Spring in Full Swing
We're happy that it's spring here at Villa Escapes. The days are getting warmer, and the nights less chilly. Out in the bush of the Greater Kruger region, life is revolving around water, and the lack of it. The bush is terribly dry and very thinned out and most of the animals stay within easy distance of our waterholes and dams, making them absolute hotspots for game viewing.
The dams on Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, home of eKhaya Bush Villa, always attract a steady stream of animals, so sometimes it's a good idea to forego activities and take a walk on the estate, pausing in one of the hides and taking time to watch what happens, admiring the incredible views while you do so.
In the Kruger National Park and surrounding private game reserves, you'll generally see lots of action around dams and waterholes at this time of the year, with elephant and buffalo and lots of plains game staying close to permanent water sources like these. This makes them hotspots for predators, waiting in ambush, of course!
Why we are obsessed with rain!
If we are lucky, we may get early rains in the Greater Kruger region this year, which is always a blessing. We often find it hard to explain to guests from water-blessed countries why we are so fixated on the rains here in the African wilderness. The truth is that everything in the bush depends on water, as do we, so rain is an absolute blessing and one we look forward to tremendously. So, when the temperatures rise and the bush becomes tinder dry, our thoughts generally start to focus on weather forecasts, looking out for the possibility of an early seasonal shower or, hopefully, a proper deluge!
Hopefully this year we won't have to wait so long!
Spring at eKhaya Bush Villa is a wonderful time of year. After one of the coldest winters on record, we seem to have skipped a slow transition to summer temperatures in favour of full-on heat, with superbly warm, sun-kissed days blending effortlessly into still wonderfully cool evenings, making our terrace and boma the place to be for pre-dinner drinks under the starlit African night sky.
Our pool has become a focal point for guests to cool off in on these warm spring days. So, if you are wondering where to spend that much-needed spring break - look no further and get in touch. We'd be delighted to see you here at eKhaya!
One of our favourite animals
One of the best things about visiting us here on Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate is the freedom your stay gives you to explore this little piece of African paradise, which has its own wonderful green belt wilderness area at its heart. This is home to a variety of African wildlife species - the most iconic of which by far is the graceful giraffe!
Standing some 5m tall when they are full-grown, there's lots to love about giraffe, with their super-long legs, elegant necks and wonderfully patterned coats. Like all mammals (humans included) giraffes have only seven vertebrae in their necks - the difference is that each of those vertebrae is around 28cm long! Their long prehensile tongues manage to wrap around the branches of acacia trees and strip off leaves while avoiding thorns - a very clever trick when you look at just how many thorns these trees have!
Sadly, giraffe are under threat across Africa. During the last 30 years their numbers have fallen by 40% and a few of the various subspecies are now critically endangered. But here on Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate they have a safe haven, and can be seen regularly in towers (the collective noun for a group of giraffe standing still) as they feed from the tops of the trees and in journeys (the collective for a group of giraffe on the move) as they move from one area to another.
You are welcome to explore the estate on foot or can hire a mountain bike and explore the various cycle paths and routes that criss-cross it. Or we can arrange for you to explore on horseback - African Dream Horse Safaris are based on the estate and have regular outrides into the wilderness area.
Lots to do in the Cape!
Down in the Western Cape, where rain is more plentiful, life is a little more laid back, especially around the small village of Kommetjie, home of Fin Whale Beach House. Our lovely private villa right on the soft sands of Long Beach is perfect for families and groups of friends and is ideal for relaxing and unwinding.
It's also a great base from which to explore the surrounding areas and hotspots of the Cape Peninsula and beyond.
During your stay at Fin Whale Beach House you can take advantage of the incredible Atlantic Ocean on your doorstep with a range of amazing and exciting cruises exploring the marine ecosystems of South Africa's Western Cape coastline.
A short drive from the village of Kommetjie is Hout Bay - home of the incredible Chapman's Peak that can be seen from Fin Whale Beach House. Named after John Chapman - first mate of an English ship named "Consent" that was becalmed in Hout Bay in 1606 - Chapman's Peak Drive is one of the most scenic and beautiful roads in the world, and an opportunity to experience it should not be missed!
Seals aplenty and more...
Hout Bay is also the home of the magical Duiker Island - also called Seal Island - a rocky outcrop in the bay that's home to a colony of Cape fur seals. Various charter companies in Hout Bay offer cruises out to Duiker Island, allowing you up-close encounters with the seals and a variety of sea birds that also call the bay home. During whale season (August to December each year) the southern right whales also visit Hout Bay and the waters along this stretch of South Africa's coast to calf, making this an absolute hot spot for whale-watching either from the shore or on a dedicated cruise.
You can also enjoy cruises around Hout Bay, viewing the towering cliffs of Chapman's Peak and visiting the wreck of the Bos 400 in Maori Bay. This was a French derrick/lay barge that ran aground while being towed by a tug boat in 1994. Maori Bay is no stranger to wrecks and is named after the SS Maori which sunk there in 1909. It's a fascinating ship's graveyard and popular diving site. Sea kayaking, shark cage diving and snorkelling tours are also available in Hout Bay.
