An update from Morgan and the Lodge:
The days are getting considerably shorter and the Idwala Lodge fireplaces are getting stoked-up ready to welcome returning game-viewing guests. Yes, winter is fast-approaching, but that is no reason to fret. As always steaming hot-mugs of Amarula hot-chocolate, winter comfort foods, roaring fires, hot-water bottles and cosy evenings relaxing in our warm and friendly lodge is just the way to get into the winter spirit. After a long and hot summer the change of seasons is very welcome to me and I think most of the animals too. The obvious plus side of the return of winter is that the majority of our animal friends spend more time out in the open and less time trying to find a shady spot away from the Eastern Cape heat.
My kitchen team and I are getting our winter culinary ideas and new menus together to make sure our hungry and sometimes slightly-chilly guests are going to stay well-fed and warmed-up. A variety of delicious and flavoursome home-made soups, stews and curries, venison and lamb roasts, and an array of traditional and slightly more adventurous winter-desserts can be expected by all who visit Idwala this chilly season. The smell of stew-pots, freshly baked bread, hot-chocolate and homely fires is always appreciated heartily by our guests when returning from an evening game drive.
Our many repeat visitors to Idwala will notice a few small changes and additions to the lodge. Nicole has been hard at work collecting allsorts of interesting goodies from the far crooks of the reserve to put together a wildlife and information centre at the reception to the lodge. The wildlife centre with the help of Nicole and Gerhard will be a great way of helping guests learn more about and understand the amazing sights and sounds that Idwala has to offer.
The entire Idwala team has been has been practicing singing our traditional Xhosa songs and drum rhythms. Guests can expect a jovial and truly local entertainment experience to go along with an evening of relaxing in our comfortable lounge with a full belly, a favourite winter tipple, good company and service from all staff. The atmosphere is great as always at Idwala and the braver of our guests have always joined along with our drum-circle and singing. A few new African rhythms were learnt
by our visitors to take home and spread to all corners of the globe.
The autumn season seems to be the romantic months here at Idwala with too many honeymoons, engagements and anniversaries to mention all the names, but I would like to thank all the visiting couples for sharing their memorable moment with the Idwala experience. What could be more romantic than a winter break with all the little touches Idwala-style to celebrate or rekindle that special love!
Now is a great time to visit Idwala. Things are a little bit quieter and the reserve less-crowded, but as always great animal sightings and a chance to experience an African winter "bush style" makes an Idwala trip a must.
I’m looking forward to seeing my next guests wrapping those chilly hands around a hot drink and warming the faces in front of our fires.
Wishing you all a warm and prosperous start to the winter.
Enjoy the World Cup! Kick off is a few days away. But if soccer is not your thing, our great winter offers are an alternative option.
