Helping to protect iconic wildlife species

From elephants to pangolins, our wildlife is special to us

When it comes to working hard to protect and conserve some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife species, African Trilogy is no slouch. Conservation goes to the very heart of what we do at each of our beautiful properties – Nyala Safari Lodge and Nyala Sands in the Balule game reserve that’s part of the Greater Kruger National Park, eKhaya Bush Villa on Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate and Fin Whale Beach House in Kommetjie, just outside Cape Town.

As far as our Greater Kruger properties are concerned, we are in the heart of Big Five country, surrounded by an amazing diversity of flora and fauna. When it comes to the Big Five – elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard – it’s fair to say that elephants are probably our favourite animal. There’s just something about these incredibly intelligent beasts that endears them to us, and just sitting and watching them reveals so much about their nature, whether it’s a lone bull visiting the grounds of the lodge or a breeding herd spotted on one of our game drives.

Elephant society is intricate and special and in some ways very similar to ours. Mothers, daughters and related cows stay in the family unit their whole life while the boys are pushed out as soon as they near sexual maturity.

They then form bachelor groups with older, wiser bulls as their mentors. When the bulls are fully grown they move off to spend most of the rest of their life as loners, with the more dominant bulls often shadowing breeding herds and mating with receptive females.

African elephants can live to the ripe old age of 65, and go through six sets of teeth in their life – as the molars wear down through use they are gradually replaced by the next set. Elephants inevitably die when their last set of teeth wear out, literally starving to death as they can no longer eat anything but soft grass, which is not enough to sustain them.

You’ll see that elephants eat most of the time. This is because their digestive systems are not too great and they only absorb around 40% of what they eat, meaning they literally eat to live, and live to eat! They will consume vast amounts of vegetable matter from tree bark and foliage to grasses and fruits, and everything in between. They are incredibly powerful and are known to push down trees in order to get to the most tender foliage.

The elephant’s trunk is an amazing piece of equipment, kitted out with thousands of sets of muscles and the ability to fell a tree, knock other animals off their feet or gently caress a baby or family member and pluck a single blade of grass. Both African elephant cows and bulls have tusks (unlike their cousins, the Asian elephant, where only the bulls have tusks) and like us they are either left or right “handed” – wearing down one or the other tusk much more on the side they favour.

The tusks themselves are teeth which never stop growing. Sadly, they are the elephants’ “achilles heel” because these teeth are highly prized as ivory, and are the cause of their numbers being decimated through poaching. We are currently losing an African elephant every 15 minutes – that’s 100 every day. We can’t imagine an Africa without elephants. Can you?

Making our guests aware of the plight of some of our most endangered wildlife species is also very important to us. And believe it or not, the MOST endangered of these animals is not the rhino, or the elephant – it’s an animal most have never even heard of – the pangolin.

Although hardly ever seen due to its secretive habits, this amazing little scaly anteater is the world’s most trafficked mammal, with its scales and its flesh highly prized in Asia. Here in South Africa we have the ground pangolin, also known as the Cape or Temminck’s pangolin. There are three other species in Africa – the giant pangolin, long-tailed or black-bellied pangolin and tree or white-bellied pangolin.

The Cape and giant pangolins are ground dwellers whereas the black and white bellied species are arboreal, living and hunting mainly in trees. All of these amazing little animals live exclusively on a diet of ants, eating millions each week, spending their time foraging for ant nests, digging these up and mopping up the insects with an incredibly long, sticky tongue that’s actually longer than its body!

Not much is known about pangolins – for example, we have no idea how long they live in the wild. They are exceptionally difficult to keep in captivity too. These gentle creatures are easy to catch as when they are threatened they curl up into a protective ball, using their scales to protect themselves. Their scales are made of keratin – the same material as our fingernails and the horn of one of Africa’s other endangered mammals – the rhino. This makes them top of the poacher’s list as their scales are used in traditional Chinese medicine throughout South East Asia. The Chinese also consider pangolin meat a delicacy.

Because we do not know how many pangolins we have in the wild, it’s impossible to work out what the chances are that this amazing animal will go extinct in our lifetimes. But we do know that shipping containers full of tons of scales are regularly apprehended in the far east, en route to China.

Every ton of scales represents roughly 2000 pangolins and it’s estimated that we have lost more than a million of these animals in the last 10 years. So while you may not see a pangolin during your stay with us, we encourage you to find out more about this wonderful little animal and do what you can to raise awareness of its plight!

Kruger to Kommetjie – the ultimate escape…

Let African Trilogy take you on an affordable South African safari

With African Trilogy’s range of inclusive, affordable tour packages combining these properties, discerning visitors to South Africa are now able to get the best of both bush and beach by combining a thrilling, authentic African safari with the rich history and unrivaled beauty of Cape Town.

Our packages can be tailored to fit individual requirements and are aimed at introducing you to the very best South Africa has to offer, whether you are a first-time visitor to the Rainbow Nation or a regular to our shores.

So let’s look at our lodge offerings in more detail…

Wonderful accommodation options

In the heart of the African bush, deep in the Big Five territory of the Greater Kruger National Park, Nyala Safari Lodge is a must for visitors looking for an authentic African safari experience.

Located in the Balule Private Nature Reserve overlooking the Mohlabetsi river, open to the vast wildnerness of the Greater Kruger, Nyala Safari Lodge is all about immersing guests in this amazingly diverse natural environment filled with iconic wildlife species while at the same time exposing them to the vibrant cultures and traditions of the region’s indigenous peoples.

eKhaya Bush Villa is the perfect place from which to explore South Africa’s beautiful Panorama Route, with its breathtaking scenery and fascinating tourism attractions. Situated on Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate in the bustling farm town of Hoedspruit – South Africaa’s safari capital – eKhaya effortlessly combines the thrill of being in the bush with the opportunity to take part in numerous exciting activities and day trips, from full-day safaris into the Kruger National Park to microlighting over the dramatic Drakensberg Escarpment.

Tucked in amongst white sand dunes on the idyllic Long Beach in the village of Kommetjie, the luxurious Fin Whale Beach House offers spectacular views over the Atlantic ocean and the towering mountain peaks which make this region of South Africa so appealing. With its own sparkling pool, Fin Whale Beach Lodge is both a welcome retreat and an ideal base from which to explore the attractions of nearby Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula region.  

Relax in Big Five Territory

Time stands still at Nyala Safari Lodge and its sister property, Nyala Sands, allowing you to escape the stress of modern life and reconnect with nature in a pristine African wilderness where the Big Five roam free. Here you can marvel at the beauty of iconic wildlife species, experience the thrill of guided game drives in open vehicles, led by one of our professional, qualified safari guides and discover the magic that is wild Africa.

With the option of either inclusive full-board or exclusive self-catered accommodation in beautifully appointed, en-suite thatched chalets, Nyala Safari Lodge and Nyala Sands offer perfect authentic safari retreats for couples, groups of friends or families, giving you the chance to unwind, relax and reboot.

The ethos at Nyala Safari Lodge and Nyala Sands focusses on making you feel at home, so that you feel part of the incredible environment around you.

Our facilities have been designed to offer you everything to make your African safari experience exceptional, from our fully equipped kitchens where meals are lovingly prepared for you to our indoor and outdoor dining areas, our cozy lounges and bars and our tempting splash pools surrounded by beautiful shade trees, all overlooking the seasonal Mohlabetsi, whose name means “sweet waters” in the local vernacular. A waterhole in front of both lodges means there is always the chance to spot animals as they come down to drink from the shady viewing decks.

Our chalets are celebrations of African culture and the incredible wilderness which surrounds the lodges. Plush cotton linen and hand-woven textiles complement traditional artwork and carvings, creating an air of authentic, practical “barefoot” luxury in each chalet.

eKhaya – Your home from home

There’s nothing like arriving at your chosen holiday destination and feeling instantly at home! That’s what we pride ourselves on here at eKhaya – which means “home” in Zulu! You don’t have to mind your Ps and Qs, or put on airs and graces – just relax, kick off your shoes, lay back on the couch and watch the TV or listen to some great African tunes on the music system, read a book, pour yourself a drink and generally make yourself at home!

We’ve got more than enough places and spaces for you to unwind in, from our lovely deck and rim-flow pool to our shady sala in the garden, where you’ll find a comfy day bed overlooking the surrounding bush. Or indulge in a siesta in your gorgeous air-conditioned suite, snuggling down for 40 winks or so on your soft, plump bed. We can also arrange a massage or spa therapy session for you in the comfort of your room, if you wish.

If lounging around “at home” gets too much for you, we can arrange a variety of great activities for you taking in the very best of the Greater Kruger region, from game viewing in the legendary Kruger National Park to exploring the amazing landscapes of the Panorama Route. Or hire a mountain bike and explore Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate on two wheels!

The bottom line is enjoyment. And having the time of your life! 

Head to the Beach

There’s nothing like digging your toes into the soft white sand of a perfect beach, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and views out over the endless ocean. Which is why Fin Whale Beach House is the perfect home-from-home for anyone looking for the ultimate beach holiday.

At Fin Whale you literally step out of the house onto Kommetjie Beach, one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in South Africa’s Western Cape region where the Atlantic Ocean meets the magical “Cape of Good Hope”. Perfect for long walks, or stretching out to enjoy the African sun, the beach is also home to a variety of bird and animal species and while the sea may be a touch on the chilly side, the house has its own sun-drenched pool in which to cool off and swim.

Fin Whale Beach House is the epitome of barefoot luxury, inviting you to kick off your city shoes and reconnect with the earth, recharge and energise body and soul while spending valuable “we” time with friends and family. Whether its gathering around the kitchen table for a fabulous breakfast or throwing some steaks onto the barbecue (we call it a “braai”) outside on the verandah (which we call a “stoep”), relaxation is the name of the game. There’s also satellite television on tap so you can keep up with what’s happening in the world and gather for special sporting events.

And to top it all, Fin Whale is just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Cape Town and the amazing Cape Winelands beyond.

Get in touch for more info on our amazing places to stay and safari packages that can be tailored to fit your needs!

The Balule is the place to be!

Get all the Big Five safari action at Nyala Safari Lodge and Nyala Sands

Unwind in the heart of the Greater Kruger at African Trilogy’s beautiful Nyala Safari Lodge and Nyala Sands. Located in the Mohlabetsi South Big Five nature reserve, part of the Balule Nature Reserve, these beautiful, intimate and authentic African safari lodges offer the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life surrounded by wilderness and wildlife.

At Nyala Safari Lodge accommodation is on a full-board basis so all meals are included and are prepared in the lodge’s amazing kitchen by our wonderful chefs. Two game drives per day are also included in your safari, so you’ll have more than enough time to explore the surrounding bush and spot some of the iconic species of wildlife that calls this area home.

Even though Nyala Safari Lodge is fenced, wildlife inevitably finds its way through and spends time exploring our lovely little camp. Some animals even use the camp as a safehaven, enjoying in the relative safety of the lodge. We’ve had a little female bushbuck who has become a “regular” here in camp. And we’ve even had elephant take advantage of an open gate to pay us a visit – which is always a special experience for our guests.

Elephants are probably one of the favourite animals to see on safari here on the Balule private game reserve. It’s always a thrill to come across them on game drives too and just stop and watch their behaviour and interactions with one another, learning cool facts about them along the way. For example, did you know that an elephant’s tusks are actually just two teeth? They’re incisors that keep growing throughout the elephant’s life, getting bigger, longer and thicker the older and larger the elephant becomes. Elephants favour one side over the other and can be left or right “tusked” – you’ll often see one tusk shorter than the other from increased wear and tear. This is called the “slave” tusk. The longer, lesser used one is known as the “master” tusk.

Another Greater Kruger firm favourite here at Nyala is the spotted hyena. Although not everyone’s favourite animal (they have a bit of a bad reputation) they are actually one of the most interesting animals to see on safari… Hyena clans are presided over by a single “queen” or matriarch, and far from being mindless scavengers they are skilled and intelligent hunters, able to bring down large prey such as buffalo. Although it’s true that they aren’t the prettiest mammal in the bush, their cubs are exceedingly cute and always entertaining to watch!

There’s something special about winter on safari in the African bush and the way the winter light filters through the Greater Kruger wilderness. The chilly mornings and evenings have a crispness to them that you just don’t get in an urban environment, and the skies are always a beautiful, deep blue.

Not far from Nyala Safari Lodge is its “little sister” – Nyala Sands. With this lovely little safari lodge’s main deck area overlooking a beautiful little permanent waterhole which sees a regular stream of wildlife coming down to drink throughout the days and nights, this intimate four-roomed lodge is perfect for exclusive use groups of family and friends on a self-catering basis.

It’s mid-winter now, and the bush is dry and has thinned out significantly, making water of any description a magnet for animals of all shapes and sizes. So it’s always nice to sit out on the deck, with a lovely gin and tonic in hand, and watch life in the bush unfold in front of you! It’s actually the perfect time to be on safari.

Game drives in the winter can be a bit of a jolt to the senses. In the early mornings it is still quite dark (the sun is only poking its head above the horizon at around 06h00 in the mornings!) and extremely chilly – especially on an open game vehicle. But once the sun comes up it begins to warm up exponentially. Conversely, when you set out on your afternoon game drive it will still be warm, but as the sun begins to dip the temperature will dip with it. This means you need layers of clothing! In the morning you start off with them all on and peel them off as the temperature gets higher, and in the afternoons you start off minimally and add the layers as you need them.

Believe it or not but a beanie hat, scarf and gloves will also be needed for mid-winter game drives. Yes, an African safari really does get cold, because there’s no cloud cover to keep the warmth in when the sun goes down. So please remember to pack for the season in which you are travelling! Ask us for advice if you’re not sure!

Self-drive guests are more than welcome, but if you’d prefer to fly then we can arrange transfers from Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport which is nearby. Alternatively, we can arrange shuttle transfers from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

A Greater Kruger safari is the perfect getaway

Enjoy the thrill of seeing the Big Five and other amazing attractions

Winter  is in full swing here in Hoedspruit, home of eKhaya Bush Villa, Nyala Safari Lodge and Nyala Sands. This means the bush is thinning out and becoming dry, making game viewing a lot easier with some superlative sightings out there waiting for you!

While it may not be as pretty as the lush, verdant landscapes of spring and summer, winter in the bush has a beauty all of its own and because game tends to congregate around waterholes, the game viewing is usually outstanding at this time of year.

It’s the perfect time to plan a safari here in the Greater Kruger because there’s nothing like wrapping up warm, venturing out into the wilderness on an open safari vehicle and experiencing the sheer magic of being in the heart of the African bush. And while the early mornings and late afternoons/evenings are on the chilly side, the days are lovely and warm with bright blue skies and lots of sensational sunshine!

Out at Nyala Safari Lodge and Nyala Sands, of an evening you’ll gather around the camp fire to exchange stories of the day’s adventures and wonder at the billions of twinkling stars above you as the Milky Way reveals its secrets in spectacular style. You’ll most likely hear the lonely, haunting call of the hyena and if you’re lucky, lions roaring – a sound that’s sure to get the hairs on the back of your neck standing up!

On Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate – home of eKhaya Bush Villa – you can choose to light a wonderful boma fire or have a braai – the choice is yours as you take the entire villa out with your family and friends on an exclusive-use, self-catering basis. There’s so much to do in Hoedspruit itself and it’s the perfect base from which to explore the Greater Kruger region with its breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife.

Excitement is par for the course when you visit the Greater Kruger National Park and eKhaya Bush Villa, with adventure literally on your doorstep thanks to a host of exciting things to and places to visit during your stay with us.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an African safari without a full-day guided game drive in the world famous Kruger National Park where the Big Five awaits in this beautiful, untamed African wilderness. We recommend this incredible experience to all of our guests.

There’s nothing to compare to the thrill of being on an open game vehicle, learning all about the bush from an experienced safari guide and getting up close and personal with some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife species in its most famous national park.

We also arrange morning and evening game drives in some of the smaller, private reserves bordering the Kruger National Park, allowing guests to make the most of the amazing wilderness areas that surround us. And there’s always the opportunity to go for a walk or drive on our beautiful “home” – Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate – where you can see a variety of wildlife including giraffe, zebra, kudu, warthog, waterbuck and impala. If you like we can arrange for you to hire a mountain bike allowing you to explore on two wheels! There’s more than 25km of walking and biking trails on the estate. Or you can explore on horseback, if you’d prefer.

Our little hometown of Hoedspruit also offers a lot in the way of exploration and eating out, with a variety of wonderful restaurants, art galleries, curio shops and boutiques on hand to meet your retail therapy requirements.

Another big drawcard towers over our lovely little town – the Drakensberg Escarpment. You can take a full-day tour of the impressive Panorama Route, offering you the chance to explore the mountains and witness the incredible views and geological formations like Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Graskop Gorge and a selection of beautiful waterfalls. one of the newest additions to this amazing route – the spectacular Graskop Gorge Lift, located just outside Graskop on the edge of the Drakensberg Escarpment, an hour and a half’s drive from eKhaya.

It’s a highlight of any Panorama Route tour and allows you to descend to the floor of this breathtakingly beautiful gorge and explore the magical natural ecosystem that awaits, with waterfalls and a gently flowing stream home to an amazing array of wildlife and incredible variety of plants and trees.

A raised wooden walkway with interactive viewing points and information stations winds its way over suspension bridges and along the banks of the stream under an incredible canopy of lush, green rainforest.

The lift centre is home to a range of curio shops and stalls where local people are given the opportunity to sell a variety of trinkets, from textiles and wooden carvings to ceramics, beadware and hand-crafted jewellery.

There’s also an excellent restaurant and bar with breathtaking views over the gorge, making this the perfect place to refresh, enjoy a hearty meal and toast the beauty of Africa!

You can also take a drive up Mariepskop – the highest peak in the Escarpment – where on a clear day you can see all the way to the Indian Ocean!

Helicopter and light-aircraft aerial tours are also a great way to experience the Greater Kruger region and Kruger to Canyon Biosphere, giving you a whole new perspective on this wonderful part of South Africa. Or you could try microlighting and spotting game from the air!  

We also recommend visits to some of our local wildlife rehabilitation centres where you can find out more about conservation in the area and the work being done to protect rare and endangered wildlife species.

It’s also important to remember that sometimes what you need most is to do absolutely nothing! No matter how active you are, there’s nothing to beat just sitting by eKhaya Bush Villa’s sparkling swimming pool, with a cool and refreshing drink in your hand!