Classic Southern Africa 2019

Morning Safaris begin with a knock at your door, as your personal guide does the rounds to wake his guests. Get up, dress warmly and make your way to the Main Lodge for a warming cup of coffee or tea to start off the day. Now the adventure begins! Find a seat on the Land Cruiser, settle in and prepare to experience the early morning stirrings of the African bushveld.

Our nature guides and trackers know the reserve like the back of their hands and will confer to read the tracks, sounds and sights of the veld to find the hidden areas where the animals congregate. Each day is different and, depending on the weather, time of year, herd behaviour and various other factors you may encounter lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, rhinos, a variety of plains game and more.

Along the way, we'll stop over to enjoy another cup of coffee or tea and a snack. This is a great time to take a few pictures and ask any questions you may have for your guide. Our nature guides have been hand-picked for their vast knowledge of the area and its animals and will be more than happy to clarify, inform and discuss any topic at length.

Now it's time to head back to the Main Lodge, and we continue our search for exciting wildlife sightings as we go. Once back at the lodge, guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast that includes everything from fresh, season fruits and creamy yogurts, continental or full English.

Evening Safaris begin in the late afternoon and provide guests with the opportunity to enjoy a different side of the bushveld, as day-roaming animals prepare to settle in for the night and our nocturnal friends emerge to stalk the plains. We drive into the veld as the sun begins to set, painting the sky with streaks of amber, ochre and gold, making our way into the approaching gloom of an African dusk.

We stop over to enjoy a drink as the sunset makes way for nightfall and the sky is transformed into a velvety backdrop for thousands upon thousands of stars. On the way back the guide turn on a powerful spotlight and point out night-time predators and their prey.

Back at the lodge there is an opportunity to return to your room to freshen up before dinner, which is served at the thatched dining area or beneath the stars at our open-air boma

After dinner you will be collected to begin your night game drive conducted by spotlight. Your ranger will share his expert knowledge about nocturnal wildlife, its behaviour and activities.

A completely different experience to a day time safari you will learn to appreciate a whole new world of animal species with possibilities to see the honey badger, chameleon and the elusive leopard.

The Kruger National Park is internationally recognised as a world class destination and is top of any wildlife enthusiasts list of dream destinations. It was established in 1898 to conserve the wildlife and natural environment of this unique region. The park is more than 350km long and 90km at its widest, covering more than 2 million hectares or 19 000 km².

Located in the North-eastern corner of South Africa, with Zimbabwe bordering to the north and Mozambique on the Eastern perimeter.

This spectacular ecology supports 147 species of mammals, with 507 species of birds and 33 species of amphibians, making the park a diverse and spectacular sanctuary for South African wildlife.

It is home to the BIG 5, Africa Elephant, Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Lion and Leopard. The LITTLE 5, Elephant shrew, Rhino beetle, Buffalo Weaver, ant Lion and the Leopard tortoise. And the BIRD BIG 6, Lappit faced vulture, saddle billed stalk, martial eagle, Kori bustard, south ground hornbill and the rare Pells fishing owl.

Spend the day slowly exploring this vast wilderness in open 4 x 4 safari vehicle with your expert tracker and guide spotting animals, answering any question you will have and imparting his vast knowledge on you.

Stopping off at various water holes throughout the day to spot an array or wildlife both in and around the water’s edge.

The day will be filled with fantastic photographic opportunities and will create memories that will last a lifetime.

Walking with Lions

Jessica the 10 year old female hippo has become somewhat of a worldwide phenomenon and has her own international fan club. She is a special and unique wild animal that interacts with humans in a rather different way than nature has intended.

It is believed that hippos are one of the most dangerous and fearsome animals in Africa and there are many accounts of them attacking and killing people who invade their space or disturb their routine. With Jessica this is not the case, since she has been reared from young by humans she loves interaction and displays mind boggling characteristics which make us wonder about our approach towards wild animals.

Learn her amazing story and have a chance to feed her, stroke her and if you’re brave enough even give her a kiss.

The Panorama Route with its breath-taking vistas around every mountain corner, waterfalls plunging down faces of sheer rock, memories of the gold rush following you as you meander down an endless river canyon, and eagles hovering above your head – you can't help walking with your head in the clouds.

One breath-taking view after another, where you'll experience mountains, sky, forests and the truly impressive Blyde River Canyon, one of the world's largest canyons and with its lush subtropical foliage makes it the greenest.

Scenic landmarks with evocative names like God's Window, Wonder View, the Pinnacle, Bourke's Luck Potholes and the Three Rondawels beckon.

The Bourke's Luck Potholes, these giant potholes have formed at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur rivers and mark the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon. They are without doubt incredible, essentially they're the result of decades of swirling eddies of water where the two rivers meet, the tumult of which has caused extensive water erosion over time. The result is a series of cylindrical rock sculptures that look as though they would be more comfortable on the moon. An amazing array of white, yellow and dark brown eddies of colour caused by the soil present in the water.

The Three Rondavels give a spectacular view over the Blyde River Canyon. Shaped like traditional African beehive huts, the Three Rondavels form three huge pinnacles of rock rising above the canyon below.

Once known as the Three Sisters, the geological formations known today as The Three Rondavels, are one of the many natural highlights along Mpumalanga's Panorama Route. South Africans know the rondavel as a traditional beehive-shaped hut built and used over centuries by indigenous people as their homes. The Three Rondavels are spectacular peaks which look exactly like rondavels – round and fat, rising to a peaked top, but much, much higher than any traditional dwelling. In fact, when you stand on the viewpoint, 1 380m above sea level with the Blyde River Canyon below, you'll still be looking up at those three distinctive peaks which tower 700m above the surrounding countryside.

These three geological formations were also once known as 'The Chief and his Three Wives'. The flat-topped peak was named Mapjaneng ('the chief') after a legendary Bapedi chief, Maripi Mashile, who defeated invading Swazis in a great battle near here. The three peaks are named after his three wives (from left to right) – Magabolie, Mogoladikwe and Maseroto.

How were these magnificent mountains formed? Apparently erosion wore away the soft underlying stone, leaving exposed slate and quartzite that shape these dramatic rock formations.

Be surefooted at the viewpoint, especially as there's no rail, and then just drink in the dramatic view with the canyon and the Blyde River dam way below you.

Although the visual element dominates on the Panorama Route, all your senses are enriched by the wealth of plant and animal life that the region supports. Mammals you might see along the Panorama Route include klipspringer, dassies, grey rhebuck, oribi, kudu, bushbuck, bushpig, monkeys, bushbabies, chacma baboons and black-backed jackals.

This area is also rich in birdlife including eagles that might well look you in the eye.

Blyde River Boat Trip

Enjoy the splendor of the third largest Canyon in the world. Unquestionably being the largest ‘green canyon’ due to its lush subtropical foliage. An interpretation tour by a tour guide will take you to the rare living Kadishi Tufa waterfall

Kusudalweni Residents can enjoy any of our treatments in the comfort of their own room, or on their own private deck.

Day guests, by appointment only, can enjoy their treatments in the privacy of one of our five star rooms, with private bathroom, shower and amenities of the highest standard.

We can also provide any of our treatments at our neighbouring lodges, by appointment, and subject to the respective lodge approval.

Our Management Team, Samantha B and Samantha P, will be delighted to help arrange any of our treatments, packages or extras to ensure you have time where the world revolves around you!

Kusudalweni uses only the best products that are 100% Vegan & Free of all Cruelty, be it to Animals or the precious Environment. Our clients are provided with high quality skincare products that are effective, natural and environmentally friendly.

Whether you are looking for adventure, family time, romance, relaxation, or the chance to give back… we take great pleasure in creating enriching experiences* that reconnect you with the ‘wonder-fulness’ of life. And Victoria Falls is never short on wonder!

Flight of Angels (all ages): an amazing 13-minute helicopter flip over the Victoria Falls, along the Zambezi River, and over Zambezi National Park where you will likely spot wildlife on the plains below

Zambezi Spectacular (all ages): encompassing the Flight of Angels, this 25-minute helicopter flight then continues downstream taking you for a thrilling flip over the Batoka Gorge

Tour of the Victoria Falls (3 years and older) ­– feeling like one of the early explorers, make your way through the riverine forest and along the falls with your guide giving insights into this environment and its epic history

Victoria Falls Canopy Tour (6 years and older): rope bridges and cable slides take you through the forest canopy and whizzing out over the Zambezi rapids, where the falls’ spray is just visible beyond Victoria Falls Bridge

Flying Fox (4 years and older): taking a running jump into the air, you will soar over the 200m/655ft-wide Batoka Gorge with the mighty Zambezi River gushing 120m/390ft below – and earn serious bragging rights!

Woodlands Village Tour (all ages): experience the local people’s way of life and warmth of their hospitality when visiting this community, including its Masuwe Primary School, which is given support by Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel

Luxury Sunset Cruise (all ages): settled on the Zambezi Explorer’s Signature Deck, served drinks and snacks, this leisurely trip along the Zambezi River is an idyllic way for you to soak up the last of the sun’s rays and toast another adventure-filled day in Victoria Falls

In-Room Spa Treatments (all ages): pampering back at the hotel affords you some me-time out between adventures or the option to treat the family

*Incur an additional cost

Please note: all off-property activities include hotel transfers and are weather dependent

A late afternoon safari offers a whole new perspective on the bush. Our expert guides will show you where to look and share insights into animal behaviour. Enjoy an African sunset with sundowners at one of our favourite spots, witness the stars appear and watch nocturnal animals come to life.

Our luxury safaris go out on the 4 000ha (9 900ac) Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve – the only privately-owned reserve within the immediate vicinity of Victoria Falls. All the Big Five, rare and endangered species, and flourishing birdlife find sanctuary here, and their diverse habitats across grasslands, forests and rivers are idyllic environments to enjoy scenic game viewing experiences – including black rhino game drives.

Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve (VFPGR), established in 1996, is the only reserve in the region where you can see the critically endangered black rhino. Since 2000, it has held the status of a rhino Intensive Protection Zone, serving as a beacon of conservation triumph. Its success is rooted in a deep commitment to safeguarding the area's rich natural heritage. Today, the reserve has a dedicated Anti-Poaching Unit, a thriving rhino monitoring and breeding initiative, and a facility dedicated to ranger training.

Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure Explorers
“As parents to twins, Mack and Madi, I and my late wife Britt (partner in life and in MORE) learned what it means to travel as a family. Africa is a new world for children – filled with colourful people, marvellous attractions, and curious animals – the stuff of storybooks and dreams come true.

To discover it together is pure magic …reconnecting loved ones with each other (tech and work forgotten) and the ‘wonder-fullness’ of life. In this spirit, MORE brings you our Mack & Madi experience, giving your family every freedom to enjoy these precious moments to the fullest.” – Robert More

Mack & Madi Activities & Excursions

Our specially-planned adventures (and a little downtime pampering) are full of surprises and delights for the best time you’ll all have on your family Victoria Falls vacation – sure to impress teens, too!

Just some of the fun includes:

Tour of the Victoria Falls (all ages) – feeling like one of the early explores, make your way through the forest and along the falls with your guide telling stories of this area and its epic history

Flying Fox (6 years and older) – taking a running jump into the air, soar over the Batoka Gorge with the mighty Zambezi River gushing below you – and earn some serious bragging rights!

Zambezi Nature Sanctuary and Crocodile Ranch (all ages) – see and learn about the area’s indigenous animals, including the infamous Nile crocodiles, with a chance to hold a baby croc (they’re rather cute!) during hatching season

Fishing Expedition (4 years and older) – catch and release, picnic and play in the beautiful surrounds of Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve

Girls Mani and Pedi (4 years and older) – join mom back at the hotel to spend some girly time together

Movie Night and Dinner (all ages) – spend a cosy evening at the hotel with your family, watching a favourite film, while tucking into burgers and popcorn

*Incur an additional cost