Karkloof Safari Villas
Just over an hour’s drive from Durban, set against the backdrop of rolling hills sits a piece of paradise.
As I crossed the Karkloof River and entered the reserve, which is where this establishment derives its name, I got my first taste of the world I had had entered with its trickling streams and grazing wildlife that were wandering around without any borders separating you from them.
Karkloof Safari Villas has done its utmost to ensure that they don't infringe on the beauty of this landscape by cleverly tucking their luxury villas away amongst the Bluegum trees with their thatched roofs unobtrusively protruding between the treetops. These luxury villas are connected to the main lodge by wooden walkways and managed by staff who all knew my name and delivered a service with smile everytime.
The monkeys and birds made use of my balcony as their playpen and occasionally knocked at the door to announce their presence. Stepping out of the villa in the morning to find a herd of Impala grazing in front of me was probably one of my most cherished highlights.
The evening game drive took us through the untouched trails of the reserve while we scouted for 3 of the Big 5 that know it as home. The white rhino grazing along the fields, the buffalo sitting along the riverbank, the giraffe peeking its head through the trees and the hippos playing in the lagoon are just a few of the animals that crossed my path. The leopard unfortunately did not make an appearance on this visit.
Your morning game drive takes you on a 8km drive in the opposite direction, followed by a 2.4km walking trail that leads you to the thunderous waterfall that makes the walk worth its while. As you stand on the viewing deck you are kissed with the sprays of water and after just five minutes it leaves you drenched. En route back you stop for a coffee and a nibble with a valley as your backdrop.
Even without visiting the onsite spa, you are guaranteed to leave Karkloof Safari Villas feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.