My Unforgettable Stay at Sungulwane: A South African Adventure

Arrival at Sungulwane Private Game Lodge!

In March 2024, I travelled to South Africa as part of a 12-day journey through the country, and the standout experience of my trip was undoubtedly my two-night stay at Sungulwane Private Game Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal.

Nestled in the heart of Zululand, Sungulwane offers an authentic and intimate safari experience, where luxury and nature blend seamlessly. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the lodge’s serene surroundings and the exceptional service provided by the staff. Every detail of my stay was carefully attended to, making me feel truly pampered while being completely immersed in the wild beauty of the reserve.

Lions, Cheetahs & Big Five Magic

From the very first game drive, the wildlife came out in full force. We saw four of the Big Five – Rhino, Elephants, Buffalo, and Lions – all in their natural environment. But the moment that really stuck with me? Watching a lioness and her cubs feeding on a fresh kill. It was raw, powerful, and honestly kind of emotional. You could hear the deep growls and low roars echoing through the bush. The sight of the mother protecting her cubs while they fed was both mesmerising and humbling.  It felt like we were witnessing something ancient and wild. And then there were the cheetahs. Three brothers, two eating while the third kept watch. It was like a live-action nature documentary, and we had front-row seats.

Night Drives & Starry Skies

Thanks to a couple of unexpected flat tyres (which the staff handled like total pros), we ended up doing a night game drive, and it turned out to be one of the most magical parts of the trip. Driving through the reserve in the dark, with just the spotlight sweeping across the bush, felt like stepping into another world. We were on the lookout for leopards, and while we didn’t spot one, the experience itself was unforgettable. The stars were unreal. So many, so bright and the sounds of the bush at night were both eerie and beautiful. It was peaceful, thrilling, and totally unforgettable.

Dinner Under the Stars

On our last night, we had a traditional Boma dinner under the stars, and it was pure magic. Picture this: a roaring fire, delicious local food, and the sounds of the bush all around you. We shared stories, listened to music, and just soaked up the atmosphere. There’s something about eating outdoors, surrounded by nature, that makes everything taste better. It was the perfect way to end the trip – warm, welcoming, and full of heart.

The Watering Hole View That Never Got Old

One of my favorite things about Sungulwane was how close you could get to the action without even leaving the lodge. The deck (and the infinity pool!) overlooked a watering hole, and it was like nature’s own reality show. Elephants, buffalo, antelope, Warthogs (Super cute) they all came and went throughout the day. I’d be sipping coffee in the morning or relaxing in the pool in the afternoon, and suddenly a whole herd would wander in. It was peaceful, wild, and completely mesmerizing. Honestly, I could’ve stayed there all day just watching the world go by.

My time at Sungulwane was a truly unforgettable part of my South African journey. From witnessing the Big Five to observing Elephants Grazing, Rhino wandering and Hippo’s Floating, to relaxing by the watering hole and exploring the reserve by day and night, every moment was an immersion in the wild beauty of the country. Sungulwane provided the perfect balance of adventure, luxury, and connection with nature, and it will remain one of the most memorable experiences of my travels.