Sebatana Private Reserve

Absolutely Fantastic ! We booked this 2 years in advance, but it was so worth the wait, and the almost 24 hour journey to get to this amazing reserve. You have to be at the airport 3 hours before your 11 hour flight, then its a 4 hour drive from Johannesburg Airport to Sebatana. The reserve is 18km along a dirt track from the main road. We were met at the airport by Jacob, who also turned out to be our guide throughtout our stay, and what a source of information ! He was also waited on our table, carried bags to our lodges and collected glasses ! This was truly an amazing adventure, in an intimate setting, there are only 34 thatchds lodges at Rhino Lodge, all well equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fan, shower, corner bath, mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities. There is no television or internet in the lodges. Internet only available in the main building. Upon arrival at Rhino Lodge we were met by the Manager who then introduced our group of 26 to the Chefs, the Guides, the bar staff and the kitchen staff. All of whom could not have worked harder or been more attentive to make our stay so amazing. The reserve is in the middle of the bush and at one with nature, it has a conservation and non interference ideal, nature does what nature does. The only interference comes when essential veterinary action is needed to prevent the spread of disease from other animals. We did at least one safari every day, sometimes getting up at 04.30 but again oh so worth it. On the reserve we saw, Impala, Zebra, Wilderbeest, Ostrich, Warthogs, mongoose, Giraffes, Baboons and crocodiles amongst many others. One of the early mornings was a 3 hour walking trail, I dont think we walked 3 miles in the three hours, Jacob would point out animal tracks, explaing how he could tell which animal made them and when. He explained why Zebras always appear bloated and why calves eat what they eat, similar to other animals taking taking milk from their mothers.. such a great learning experience. We did a night safari in search of Leopards, aardvark and porcupines, another night was a traditional village setting, with traditional dancing and food...no cutlery here ! We went to a number of other reserves in search of the big 5, we saw 3 of them. I think Jacob was as frustrated as we were not to see the other 2 but it was not through lack of effort. The animals find you, not the other way round. We got up close to Cheetahs, Elephants and Rhinos. There are so many highlights, like sitting in the hide watching Giraffes drink from the watering hole, this is when Giraffes are most vulnerable to attack apart from when they are sleeping. Everyday was a full day sometimes with a chance for a dip in the pool between safaris. The food at the Lodge was superb especially when you factor in the location. Breakfast was buffet style, continental or cooked, pastries, fruit juice and hot drinks. Lunch and dinner were served at the table. The menu is displayed daily and the Chef is