From the inside looking out, it feels as if you’ve somehow snuck your way into someone’s private residence in the wilderness of KwaZulu Natal. Someone who has a profound appreciation for the natural world, combined with an apparent understanding of luxury too.
Gladstones does not attempt to tame the bush, it simply holds its place within it. An authentic bush home, layered with all of the stylish touches one aspires to have surrounding them, when on safari. The landscape speaks for itself, but the interiors of this four-bedroomed house are what make it entirely enchanting.
Settled within the Munywana Conservancy, of the Zuka Private Game Reserve, Gladstones gently cushions itself into the rich African soil. Allowing the views to engulf the living, dining, cooking and entertaining spaces of the home.
Large doors and windows open out into the indigenous gardens that pave the way to a cosmos of wilderness. The occasional kudu, impala or zebra grazing on the lawn. Even though the boundary between you and the great expanse of the reserve is fenced, the antelope like to claim the green that’s still rightfully theirs. Allowing you an ever-constant exchange with the things that you and the clan came here for.
The beautiful suites rest either side of the living areas, accommodating as many as eight of you. An interactive kitchen proclaims its occupation at the helm of the home, reminding you of what’s paramount on your safari holiday.
Yes, there will be lots of feasting that’s been prepared by the extraordinary team of resident staff. Chefs, housekeepers, butlers, groundsmen, guides and trackers. At the ready, for your lavish adventures. Some days you’ll enjoy a breakfast under the trees, other days around the boma.
Beside the swimming pool or in the dining room. As it will be with lunch and dinner. Secretly switching the venues around so that there’s always something different to look forward to.
Even on the day’s itinerary, depending on what you fancy doing, there’s an endless list of activities to consider. One day you will rise with the buzzards and enjoy a coffee around the swimming pool, listening to the first calls from the cats, and inhaling the early morning scent coming from the soil.
Then it’s off on a game drive around the conservancy, spotting everything under the sun. Back for breakfast in a new secret spot, followed by an interlude of rest.
Swimming in the pool, or enjoying a massage, maybe some tennis, or simply snoozing in your chosen comfy recliner. A family-styled lunch around the tables then off on the next bush adventure, watching the sun set from Rob’s Rock at the top of the hill, beneath an ancient tree that’s eager to share its stories of all that it’s witnessed over the centuries.
The views are endless; beautiful lakes and the mountain ranges in the distance. You’ll get to watch the elephants wallowing in the dams as the light shifts across the landscape.
Every day a different story
Some days you’ll choose to rise a little slower. With the fish eagle calling you out to the tables for breakfast. Then it’s off to the coast for a beach day, just to really spice up the safari life!
The team will arrange a beach excursion for the day, that’s only an hour’s drive from the house. Swimming and snorkelling at Sodwana Bay after a fun trek through the dunes.
Lunch will be set up under the trees where you’ll feast again, in a very new spot, watching the waves and letting your feet feel the soft sand. An hour later and you’re back in the wilderness.
You’ll also choose to spend a day at Lake Sibaya, that’s also only an hour away from the house. Swimming in rock pools that are perfectly safe and flowing with freshwater streams.
A shaded lunch will be set up, where you can sit and watch the birds skimming the tops of the water. You could also consider a rhino de-horning experience in the conservancy.
Learning all about the conservation and sustainable efforts of the region, and especially what Gladstones is, and has been affiliated with, for many decades. Everything about your stay is tailored to your liking, your daily preferences, in rhythm with your slow safari clocks.
Surrounded by the unparalleled beauty of the landscape, the charisma of the home, and the palpable exchange you have with the wild.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie