Africa's famous Kruger Park, where we could indulge in the hedonistic pleasures and delightful ambiance of one of our favourite safari lodges.

On a sunny friday morning in Cape Town, we boarded the recently inaugurated Nationwide flight from the Mother City to the new Kruger Park International Airport near Nelspruit. Built in "safari style" with thatch and lots of timber, KMIA is the ideal launch pad into the pulsating bushveld and is a dramatic arrival point for travellers going on safari.

From KMIA, we were chartered by our preferred operator, Nelair, in their spacious Kingair 12 seater - a perfect aircraft for coping with bush air strips, with its short take off and landing capabilities. Aircon too - not that we needed it, as we had arrived to a chilly and wet Lowveld - weather which was to stay with us for the weekend, but which in no way dampened our spirits.

Flying at little more that 700 feet to stay under the cloud cover, we winged our way across a landscape dotted first with villages, orchards & fields, then across the Sabi Sand private reserves bordering the rain-swollen Sabie River, every now and then spotting elephant, rhino and giraffe among the jackal berry, knob thorns and acacia trees, before overflying the Olifants river to land at Makalali airstrip. Our Nelair pilot gave a perfect touchdown and taxied to the waiting open Landrover and the welcoming smiles of the drivers from Garonga.

On arrival at the lodge, the first indication that one is entering a place in harmony with its surrounds, are the organic curves of the architecture, inspired by termite mounds and blended together with thatch, canvas and wood. A large African zen garden is a welcoming indication that Garonga is indeed a place of tranquility, peace and pampering - which was confirmed on walking over the threshold to be greeted with home made passion fruit lemonade served by host and lodge owner, Bernie Smith.

More on our Garonga getaway...

Garonga was my first ever safari experience in Africa. It is still my best. I am a romantic and just love the way your exquisite camp blends into the bush. From the aromatherapy lamps in our splendid tented rooms to the fine cuisine and holistic experiences you offer, you will always be unique. The fine personalities and the enthusiasm of your staff at Garonga continue to inspire me, each time I visit. I wish all who visit your wonderful establishment, the same fulfillment as we have come to know through all our guests and my Greenlife colleagues. Lots of Love, Marion Weston