Blog - Nabana lodge

Kinderstories en die Kruger wildtuin - vanaf Nabana Lodge

2019-06-18T00:00:00+02:00

Ek sou dit nie beter kon stel nie, Om Kruger wildtuin toe te gaan is inderdaad om soos deur n gordyn n ander wereld te betree. En as jy boonop n Sanparks Wild Card het en jou kleinkinders daarop kan byvoeg raak dit n opwinding wat rekenaarspeletjies ver oortref. Die vorige aand word gepak in orde van belangrikheid: verkykers, kamera, verwysingsboeke, koffie, beskuit, toebroodjies en koeldrank.

Voor die son opkom sit ons reeds voor die hek. Die ritueel word afgeskop met soete soet koffie, beskuit en n lewendige debat van wie wat eerste gaan sien. Met twee op die agtersitplek, een wat links en die ander regs moet soek en die ander twee in die stasiewa se laairuimte, een wat vorentoe en die ander agtertoe moet kyk is daar skrale kans dat hierdie jong en ogies veel gaan mis. En alles tel…..selfs ook “ouma, ouma…daar is mis in die pad”!

Tussen wild soek, bome uitken en voëls beloer is daar ook filosofiese gesprekke, terg en lag, en as die stoeiery ouma oorhand kry maak ons n ander plan en soek n lekker, harde maar kortstondige ritme op die radio. Darem nie te ver tussen Phabeni hek tot by Skukuza golf klubhuis waar ons vinnig ontbyt en die 4 die vrypostige apies so op hulle herrie gee dat ouma haar ontbyt rustig kan eet sonder om daarvan beroof te word.

Noudat die apies weer in toom is en die kleingoed ontslae is van uitbundige energie stop ons by Lake Panic – elkeen gewapen met n verkyker. Ernstige fotograwe kyk aanvanklik vererg op as ouma en die klein mensies die heilige spasie betree, maar ontspan opsigtelik wanneer die viertjies doodstil op n ry met verkykers voor die oë stil raak. En wanneer hy n swart reier met oopgespalkte vlerke in die lens kry fluister die oudste dringend “Look ouma, n hug me bird!”

Terug in die kar word Kruger Self-Drive van van den Berg se roetegids bestudeer en die res van die dag beplan. Tsokwane piekniekplek kry vandag voorkeur en spore word met erns gesoek in die afdraai grondpaadjies, soos ook die kwistende luiperdstert in n boom. Vir n ouma kan “wait, ouma, wait – go back” nooit te vêr terug wees nie. En wanneer ons die troupant in die boom kry word naslaanboeke uitgehaal en ons lees op en identifiseer die boom: VanWykshout, wetenskaplike naam Bolusanthus speciosus. Klink soos? “Bolletjie spies” en terwyl ons verder ry word dit n refrein soos ons by dié mooi boom verbyry totdat “bolletjie spies” verander in Bolusanthus specious, wanneer die mondvol woord met gemak van die tong afrol.

En so gaan hierdie mooie dag verby met die tweede jongste wat onder n kombersie induik wanneer n olifant oor die pad stap, die seuntjies begin stoei en ons eers weer stop om plekke om te ruil. Uiteindelik hou ons stil by Nyamundwa dam om die dag af te sluit en te wag tot op die laaste nippertjie voor ons by die hek moet wees, tot groot bekommernis van die jongste wie se pa n restaurant en kroeg bedryf. En in die spanning van die oomblik toegangshek en werkplek verwar met n benoude: “ouma, we have to go - the bar is going to close!”

Kosbare, kosbare tye. En indien julle ook sulke herinnering wil skep, kom bly gerus by ons oor by Nabana Lodge, net so 23 km vanaf Phabeni en 22 km vanaf Numbi hek na die wildtuin. Stuur jou besprekingsnavraag na: bookings@nabanalodge.com of bespreek sommer aanlyn op die webtuiste.

The magic that is Kruger National Park

2019-05-16T00:00:00+02:00

Spending a couple of days in the Kruger National Park simply has to include the experience of being at the entry gate of choice just before it opens. Waiting in the queue having a cup of coffee and a rusk adds to the anticipation of the first sighting. Early morning offers that window period of great light for photography.

If travelling overnight to do just this is not an option, consider spending the night prior to entry with us at Nabana Lodge. We are situated directly on the R40 just before Hazyview, 23 km from Phabeni Gate and 22 km from Numbi gate. The atmosphere here is casual and with our Restaurant on site you can sit back and relax.

Gate entry forms for the Kruger Park is available at reception to save you time at the entry gate the following morning. Synchronising your number to our accommodation gate makes departure hassle free.

There of course is also the option of leaving Kruger Park as late as possible, again staying overnight with us before heading home. We would love to host you here and can make arrangements for late arrivals.

Nabana Lodge honoured to receive Recognition of Excellence from HotelsCombined

2019-05-03T00:00:00+02:00

HotelsCombined, the Australian-based hotel meta-search company, has started and extensive survey covering different types of accommodation within South Africa. This survey is based on gathering data from millions of guest reviews, and translating them to an official Recognition of Excellence.

The HotelsCombined Recognition of Excellence is not a ranking list but a group of outstanding accommodations chosen based on a strict set of criteria. In order to be considered, properties must meet the following criteria:

At the time of judging, a winner is rated 8.00/10 or over with a minimum of 50 customer reviews certified by HotelsCombined.
We couldn’t detect any major customer service problems, nor recurring or unresolved issues.

Moreover, HotelsCombined is taking in great consideration the way the hotels staff answered the Hotels communication team, demonstrating their commitment to providing quick assistance.

Nabana Lodge boasts a high satisfaction rating amongst guests and travel industry experts, receiving 172 reviews for an impressive 8.2 out of 10.

The property manager said:

"Receiving the Recognition of Excellence award from HotelsCombined is an honour as well as an affirmation of the values of Nabana Lodge. Maya Angelou's quote on customer service is our inspiration: 'People will forget what you said. They will forget what you did. But they will never forget how you made them feel.' The spirit of being truly of service 24/7 is at times a challenge, but we choose to view it as an exciting challenge. Achieving an award such as this is only possible with every team member being prepared to go the extra mile, and I am proud to say that ours is such a team. I wish to extend a heartfelt 'thank you' to every one of our guests that participated in the review process and thank you, HotelsCombined for the recognition."

“We are thrilled to be working with the best hotels in South Africa and Nabana Lodge is certainly among them” said Alberto Castelluchio, market manager of HotelsCombined South Africa. “What is different about the Recognition of Excellence is the way information is gathered and analysed: it all depends on the guest and his or her experience with that particular accommodation”

For more details, visit: https://www.hotelscombined.com/

Mountain Biking Mecca

2019-03-28T00:00:00+02:00

The region’s topography lends itself perfectly both to leisure and competition cycling with numerous events taking place throughout the year both on the Highveld and the Lowveld and, in the case of some of the toughest races, meandering up and down between the two, resulting in some gruelling climbs and exhilarating high-speed descents.

Here are a few examples and dates for the diary:

The new Demacon Max Wax Series is currently underway and includes spectacular cycling around White River in the Lowveld and Dullstroom, high in the hills, with the innovative possibility of winning prizes based on your power to weight ratio, as well as the usual long route and high-speed lap races.

The popular Mopani series will take place as usual between May and September and will include both a road cycling race and a mountain bike duel.

The Vodacom Hippo Hollow race takes place in Hazyview on 1st June with the added thrills arising from bumping not only into cattle and numerous buck, but also possibly even into elephants.

August sees the annual Nkomazi MTB challenge which weaves in and out of the mountains and farms around Malelane. As is usually the case with such events, there is a range of different distances for all age groups, from a 10-kilometre track to a much more challenging 65-kilometre route.

If you just feel like getting out there and hitting some trails on your own, then why not try one of these popular cycling venues:

Mankele Mountain Biking Park is next to Sudwala Caves in the hills to west of Nelspruit/Mbombela and features everything from an adventure zone, through a variety of lengths of trail, peaking with a 55km route with an ascent of 1200m. Chalets and a camping ground are available on site.

White River also boasts numerous plantation-based trails throughout the year, offering a variety of routes to suit the whole family and the more competitive cyclist. But White River is not alone. Google just about any town in Mpumalanga and add the word ‘cycling’ and some or other thrilling event will almost certainly pop up.

Mountain-biking is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and Mpumalanga has almost endless opportunities to keep those enthusiasts enthralled.

So load up your bicycle or arrange to hire one, and get yourself to Mpumalanga for unforgettable scenic cycling on a level you have never seen before, all marked out for you and ready to ride.

Article credit: Mpumalanga Media Liaison Group.

Image credit: Cycling SA

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK - SELF DRIVE VS GUIDED SAFARI

2018-07-24T00:00:00+02:00

Nabana Lodge being a mere 22 km from two gates to the Kruger National Park, this is a question often asked by our guests. Both experiences have its merits in enhancing game viewing opportunities. For some this could be a once in a lifetime experience and the question needs careful consideration.

Self-driving in Kruger National Park is totally possible, even as a first experience as the routes are clearly marked and Park personnel are available at the gates and camps to assist with any questions. It is advisable to plan the trip prior to entry as the distance to travel can be deceiving if you do not keep in mind the maximum speed limit of 50km per hour on tarred roads and 40km per hour on sand roads, as well as the time spent at sightings. Maps are available for purchase at all the gates of entry.

As South Africans we have the privilege of a Wild Card membership that gives multiple free entries into the game reserve for an annual fee. This wild card can be presented whether on a self-drive of open safari vehicle, and is an option to stay outside the park and enter multiple times during your stay.

At Nabana Lodge we also have a fair knowledge of the park and have the book by van den Berg, Kruger Self-Drive,Routes, Roads and Ratings, available at reception to assist you in planning the drive. Bear in mind that quotas apply at gates of entry for day visitors in peak periods. It is advisable to pre-book you entry to avoid the disappointment of being turned back at the gate. This can be done on-line on the SanParks website. We keep gate check-in registration forms available for you at reception to complete prior to arrival at the gate for easy and quick entry. Nabana Lodge is 23 km from Phabeni gate, 22 km from Numbi gate and 45 km from the main Paul Kruger gate, giving you a number of options for routes.

For foreign tourists and local tourist that are unfamiliar with Kruger National Park, the open vehicle safari tour is a great option, especially if the visit is a once-off experience. Guides assist with the check-in procedures at the gates and during the drive will stop at either a picnic spot or camp for meals and refreshments. Here the knowledge of the routes, behaviour of animals as well as where the dens and hide-outs are of hyena, wild dog and leopard are situated is invaluable.

Most safari operators offer similar experiences, with all guides well trained and very knowledgeable about the bush, trees, flowers, birds and animal species. There are a number of reputable operators such as Elephant Herd Safaris and Echo Africa. Drives can also be booked through Tours & Tickets. Your guide for the day will answer your questions and if unsure, will find out and get back to you.

Safari operators offer a number of game driving options. For the morning game drive game you are collected at sparrow at your accommodation and returned there again early afternoon. This gives the opportunity to take in the sunrise and early morning wonder of the bush. For afternoon game drives you are again collected from the lodge at around 13h00 and return at about 18h00. For the truly enthusiastic game viewer a full day safari is also another option. Night drives can be booked through SanParks only, where you book online and self drive to the gate of departure. This is in itself a totally different experience with the possibility of nocturnal animal sightings.

The cost of a safari game viewing experience is determined by the number of persons on the vehicle. Although more expensive, the opportunity for a private experience for 2 persons only is possible.

Apart from the normal drives, Private Kruger Safaris offers specialist photographic safari drives where the guides are wild- life photographers in their own right, understanding the importance of light and positioning of the vehicle to optimise the capture of images. Their safari vehicles are equipped with photographic arm brackets and bean bags. Photographic equipment is available for rental through them. Specialised safari trips offering a multiple night stay in the camps of the Kruger National Park is another possibility and can be tailor-made to your requirements.

You can either make your reservation with Safari operators directly, or request reception at Nabana Lodge to book for you. Please remember to book at least a week in advance to avoid disappointment.

Going green at Nabana Lodge

2018-04-20T00:00:00+02:00

I am reminded of the starfish story – what difference does it make to throw one starfish back in the ocean? Well, for that starfish is makes all the difference. Feeling rather overwhelmed by the enormity of pollution on our planet, it is no wonder that we shrink back waiting to see what government is going to do about this, or industry.

At Nabana Lodge we have taken some small steps to minimise our footprint.

Positioned as we are in a rural banana farming community, the 2.2 hectare property at Nabana Lodge became a safe haven for lesser creatures and birds with a policy of no chemicals used in the garden – no poison and no fertilizer. The result is a lawn that is not immaculately uniform, with bald spots here and there and weeds co-existing happily with grass. But when cut, it is all green. Weeds do not get an opportunity to flower and seed, allowing the grass to dominate.

Similarly, all areas under flower and shrub is deeply mulched and although it may seem messy, it certainly keeps the soil moist and cool and weeds under control, whilst the slow release of nutrients in decomposing leaves and other organic material enriches the soil. Added to the benefits of mulching is the bonus of an ideal environment for earth worms, contributing to loosen soil, enriching it with their droppings and providing a food source for birds such as ground thrush and robins.

But what about pests on plants? Generally, insects here do not destroy plants – the variety of plants ensures that there is not one type of pest proliferating and except for hand-clearing aphids on a couple of citrus trees, the birds, spiders and wasps pretty much keep the rest in check. It is good to remember that the beautiful butterfly flitting around, once was a worm. Making a difference, albeit minute, to the plight of the bees on our planet, is hugely satisfying.

With the scarcity of water resources in South Africa, saving water makes a major contribution towards leaving a green footprint. Water management is a serious consideration at Nabana Lodge with practices such as an automatic cut-off switch for the borehole, a float system in holding tanks and leak control practised from faucets to cisterns and water pipes. Rerouting rain water from a roof to the swimming pool contributes to saving groundwater. The use of salt treatment through the chlorinator to keep the pool sparkling reduces the use of pool chemicals.

Although we inherited a large number of exotic palm trees when we bought Nabana Lodge, planting indigenous and endemic flowers and shrubs is now practised in the gardens, minimising the need for irrigation. The critical shortage of water, made worse by drought, effects even more careful planning of planting with waterless versus water wise now being implemented. Tree aloes, aloes and succulents are used more often and over larger areas of the gardens.

Waste management at Nabana Lodge includes practices such as sorting bottles, cans, plastic and cardboard. This is then taken off site to a waste management centre. Organic waste is sorted into material for compost and the rest disposed of at the municipal waste centre. Metal, cables and wiring that cannot be converted for other purposes on site, is taken to a scrap merchant. In the office, scrap paper is turned into note paper and laminated cuttings into bookmarks. Boxes containing reams of printing paper makes ideal holders for archiving printed material.

An area that has huge impact on the environment is energy management. We are not yet able yet to install solar panels and geysers, but all light bulbs have been replaced with LED or energy saving lights and movement sensors are used where possible. Strict geyser control form part of energy management in accommodation at the lodge.

It is amazing what can be generated from scrap. Making our benches and low tables for the decks at the garden cottages out of wood from discarded pallets resulted in sturdy and functional outdoor furniture. Square tubing from old gates were cut, restored and made into table legs for conference furniture. Just thinking differently – restore, not just replace – maintain equipment, furniture and fittings in good order – all these things make a difference. Yes it may be a small difference by a small business, but imagine what can be achieved by a lot of businesses. Sure, there is so much more that can be done, but it is a beginning.

It is one starfish.

Exactly 100 km from Nabana Lodge

2018-01-02T00:00:00+02:00

After “why are some bags white and others blue?” the second question most often posed by guests at Nabana Lodge is about Old Joe, the 2.5m rock on Patatanek on the N4 highway from Gauteng.

Well.... thanks to the vision and foresight of Joe Barbas, the site supervisor during the construction of the first road through Schoemanskloof, this icon has been guarding the Patatanek pass since 1927. When the rock was discovered whilst building the road, Joe saw the likeness to a man with a big “boep” and had the rock erected on the side of the road. Named Old Joe after Joe Barbas, his first likeness was exactly that.

Major Claude Graham from White River used to take groups of teenagers on hiking trips during school holidays in the area and under his guidance they regularly painted a new likeness on Old Joe. The road was upgraded in the 1950’s to a comfortable tarmac highway, but Old Joe was retained as sentinel. Through the years he took on the likeness of chef, toff, pirate or waiter, rugby Springbok and even a Galito’s chicken.

Now under guardianship of TRAC and Wouter de Witt aka “Ghost”, the cartoonist from Nelspruit, he gets a regular coating of paint, as commissioned by various organizations. Wouter saw the rock differently, with the protrusion as a “nose” instead of a “boep” and has been painting Old Joe since 2005, giving him a fresh lick of paint every few months. He has been skilfully transformed into cricket players, the virgin mother and child, a cat and the Webb Elis Cup, amongst other likenesses. Commemorating 90 years of Old Joe's vigilance, he was “dressed” in his 1969 likeness again last year by Wouter.

Once you pass Old Joe, you can set you distance meter for Nabana Lodge – exactly 100 km from there!

With permission from TRAC for information and images.

Raised in vain.....

2017-12-18T00:00:00+02:00

My grandson, breathless with wonder, arrived at my office here at Nabana Lodge with three minute little eggs in his grubby hand. “Ouma, look what I found for you!” And when ouma looked, one little egg was dented and cracked; the other two miraculously survived the enclosed fist. Hoping the paradise flycatcher will forgive the intrusion and not reject the eggs, we gently returned the two eggs to the little cup nest. Only just giving us a chance to move away, the little bird was back on the nest, warming its eggs. .

For the next week and a bit, he overwhelmed me with his dedication, resolutely sitting on the nest in pouring rain or constant drizzle, head raised to create a run off for the water, dragging his lovely long tail down with its weight. During the following days, the paradise flycatcher settled in calmly, allowing me to move in a bit closer to photograph him on the nest.

Dedication paid off handsomely when just over a week later two little beaks opened in unison as he sat in a nearby tree guarding the hatchlings, his alarm call sounding when perceiving dangers and swooping in every now and then to feed the chicks.

Although there was still a light drizzle, the poor weather had improved somewhat, and the two tykes were snugly warming each other in the nest. They grew quickly and within a week were seen to be sitting on the edge of the nest.

Then one morning, his constant alarm call alerted me to danger and upon checking on the chicks, found one hanging on for dear life to a twig above the nest whilst the sibling was nowhere to be seen.

Assuming that the fledgling may have fallen out the nest upon exercising its wings, I scrutinised the undergrowth, looking for the floundering chick, almost stepping on the tail of a green mamba. The snake had found the nest – and what to do about the other chick? With a hammering heart all that could be done was to gently put him back in the nest, and hope for the best.

But the next morning, he too was gone ...leaving only the plaintive call of the paradise flycatcher and the empty nest as evidence.

For just one moment, close your eyes.....

2017-09-19T00:00:00+02:00

....and picture this......

sunrise from your room at Nabana Lodge.

Urban living is great! It carries a vibe, a sense of belonging and being part of a whole. But, it implies getting to work on time, tight schedules, deadlines and a fast pace. Yet, the soul yearns for respite, a sense of peace and an escape from the rat race – for open spaces, clean air and quiet.

Imagine opening your door to a view of the sunrise, or sitting on a rock where the world falls away before your feet.

A place where time is measured not by the next deadline, but by lengthening of shadows.

What you don’t need to imagine is if this is possible, because it is.

Book your stay now at Nabana Lodge and find serenity in nature, restoring your spirit.

Ours is a small, family owned lodge in the Lowveld of South Africa, on the doorstep of the Kruger National Park and the Panorama route. Unpretentious and casual, you will experience the tranquillity of a rural setting, surrounded by banana farms. Explore during the day and come back to the lively atmosphere in The Sportman’s Pub, rubbing shoulders with locals and sharing your experience. Have a hearty meal at Thyme Restaurant on site. Go to sleep at night with the sound of wood owls calling and bush babies cavorting in the trees. Be ready for yet another perfect day enfolding before your eyes whilst having your morning coffee on the deck.

And when the time comes, go home restored.

Whew... those troublesome guests finally left!!!

2017-08-14T00:00:00+02:00

Initially very excited with the arrival of the southern masked weavers in the gardens at Nabana Lodge, this soon turned into dismay as the consequences of the invasion became clear. Would they select one of the many palm trees in the parking area for their breeding endeavours; or maybe one along the accommodation road; or how about the 15 or so in the bottom garden?

No... they pick the palm tree near the swimming pool. In the nest building frenzy, palm leaves are stripped bare and discarded leaves thickly covers the walkways. This is ok, the leaves will grow back (one day) and we sweep the pathways now three times a day (this will be temporary). Watching the nest building antics of the males, and the female’s response if found not to spec is greatly entertaining and does make up for some inconveniences.

It was during this time that our sparkling blue pool gradually changed to milky green and eventually ended up the colour of pea soup, despite our frantic and best efforts. It is peak season and no guests want to venture into the murky depths. We drive to Nelspruit twice weekly to have the water tested by the pro’s, add double, no triple the amount of chemicals we normally use; some recommended that we never heard of before. We flush, backwash, rinse and panic! By now, the state of the pool is remarked upon in reviews on social media. We rack our brains – what has changed?

And then the penny (or nitrogen rich poo) drops! The birds, the clever, cute, colourful, chatty, colony of weavers, that at this stage are feeding hatchlings, are the culprits. The waters never stood a chance with bird droppings and the occasional nitrogen enriched nests in the pool. A decision has to be made – shoot the birds, or endure the green waters of the pool until they depart, as bless them, they do after the breeding season.

We took it on the chin in reviews, watched the hatchlings grow and celebrated well when the last chic left the nest. Our pool is now back to sparkling blue. If you should see tinsel in the palm tree at the pool – it is not a decoration in celebration of Christmas. It is a precaution - for they aren’t coming back to this tree to breed another season.

Don't you sometimes wish......

2017-07-17T00:00:00+02:00

Is it true? A glass skywalk at God’s Window...

2017-07-09T00:00:00+02:00

As anyone who has been there can testify, on a clear day the view from God’s Window extends across the Kruger National Park as far as the Lebombo mountains on the border between South Africa and Mozambique. You would think it cannot get better than this, but now a proposed glass skywalk with a sheer drop of 700m over the Blyde River Canyon stands to become a reality. The proposal for the project, with a cantilevered glass walkway protruding 12 m over the world’s largest green canyon, with 360 degrees panoramic views, has been presented to treasury at the end of June 2017. Currently, over 100 million tourists visit the Blyde River Canyon annually, and the skywalk development will bring the area into international prominence. The 700m drop of the Mpumalanga Skywalk will exceed that of the similar skywalk at the Grand Canyon in the USA (between 150m and 280m) and the Zhangjiajie Class Bridge in China which is 260m at its highest point.

Redevelopment of the wider area, enhancing existing observation areas, include a new visitor centre with food and beverage facilities, improved parking and formal retail areas for local craftspeople. The Skyway Complex will consist of a lower and upper level.

This project, and further proposed developments such as the proposed Blyde River Canyon cableway, has key employment targets, with these initiatives resulting in the creation of an extra 720 000 jobs by 2020 in Mpumalanga.

Upon approval of treasury,”the next step will be to compile the bid documents as part of the procurement process. This will allow Treasury to grant the project a TA 2 approval,” said, Xolani Mthethwa, Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency head. Once this is done, a preferred bidder will be selected and negotiations will begin. Mthethwa said it is expected that the PPP process will be finalised by June 2018 if all preparations go according to plan. With a budget for the project set at R84 million, a business-ownership model is currently being developed to meet the demands of all parties concerned.

Stakeholders hope to allow communities and residents of nearby areas to derive economic benefits from the development of this portion of land. The Skywalk Project would be managed by a consortium involving the local communities surrounding God’s Window in partnership with the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) and other project developers including the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

Executive Director of Kruger Lowveld Tourism, Lisa Sheard, says the project is a great idea that would be fantastic for the region. She points out that proposal for the Skywalk is not new. The skywalk has been on the cards for 12-15 years, says Sheard, adding that it is the “brainchild of Campbell Scott”, who is the owner of Skyway Trails in Hazyview and co-developer of the Graskop Glass Lift.

Sources:

Lowvelder May 2015
www.traveller24.com June 5 2017
Daily Southern African Tourism Update
www.news24.com June 5 2017
Transport Impact Assessment (TIA) WSP Group Africa (Pty) Ltd

A 51 m glass elevator into the gorge at Graskop by the end of this year!

2017-06-17T00:00:00+02:00

Exciting developments to enhance your experience of God’s Window and the Blyde River Canyon.....

Visitor’s experience of one of the major tourist attractions in South Africa, the Panorma Route in Mpumalanga, will be greatly enhanced with a glass elevator descending 51m into the gorge at Graskop. At a cost in excess of ZAR 40 million to construct, not only will this afford a 360 degree panoramic view of the gorge, but transport visitors to the bottom into pristine forest area. Unexplored until now, waterfalls, indigenous trees and birdlife will unfold before your eyes. Elevated forest walkway and two suspension bridges at the bottom transport you further into this magical world...

Leading you into this enchanting area, environmental interpretation boards will further enhance your experience. “The project is an opportunity to explain the origin of the Blyde River Canyon; the biodiversity significance of our forests, and the smaller, generally unappreciated organisms that live there; and the importance of the escarpment catchment to supply water to communities and wildlife downstream, all the way to the Indian Ocean” said Karl Lane from Hamiton-Fynch, providers of the boards.

With further developments including a restaurant, bar and shops at the top of the gorge, a children’s play area and look-out points, this activity centre is destined to be one of the highlights of visitor’s Panorama Route experience.

Source: GPS News

Enchanting world of Fungi

2017-01-17T00:00:00+02:00

Whilst strolling through the gardens at Nabana Lodge I was attracted to a splash of bright yellow amongst the earthy mulch. Closer inspection revealed a fungi dome that developed over the next three days into the flat cap and stem of a mushroom. Interest piqued, a search unfolded a variety of fungi, some with a delicate structure whilst others presented almost monstrous forms. Of all the mushrooms found, I was able to identify only the medicinal fungi, Ganoderma lucidum.

The diversity of mushrooms in the gardens at Nabana Lodge is an indicator that our policy of applying natural materials such as mulch and compost, opposed to chemicals, is paying dividends as fungi plays an important role in the biological control of pests. It is also essential in decomposition of organic matter.

Many mushroom species are harvested from the wild and some, such as truffles, demand high prices. It is not an advisable practise however if you do not know your mushrooms as many are toxic with symptoms ranging from slight digestive problems to severe organ failure and death. We will leave the ones in our garden to decay naturally instead of offering it as a gourmet meal at Thyme Restaurant on site!

I have since learned that mycology is the discipline of biology of fungi and genetically closer to animals than plants. It is the multicellular fungi that produce mushrooms, the familiar fruiting form. The true biodiversity of the Kingdom Fungi is as yet under explored, estimating between 1.5 million to over 5 million species. It leaves me in awe yet again of the many shapes and forms in nature and the vital role of each in a delicate ecological balance.

Amazing things happen at Nabana Lodge - watch this sunbird harvesting nesting material

2016-07-21T00:00:00+02:00

Baffled by the recent damage to my silk curtain, I caught the culprit red-handed, or should I say with a full beak. Boldly flying in and ignoring me totally, this little sunbirds pulls strands from the curtain for nesting material. The wife must have expensive taste!

Stay with us at Nabana Lodge

2016-07-16T00:00:00+02:00

Winter season creates fabulous photographic oppertunities in the Kruger National Park. The natural light is crystal clear and viewing undisturbed by tall grass and shrub. Animals tend to congregate around water sources creating great oppertunities to capture images of predators and prey. We would be delighted to arrange photographic safaris for the serious photographer.

Killer Camouflage

2016-06-18T00:00:00+02:00

Unusually large, with the markings and imitations of a snake, the Death's Head Hawkmoth caterpillar found in our gardens at Nabana Lodge early in June explains its history of spooking even the bold. This brute of about 14 cm long and as thick as my thumb thrashed around, audibly clicking its mandibles whilst trying to bite! The long horn at its rear adds to its dramatic appearance.

The striking skull-like pattern on the thorax of the Death’s Head Hawkmoth creates a sinister appearance and has it featuring in art, books and movies and even on BBC news in 2003. It is mentioned in Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Thomas Harris’s book Silence of the Lambs, featuring in the subsequent movie. The genus name, Acherontia is derived from the mythical Greek river Acheron and the specie names atropos, lachesis and styx all relate to death in Greek mythology.

These voracious feeders cause extensive damage, feeding off the stems of young shoots. I have not noticed large patches of decimated plants yet and hope the thrushes and Heuglin’s robin in our gardens will be brave enough to take on this substantial, tasty morsel, keeping a plague in check!

Credit to Wikipedia for image of moth.

Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016

2016-05-27T00:00:00+02:00

We have yet again been recognised for great service by Tripadvisor. It is the second consecutive year that Nabana Lodge has been awarded this prestigious award and management and staff are delighted. Receiving the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence for 2016 is a great accolade and inspires and motivates the Nabana team to maintain and even further improve on standards of service. We are greatful to all our guests that took the time and effort to write a review.

Now in its sixth year, the achievement celebrates hospitality businesses that have earned great traveller reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year.

"With the Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor honours hospitality businesses that have consistently received strong praise and ratings from travellers”, said Heather Leisman, Vice President of Industry Marketing, TripAdvisor. “This recognition helps travellers identify and book properties that regularly deliver great service. TripAdvisor is proud to play this integral role in helping travellers feel more confident in their booking decisions.”

The Certificate of Excellence accounts for the quality, quantity and recency of reviews submitted by travellers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.

Six days...2 safari vehicles...18 leopard sightings

2016-02-28T00:00:00+02:00

Bernard Bekker from Private Kruger Safaris reported that they had 18 sightings of leopard in six days. Says Bekker: “During the past 17 years as a professional nature guide in the Kruger National Park, I have witnessed over a hundred predator kills, but seeing three in one week is exceptional”. Lions, leopard, hyena and wild dog are successfully hunting buffalo and other grazers, weakened by starvation due to the lack of grass during the current drought. With such abundance of prey, he has witnessed lion killing 2 zebra and feeding on the one carcass only and even eating only the liver and other organs of buffalo before leaving the carcass to the vultures.

The water levels of five perennial rivers – Sabie, Crocodile, Olifants, Letaba and Levuvhu - are critically low and many dams have dried up in the current severe drought. Water pools in the rivers are also over-populated by hippo, contaminating the already scarce water resources with their faeces. The water shortage is causing severe stress in animals and elephant have been witnessed killing buffalo at waterholes.

The aggregation of herbivores around water sources and scarce vegetation cover makes the weakened animals more vulnerable to the predators that are now thriving during drought conditions. Buffalo in particular are adversely affected. During the 1991/1992 drought the buffalo population shrank by 60% to 14 000 whilst other herbivores such as hippo, warthog, common reedbuck, kudu and giraffe also declined and rare antelope such as roan, sable and tsessebe declined significantly.

With starving herbivores and many carcasses found in the bush, the drought conditions favours the predators and scavengers and their numbers increase. Being ensured of an abundance of food explains the numerous sightings of leopard, lion kills, hyena, wild dog, foxes and vultures, creating unusual opportunities for photographers.

Whilst the effects of the drought draw a bleak picture, it is a natural cyclical phenomenon With the weak and diseased succumbing, the survivors ensure a strong gene pool securing the successful future of the species.

New visa rules will facilitate tourism growth

2016-02-17T00:00:00+02:00

Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom has welcomed the recently-announced changes in visa applications as a positive step towards putting growth in the tourism sector back on track.
“These changes pave the way towards growing the tourism economy without compromising security, and have been widely welcomed by the tourism industry,” said Minister Hanekom.
The Department of Home Affairs last week announced that Chinese tourists travelling to South Africa, whose travel arrangements are facilitated through an accredited travel agent, will no longer need to apply in-person at Visa Facilitation Centres in China for their visas. Accredited tourism companies in China will now be allowed to apply on behalf of their clients, and the biometric data of Chinese travellers will be captured on arrival in South Africa.
It will also no longer be necessary for Chinese tourists travelling in groups to provide three months of bank statements to prove that they have sufficient financial means to travel.
The new measures are detailed in an Immigration Directive which has been sent to the Department of Home Affairs’ Foreign Offices, all consular services that fall under the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and to visa processing centres abroad.
Minister Hanekom said the revised rules would make visa applications much easier for Chinese tourists. The new measures are in line with multilateral agreements in the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) which advocate ease of travel as a means of promoting tourism development and multiplying its socio-economic benefits. Openness improved worldwide in 2015, with the UNWTO reporting that 39% of the world’s population can travel for tourism without obtaining a traditional visa prior to departure.
“We are confident that China will resume its position as the fastest growing source market for tourists to South Africa in 2016,” said Minister Hanekom.
The accreditation of travel agents in India will be finalised before the end of this month, and the process of identifying travel agents in Russia and key African tourist markets is underway.
For information of travel operators and all tourism stakeholders, the changes announced by the Department of Home Affairs last week are detailed here for clarity:
• Passport holders of the People’s Republic of China, whose travel arrangements are facilitated through an accredited tourism company, will no longer be required to apply for a visa in person.
• The biometrics of arriving tourists will now be captured at ports of entry, starting with OR Tambo International Airport, Lanseria International Airport, King Shaka International Airport and Cape Town International Airport.
• Long-term multiple-entry visitors’ visas have been introduced for up to three years for frequent travellers, business people and academics.
• Ten-year multiple entry visas will be granted to business people and academics from Africa.
• Travellers in transit through Lanseria, King Shaka, Cape Town and OR Tambo international airports will no longer require transit visas.
With respect to SA children:
• School principals will now be allowed to confirm permission for South African children to travel abroad on school tours, in lieu of individual parental consent forms. A standardised template for the process of confirming permission to travel is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.
• The parental consent affidavit has been extended to six months for South African children who are travelling unaccompanied or with one parent.
The Department of Home Affairs has indicated that further changes in immigration requirements decided by Cabinet will be announced as soon as they are finalised.
Travellers and tour operators should also be aware of immigration regulations which have not yet changed:

• Children travelling to South Africa from visa exempt countries will still need to carry their unabridged birth certificates (UBC), and other supporting documentation as required by the existing regulations, until the changes to those regulations have been effected and announced. The Department of Tourism is in intense discussions with the Department of Home Affairs to implement the Cabinet decision that children from visa-exempt countries will no longer be required to carry UBCs but rather, where both parents or guardians do not accompany the child traveller, be strongly advised to carry proof of the relationship and consent from the absent parent/s or guardian/s. The Department of Home Affairs has indicated that the revision of regulations regarding the UBC is underway.
• Original birth certificates or certified copies must continue to be submitted as part of the visa application process for inbound travellers from countries which require visas to visit South Africa.
The commitment of the Department of Home Affairs to consider a visa waiver for India, China, Russia and other countries, and to consider issuing visas on arrival for travellers to South Africa who have valid visas for the UK, USA and Canada, or any other country that applies stringent checks on visitors to their countries, is welcomed.
The tourism sector, and ultimately its contribution to the economy and livelihoods, benefits from all steps to open access. Global safety, however, remains paramount and cannot be compromised.

Nabana Lodge's advertisement is featured prominently in the 2016 Official Visitor's Guide for Kruger Lowveld Ehlanzeni

2016-02-03T00:00:00+02:00

Hot off the press, the 2016 edition of Kruger Lowveld Ehlanzeni visitor's guide is not to be missed. With a stunning cover and informative content it is a guide that will greatly assist travellers and tourists.The guide features the best the Lowveld region can offer with travel tips, must see and do suggestions, landmarks and memorials to visit and a directory of products and services. A special thank you goes to the team at Kruger Lowveld Tourism and Moja Media for a quality product.

What happened this week at Nabana Lodge?

2016-01-30T00:00:00+02:00

Greg Frew checked in.

What, I am sure you are asking, is so special about that?

Well, he was the very first guest to check into the newly built cottages at the then Nabana Park, 18 years ago. This was when Nabana Park was under ownership of world champion speedboat racer, Ted Tollman. Gregg spent a couple of months here at that time as he was installing rural communication systems in the Sabie Game Reserve. The farm was subsequently sub-divided, with the banana farm surrounding the 2.2 hectare business property of what is now Nabana Lodge. The cottages were not incorporated into the business property and the accommodation units presently here were built around 2002-2003. Staying here this time was for Gregg a nostalgic trip down memory lane and for me an opportunity to learn about the history of the landmark that is Nabana Lodge.

We also renovated our garden benches. These are used outdoors and were looking slightly weather beaten. Luke, our maintenance manager, did a sterling job taking the benches apart completely, sanding it down and reinforcing weak spots before reassembling it and treating the wood again with varnish. Looking as good as new!

Our G-Switch 22 automated gate motor was fitted on the accommodation gate. This innovative system works with cell phone communication whereby guests dial a number to activate opening of the gate. Guest’s numbers are logged onto the system via website activation by us, giving them access from the time of check in to the time of departure. No more getting out of the car to unlock, or even open a window to ring and wait for reception to activate the gate.

Spider lilies are in flower just now. The beautiful white lily is part of the amaryllis family and the genus name Hymenocallis caribaea means beautiful membrane. The snow white petals are narrow and curved, attached to fused stamens giving it a spiderlike effect. The plants do not have a long flowering period and I have not had success with using the spider lily as a cutting flower. Perhaps someone out there knows how to prolong the flowers when used in arrangements?

Alas, I have also learned that not all things wild and wonderful are necessarily good. Intrigued when I came across mating land snails in the garden, I did a bit of research and found that these not so little beasties, Achatina fulica, are quite nasty and one of the top 100 invasive species in the world. It feeds voraciously; destroying plants and carries a parasitic nematode which can cause serious illness in humans. We take the preservation of our environment very seriously here at Nabana Lodge and encourage wildlife to flourish by not using chemical insecticides and pesticides and preserving the natural life of creatures. But in this instance, the gardener got instructions....

With the ZAR at an all time low, book NOW at Nabana Lodge

2016-01-27T00:00:00+02:00

Whilst the depreciation of the ZAR at 44% against the dollar and 38% against the pound is not good news for South Africans, it creates incredible opportunities for overseas tourist wanting to travel to South Africa. Currently the value of the US Dollar is 16.37 against the ZAR , the Euro, 17.75 , the Australian Dollar, 11.47 and the British Pound a whopping 23.49. In real terms as at 27 January 2016 this means:

Accommodation at Nabana Lodge will cost you from 28 dollars or 20 pounds per day

A 300g rump steak at Thyme restaurant on site at Nabana Lodge is 6.8 dollars or 4.7 pounds

A guided morning/afternoon safari to Kruger National Park 48 dollars or 34 pounds per person whilst a full day safari will set you back 57 dollars or 40 pounds (including the conservation fee)

A private all inclusive photographic 5 day/4 night safari will cost you 2138 dollars or 1450 pounds per person (max 3 persons)

Extreme outdoor activities where you can choose from white water rafting and quad biking to ziplines and horse trails cost from 27 to 38 dollars per person or 19 to 26 pounds per person

An exhilarating helicopter flip will cost 130 dollars or 95 pounds per person for 2 persons

A romantic hot air balloon flight 206 dollars or 143 pounds per person

86 Dollars or 60 pounds per person for a guided full day tour of the Panorama Route including a boat trip on the Blyde River

A visit to animal sanctuaries to view orphaned rhino, wild dogs, cheetas and vultures from 28 dollars or 20 pounds per person

Nabana Lodge is ideally situated as a base to explore all the above wonders of the Lowveld area and the Kruger National Park. Thyme Restaurant on site offers hearty meals and a cool vibe in the pub where tourists and locals meet.

You have asked, and here it is....

2016-01-14T00:00:00+02:00

I have been searching for suitable outdoor furniture for the deck for a long time. Plastic chairs are just not comfortable, canvass chairs not durable and cast iron benches not suitable. Doing research and thanks to Pinterest I found great ideas and inspiration on pallet furniture, and what is more, we constructed these ourselves! So here now is a durable and comfortable bench for you on the deck from where to enjoy the view and a coffee table robust enough to put your feet up or for your early morning coffee.

And the weavers move in.....

2016-01-13T00:00:00+02:00

With so many palm trees at Nabana Lodge, with its fine leaf fibres making ideal nesting for weavers, I wondered why there were none nesting here. Well, since December 2015 the weavers have moved in with a vengeance and what a rowdy lot they are with the swizzling and occasional chuck alarm call. Ploceidae, or weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. The bright yellow head and underparts, and black face, throat and beak of the male in breeding plumage identified the birds as the southern masked weaver (ploceus velatus). The drama of nest building, where more often than not the hard working male’s efforts are destroyed by the extremely critical female is a sight to behold. Looking closely at the detail in the construction of a single nest it must be soul destroying and I certainly learn from the “never give up” fortitude. Consider too that a male weaver has multiple partners and builds a succession of nest, typically 25 per season!

Within a couple of weeks the leaves of surrounding palm trees were stripped for nesting material. The leaves of the Fish Tail palm particularly proved to be a great favourite and it is looking a little less majestic at the moment. Nests were constructed, discarded, constructed again and eventually the female moved in to lay her eggs. Despite the female’s precautions, a number of nests were blown down by stormy winds and nestling rescue ensued. Watching the birds from nest building to the present where adults are very busy feeding chicks has been a very rewarding experience and the mess of discarded leaves and droppings on the pathway forgiven for the entertainment provided.

References:

SASOL Birds of Southern Africa
SASOL e-guide