ZWAHILI - REFLECTIONS

Zwahili is just 2 hours drive from Johannesburg, so it makes for an easy weekend or midweek break, particularly for Johannesburgers in need of savouring the quiet and peace of the bush.

Zwahili is not a Big Five destination and makes no claim to such - currently it is stocked with antelope, giraffe and zebra, although I did spot a striped weazel at sunset, which was an exciting first for me.

What makes Zwahili so appealing are the beautiful cream coloured canvas tented rooms, with private bathroom and one of the best outdoor showers in the bush.

This is a place to take a break and relax with a book beside the pool or in ones luxurious tent, listening to the sounds of insects and birds and just revelling in the open spaces and fresh air freedom.

As Zwahili started life as a corporate lodge, where food and beverage is obviously very important to business execs, this still reflects in the great cuisine, which has to rank as some of the tastiest I have eaten at a bush or game lodge.

Two meals are served daily at Zwahili - brunch from 10am onwards, which is great as one can sleep in or enjoy a morning walk. There is high tea prior to the afternoon game drive and dinner is served from 8pm. The fare is table d'ote, but the suble blend of flavours and ingredients made the meals utterly memorable.