Incredible Nguni!

Wow - I don't even know where to start with this post. There is far too much to say.

I was fortunate enough to tack on some vacation time (as was Melissa) so that I could see a bit more of South Africa on this trip. So, on Sunday morning we flew to Port Elizabeth where we would start the next phase of our journey at the Nguni River Lodge. After the short flight, we met up with our driver at the airport for our hour long drive to the lodge. He was a fantastic guy who was more than happy to talk about his country and show us the sights along the route. We were warmly greeted at Nguni and introduced to our Guide, Rhynhardt, who wore a strange black bandage on his thumb. Hmmmm.

Rhynhardt loaded us up in the Land Rover and drove us to the main lodge while pointing out some of the wildlife along the way. Oh you know, like Zebras and stuff! We were greeted at the main lodge by the very cute Tami who gave us a cool towel, showed us around the main lodge and escorted us to our room.

However, before I get too deep into a description of the hotel, I would just like to say that the place is ridonkulous. I knew it would be really, really nice...but it was ten times nicer than I expected.

I will have to let my photos speak for themselves on the lodge itself, which is refreshingly far away from any wireless signal. It consists of an open-air building that faces a wide open plain with warthogs, baboons and rhino...yep rhino...grazing about. When Tami took us to our room we were literally jumping up and down with delight as we saw our huge room, plunge pool, outdoor shower and our huge egg-shaped bath. Ahh-mazing!

During our three night stay we went on a total of seven game drives. At three hours each, we spent a lot of time in the vehicle - but we loved it! Rhynhardt was determined to make sure we saw everything we could - including lions (twice), lion cubs (so cute and curious), brown hyena (apparently a first-ever sighting at the lodge) and elephants, including one who started to charge us but was scared off by Rhynhardt at the last minute (thankfully). We searched and searched for days for the very elusive Rhino with no luck. So I decided that we should stop looking and let the Rhino find us, which he promptly did by taking a stroll right in front of the lodge while we were having our lunch.

Now speaking of lunch, I do need to talk about the food at this place. As you may have noticed in my previous posts...I kinda like food. I like it a lot. And the food here was outstanding!  The ladies in the kitchen spoiled us with their cooking: huge brunches with perfectly poached eggs, fresh bread, homemade desserts (at lunch!), and a choice of one of three amazing dinners. Wow.

Some of the highlights of our stay?

Getting to know Rhynhardt our guide (and elephant saviour) - who joined for drinks in the evening and kept us entertained with some of his amazing stories. The black bandage on his thumb? Oh, that was just from being bitten by a Cobra, after which he was given the wrong anti-venom, nearly died and almost lost his thumb. All in a days work I suppose.

After each game drive we were met at the vehicle with a vanilla scented towel, cool or hot depending on the weather. Evenings were spent chilling by a warm fire with a glass of wine or brandy...or a double brandy and coke, which we were told is a South African thing. As we were one of only two guests in residence at any given time, it was generally quiet but we did have a fun time chatting and laughing with Rhynhardt and the lovely Manager, Craig.

I also decided to indulge a bit and booked a massage in my room. Which I followed up with a hot bath and an outdoor shower. Life is good. Like, really good.

My experience at Nguni was beyond expectation - but I would like to point at that it is also relatively affordable, with a cost in line with any moderately priced all-inclusive vacation one might take in North America. Our price included everything (2 game drives a day and gourmet meals) with the exception of drinks. But even with several bottles of good wine (about $10 CN a bottle), a Cohiba #4 cigar and an hour-long massage, I still only paid $150 extra when I left the resort.

After all that luxury it hurt to get back on a plane for another 11 hour trek...but Paris (deep sigh, close eyes, smile) was waiting for us on the other end.