We are ready to be on our way as we head out to our next wine delivery destination in our reliable vehicle, the Red ’33 Pick Up. We leave Dulini Lodge behind and take a 60km drive to Makanyi Lodge. Makanyi Lodge is located in the southern sector of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve and is not only home to an abundant variety of wildlife and birdlife but also to the famous Big Five and the extremely rare and world-renowned white lion.
The architecture of Makanyi is clean and contemporary, cleverly blending seamlessly into its bush surroundings. There are a total of 7 open plan suites which have large bedrooms, a sitting area with fireplace and a spacious bathroom. Outside, a private deck overlooks the bushveld and invites you to relax after a game drive.
Two new villas have been added to the original Makanyi suits. The villas offer 2 bedrooms each, a private boma, private pool and its own game drive vehicle.
Guests are spoilt for choice at Makanyi with activities including exciting game drives, guided bush walks with a highly experienced ranger, fishing in one of the many dams and mesmerising night-time star gazing with a glass of Kyburg wine in hand.
For those wanting to take life a little slower, the lodge provides a perfect haven to retreat to. Spend a blissful few hours by the pool, soak in a hot tub, enjoy a Spa treatment in your room or in the peaceful massage area and burn excess energy in the fully-equipped gym.
Breakfast is served on the deck, a light lunch by the pool or picnic in the bush and who could resist a delightful high tea of scrumptious treats. Dinner is the highlight of the day with delicious local specialities served in the beautiful dining room or under the sparkling African sky sitting around the fire in the boma.
Makanyi also offers Art Safaris which are an excellent and unique way for artists to enhance their skills in a totally different and ideal setting. Art Safari guests do have their own guide and tracker and will be hosted by South African wildlife artist Warren Cary. During game drives, you will observe the many different elements of the bush together with Warren. From wildlife to flora, to different spots and landscapes of particular beauty and interest. He will discuss things such as light and the role it plays on the different subjects. You will still be going on your daily game drives, and these will then be followed by workshops with Warren back at the lodge. Please note that workshops do require a certain level of artistic skill.
Warren also offers these Art Safaris at the following lodges and / or camps: Kings Camp, Kambaku River Lodge, Raports Retreat and Caro River Camp (Botswana).
read more http://makanyilodge.com/
Warren Cary is a well-known and celebrated artist in South Africa and specializes in drawing and painting the amazing African wildlife. Residing in Hoedspruit, Warren takes his inspiration from the nature and wildlife that surrounds him daily. His love for all fauna and flora is reflected in the detailed and exceptional work he produces. His preferred mediums are pastel and graphite pencil.
Recently Warren opened his own gallery in Hoedspruit. Here he showcases this own work as well as the work from artists.
read more https://www.facebook.com/WarrenCaryWildlifeArtist/
With a visit to Warren Cary’s gallery in mind, we say our goodbye to the wonderful staff at Makanyi Lodge and head towards Hoedspruit, a small town approximately 60km from Makanyi Lodge. Hoedspruit has an air force base, called Eastgate Airport, which is served by South African Express. Scheduled flights to and from Johannesburg and Cape Town are available by SA Express, including charter options. Hoedspruit also has some well stocked convenience stores and some quaint restaurants.
The next port of call for a wine delivery is a wonderful wine shop, named Safari Wines, located at Khaya Ndlovu Centre, on the outskirts of Hoedspruit, along the R 40 the road heading south. This well stocked shop distributes and sells wine from the Cape Winelands.
Kyburg Boutique Wines together with Safari Wines designed and developed an exclusive label, called Safari Wines Game Drive, a red Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend as well as a Sauvignon Blanc, both are easy drinking wines. In addition Safari Wines stocks all the regular Kyburg Boutique Wines, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, 33 Latitude and Chenin Blanc.
Next to the Safari Wine Shop, we find the treasure chest Kumbaya Home Deco store. The shop is well stocked with exciting and contemporary South African Arts and Crafts. Or enjoy a delicious meal at the Restaurant COOKED, a lovely open air café style restaurant right next to Safari Wines. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, wine and gin tasting.
Read more: https://www.facebook.com/CookedHoedies/
If you have more time in Hoedspruit, a worthwhile short trip would be to head south along the R531 approximately 30km from Hoedspruit to the old silk farm. Originally a Mopane worm silk farm, was recently upgraded with lovely little shops and a classic car collection. We recommend Anna’s Cotton Club Restaurant for lunch as well as their tranquil small day spa.
Look out for the next chapter of a Kyburg Boutique Wine delivery by the Red ’33 Pick Up, when we make our way to the exclusive Makumu Game Lodge. Makumu is situated in the Klaserie Private Game Reserve, approximately 50km from Hoedspruit.
In the meantime go well and cheers,
Tanja and the rest of the Kyburg Team
