Inzolo Exclusive Game Lodge
Eastern Cape
Surrounded by expansive plains full of rocky outcrops and indigenous fauna and flora, Inzolo Lodge forms part of the expansive Shamwari, Lalibela and Amakhala Game Reserves.
At Ampersand we love this lodge for its intimate size and its thatched and spacious architectural design. There are just 4 chalets, all of which offer staggering vistas and come equipped with Wi-Fi. Their interiors compliment the wild surroundings with their neutral pastel colours, monochrome wildlife photographs, and woven light fittings. We assure you that homely comforts can be found here, from the comfortable beds to the well-appointed en suites, as well as more luxurious touches like cosy fireplaces and white fluffy bathrobes.
The two daily game drives and bush walks are accompanied by expert guides and offer incredible wildlife experiences, for this lodge focuses on so much more than just the Big Five. The area is home to an impressive diversity of plant life (with some of the biomes only occurring in this specific region of the world!), a large range of buck species, abundant bird life all year round, as well as hippos, elephants, rhinos and predators. The leopards are more elusive due to the thicker vegetation, but lions are spotted frequently. Inzolo Lodge also offers an insight into a buffalo conservancy project. Another huge plus of this lodge is that it is situated in a malaria free region of the country.
Here, you can also take a day trip to play golf at Bushman Sand Golf Club, which is just a 30 minute drive from the lodge, or visit historic sites in nearby Grahamstown. This university town offers history lovers a unique insight into South Africa’s colonial past.
The Eastern Cape is a delightful assortment of breath taking, expansive landscapes, wildlife safaris and intimate, luxury small hotels. The area makes for one of the best endings to a holiday in Southern Africa. Journeying to the area is seamless, via either Port Elizabeth or East London Airports, and the drive is scenic and easily accessible with excellent roads. This vast tract of reclaimed farmland and pristine wilderness coupled with the intimate, luxury gem of a lodge should be on everyone’s bucket list.
One of the gladdest moments in life is the departure upon a distant journey into unknown lands.
Richard Burton