Community Upliftment

south Africa safari lodges

The Isibindi Africa Lodges are a pioneering example of community engagement, taking to heart the concept of co-ownership of lodges to benefit local communities in sustainable ways. Proudly, Isibindi Africa is probably the single biggest privately owned lodge group that does the most in terms of community upliftment in South Africa. This is how our…

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Lions Reintroduced into iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Lions have been reintroduced in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, on the east coast of KwaZulu Natal after a 44-year absence. The first family of four lions were released to the uMkhuze section of the park. The animals, an adult female and a male and two female offspring are the first of a total of eight planned…

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Peeping Toms

game lodges in South Africa

There are few things more pleasurable than an outdoor bath under open African skies. Doing this at Kosi Forest Lodge in one of the widest bath tubs I have ever encountered, set in a sand forest next to an ancient tree which perfectly catches the seeing sun, is pure heaven. Well almost. You see I…

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Symbiotic Duo

Every lodge needs a pair like this – the younger brother around whom you know there will always be fun, and the more serious brother who is knowledgeable and wise, while appreciating the enjoyment of his younger friend. They are an infectious duo and we are pleased when they take us out on the morning…

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uMvubu Community Project

south Africa safari lodges

Kosi Forest Lodge is one of the most encouraging examples of genuine community collaborative tourism in South Africa, and has become a model of participatory ownership for other lodges. Blessing (Sibusiso) Mngomezulu, lodge manager and himself a local, explains the close connections between the lodge and the Shengeza community: We chose the name uMvubu for…

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Wanderlust has led me here

As one born of wanderlust, I have been fortunate to travel to many different parts of the world. I have travelled from Scandanavia to Singapore and San Francisco, have bowed my head in cathedrals and temples in Europe, have been up close to calving glaciers in Alaska, caught my breath at the edge of the…

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Tribute to Dr Ian Player (1927 – 1914)

We give tribute to a man who embodied the spirit of conservation, combined with respect for culture and spirituality. World renowned for Operation Rhino, which started in the iMfolozi Game Reserve, Dr Ian Player contributed significantly towards saving the White Rhino from extinction. He also achieved wilderness status for both iMfolozi and the St Lucia…

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Midlife and the great unknown

Clinical psychologist and blogger Berenice Meintjes takes an honest look at midlife crisis, and offers a daring recipe for making the most of this creative time of life … A midlife crisis is a badly wrapped gift which brings great opportunity for immense freedom and untapped wells of joy. It starts painfully – slowly the…

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Long Service Awards

On Tuesday 4th November five Kosi Forest Lodge staff were awarded their 15 year long service certificates. From left Princess Gwala- Chef, Jerome Mnthambo- Guide, Ester Mntambo- Housekeeper, Blessing Mngomezulu- Lodge Manager & Veronica Ngubane- Housekeeper. The awards were presented by Isibindi Africa’s Brett Gehren (back row). Congratulations and thank you to the dedicated team…

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