It’s an indisputable fact that a sojourn in the bush – no matter how brief – is quality South African soul food, which is why the whole of Flow Communications was treated to a weekend at Madikwe Game Reserve early in December.
So what is it about the bushveld that lures so many of us back time and again to recharge our exhausted bodies and minds? If, like us, you were fortunate to stay at Jaci’s Lodges, the answer soon becomes obvious.
From arrival to departure your visit comprises a carefully orchestrated combination of sensual pleasures: air-conditioned rooms overlooking a forest with stream trickling below; a cool shower under the early morning sun; a mouthwatering evening meal served around a fire under a starlit sky; embracing the hot, dusty smells of the bush; sipping iced chardonnay at the poolside; encountering many amazing animals at close range… need I say more?
A combination of constant pampering, fresh air, wonderful food, supremely comfortable beds, exciting game drives, great company and being acknowledged and appreciated by your colleagues is a surefire way to shake off the city smog and emerge rejuvenated and ready to tackle another year of exciting challenges.
One thing’s for sure, no one goes hungry at Jaci’s, where seven meals, one more tasty than the next, are whipped up every day! Let’s count them…
- pre-morning game drive coffee and muffins;
- morning game drive coffee, tea and rusks;
- sumptuous buffet breakfast on return from morning game drive;
- a wonderful lunch;
- high tea at 16h00 with home-baked quiche and cakes with the best-ever vanilla cream;
- evening game drive kebabs, meatballs, snacks and drinks;
- supper under the stars.
Each individual will cherish unique moments from their weekend at Jaci’s. A few Flowstars share their memories of the weekend …
“The meals and the great lengths Jaci’s staff went to, preparing and serving breakfast around the pool and in the outdoor starlight ‘restaurant’; cooking over the fire, working from a mobile kitchen; moving and arranging furniture, crockery and drinks – the extra effort was greatly appreciated.” – Roshni Nana
“The food, the knowledgeable guides and the comfy beds!” – Leanne Pohlmann
“Loved the heat, the coolness of the pool, the calmness of resting under a fan on the bed, the smell of the bush, the excitement of seeing game, the superb food and the chance to relax.” – Bronwen d’Oliveira
“On my very first game drive as a prospective twitcher, I spotted a painted snipe – and uttered the immortal words ‘here’s a pretty brown bird’ – a bird which is, by all accounts, an almost ‘Holy Grail’ species among serious twitchers. Long may my good luck continue!
“Also being in the only vehicle on the way home on Friday night to see an endangered brown hyena, of which, apparently, there are only about 250 left in Africa.” – Janet Berger
“It’s quite an education sitting in a game vehicle with Tiffany, who has a very real fear of elephants. This results in every slightly pissed-off ellie within a 10 kilometre radius being attracted to your vehicle – pretty exciting stuff! Really though, Saturday evening’s little display of angry ellie, wallowing rhino and frisky wild dogs all in one scene was the best – couldn’t have stage-managed it better myself!” – Kate Rau
“My most memorable game encounter was with a lone large male elephant which loped silently right up to our stationary game vehicle, stood for a good 20 seconds in front of it gazing at all of us with its warm brown eyes before moving off into the bush.
“The next was another Big Five encounter, this time with a small pride of lions lying in the shade to get some respite from the baking sun. They were so close and so beautiful, especially the females. I never cease to be amazed by these incredible hunters.” – Christine Marot
“I loved seeing elephants, wild dogs and zebras at one drinking hole. I enjoyed the trip to Jaci’s. It was my first visit to a game reserve and I had a really great time.” – Miliswa Sitshwele
“My fondest memories are of the food, lodge and Jaci’s staff. The food was simple but exceptional in flavour and variety. The lodge was surrounded by trees, pools, a river and many randy animals… It was a sight that will be etched in my mind forever.
“The lodge staff was helpful, informative and attentive to my every need. It was really refreshing to experience such professional and friendly service. Of course, spending time with and getting to know my awesome Flow colleagues made it that much better. It was a moment in time that will last forever.” – George Xafis
“I went back to Nare camp after breakfast one morning to grab my swimming gear and came face-to-tusk with a large elephant that was dangling its trunk in the waterhole just below our balcony. The ellie hesitated a little at the water, as if unsure as to whether it should continue playing in the mud or move on. But then it seemed to relax a little as I remained still. I looked into its eyes – what an astounding experience!” – Kate Rau
“We were thoroughly spoilt the whole weekend with superb accommodation and a very active eating plan. (How can you say no when the food is so doggone good?) And speaking of dogs, we were also thoroughly spoilt on our game drives. Being up close to wild dogs – especially when they were being so playful – was a first for me.” – Colin Ford
“Where to start? The indulgent food? The luxurious soft bed? The fun outdoor shower? The incredibly knowledgeable guides? A visit to Jaci’s Lodges is always a treat and you come away feeling completely relaxed, refreshed and pampered. To share this special experience with such a great group of people added immensely to my enjoyment.” – Jade Archer
“Seeing the highly endangered brown hyena was definitely the highlight of the game drives for me, and the wild dogs come in a close second. Beyond the fabulous food, glorious rooms and the number of soothing swimming pools at Jaci’s, the best part was probably getting to spend time with my great colleagues. And I found out what a ‘ninja bomb’* is.” – Ingrid Sinclair
“Playtime for the wild dogs, night-time sighting of the brown hyena and the tyre-change during the lion sighting!” – Bronwen d’Oliveira
Having spent a wonderful end-of-year break in one of South Africa’s most prestigious game reserves, it will be well nigh impossible to up the ante in 2011. Rumour has it that Tara’s dog Connor will wear wild dog ears and we’ll be braaing boerewors around the pool … unless of course Flow lands a new client in Mauritius … or Madagascar … or Malawi …
The art of “ninja bombing” is the accomplished ability to leave a gathering stealthily and discretely, without anyone noticing (like a ninja).