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It wasn’t the friendliest of greetings: the massive white rhino charged towards us barely ten minutes after we transferred from our Mercedes transfer (with wifi!) into our game drive jeep at the Shambala Game Reserve main entrance!

Armand, our driver and guide, thumped the side of the jeep with his flat hand and called out to the rhino in Afrikaans. The rhino quickly moved away and joined the others at a safer distance.  The knowledgeable Armand explained that this was a “mock charge” (it felt real enough to us!) to show us that we shouldn’t come much closer. Rhinos aren’t known for their eyesight and only when he came closer he would have recognized that our big green jeep probably wouldn’t be a good target.

The 30 minute drive from the entrance of the Shambala Game Reserve turned into a one hour exploration as Armand showed us wildebeest, an elephant, dozens of impalas and kudus even before David, the boutique lodge’s manager, welcomed us to Zulu Camp. He walked us to our chalet: an entirely thatched freestanding “villa” built in Zulu style, with undulating ceilings and walls in an “African chic” design.  Our air-conditioned residence boasts a large bedroom with a private terrace overlooking the stream that runs through the grounds. The curved thatched ceiling of the luxury bathroom provides an unusual perspective from your freestanding bathtub or separate shower – both with “made in England” Molton Brown bathroom amenities. There is no need to give up life’s little luxuries while in the wilderness!  (The bottle of rosé Moet & Chandon in the minibar – included in your room rate – confirms that.)

As David quickly pointed out, one of his – and soon mine – favorite experiences was to enjoy the private outdoor shower connected to our bathroom. A rustic wooden fence allowed for privacy and a refreshing shower “au naturel”, surrounded by the sounds of nature – the rushing river just a few feet away, the bird songs amongst the sun-dappled trees. Fantastic!

In addition to the nine chalets onsite, the main building, also thatched, offers an outdoor dining room, a bar and pool on a large terrace overlooking the river. A roaring fire welcomes you at night. A little skittish? You should know that the entire camp is surrounded by an electrified fence and friendly guards to keep more aggressive wildlife out, so you can relax and enjoy nature without worries.

Another section of Shambala includes the accommodations where Nelson Mandela previously visited to get away, so he could relax and recharge. That area is now available for groups of guests who like their privacy too.  (Perfect for an African family reunion!)

But however beautiful and comfortable your accommodations are, you are at Shambala to enjoy nature and wildlife. Armand or one of his colleagues will take you out for morning or evening game drives through the almost 10,000 hectares of private bush fields. Although there are certainly game parks or reserves with more animals, Shambala offers great variety: we managed to see almost 30 species, ranging from elephants and rhinos to the tiny dung beetle.

You may also be taken on a boat ride on the largest man-made “Dam” at sunset.  A big dam was built in the river, which soon resulted in a large lake – the perfect habitat for hippos and crocodiles.  You’re likely to see them from the comfort (and safety) of your boat, while enjoying a glass of something or other.

Head ranger Dean is qualified to guide the more adventurous on a bushwalk – yes, a guard with gun, just in case, will come along – so you can see the flora and fauna up close. At night, you may be lucky enough to admire the African sky with constellations away from the bright lights of cities. David, Dean and Armand took us up to the helipad of the private mansion of the reserve’s owner. Away from artificial lights, we were amazed at the thousands and thousands of stars, planets and constellations, including the Southern Cross which can only be seen from the Southern hemisphere.

And even though you are miles away from “civilization”, rest assured that you will be fed and watered very well! For every meal, the chef or one of his colleagues will come and have a chat to discuss the day’s options and your preferences. Everything is fresh, and beautifully presented.  Feeling adventurous?  Feel free to try out ostrich, biltong, and other local specialties.

The welcome note in our chalet told us to get ready for a “once in a lifetime” adventure at Zulu Camp – but I certainly hope not! I’d love to go back there sometime soon!