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  • Mel

Are you Missing #Travel during #Lockdown

Updated: Jun 2, 2021

Good Morning Beautiful People and Beautiful World!

I know that Covid_19 has hit many of us financially and emotionally but I do see such a difference in the Wildlife and Fauna around us!

Maybe it is a time for us to reflect on how we treat the World , Wildlife and Ourselves!

We haven’t been able to visit some of Our favourite Places due to #Lockdown , so when this ends ,we as a family will definitely be supporting more Local.

I just wanted to mention a few places we as a family LOVE!!


Wildlife is in Our Blood!

My father (a chef) and Brother (a chef) have worked in the Kruger Park region since I was 15 and so we had many amazing trips to the KrugerPark. My husband and I were engaged at Londolozi and Leadwood Lodge many moons ago. We have shown our boys the love we have for nature and wildlife and it has definitely bitten!!

So here are 4 gorgeous Venues / Lodges (closer to home) that I would suggest you definitely take a look at and book!

All the Lodges below are Family Owned which gives them such a personal feel ..





INSINGIZI in the Mid Ilovu of KZN is a lovely lodge. I have visited this lodge for Spa Days , Family luncheons, Ladies Events , Special Occassions and Date Nights away with Hubby. What stands out at Insingizi is the Staff. They are just amazing , they become like really good friends. Having a dad in the Hospitality Industry I know that staff change often , but that does not seem to happen here! I still see the same happy , smiling faces everytime I visit or at any Event Insigizi is sponsoring , or donating or attending. The food is amazing , and I Iove food ! Presentation is always on point and service exceptional! They have beautiful accommodation and the lodge just gives you such a tranquil , peaceful feeling when you stay there!

Whether you book your wedding , 21st , book club spa day or couples weekend away , you will not be disappointed!!





Hartford House

Situated on a beautiful farm in Mooi River , this venue is truly all about beauty! The minute you arrive you are in Heaven . I love the gardens where you can just lie and read listening to the birds.( Reminds me of a book we read at school “The Secret Garden”. They have this gorgeous TEA HOUSE that you can hire for special birthdays or a High Tea! If FINE DINING is what you love , then Hartford is definitely your cup of tea! Hubby and I had the most exquisite Breakfast at Hartford House and they are there to accommodate you!

(During #Lockdown Hartford is offering a Tuesday and Friday delivery Meal). They offer beautiful accommodation around the Main House which if furnished Beautifully ( I went camera / picture crazy)!

Weddings there are INCREDIBLE and its something out of a fairytale! The staff were friendly , and I can highly recommend visiting this beautiful piece of paradise in KZN (My breakfast Review at Hartford House).

Also here is a Great Interview with the New Owner Henning Pretorius We cannot wait to visit Hartford House when it reopens after #Lockdown and attend all the exciting Events they have planned for the future!!





Gwahumbe is a beautiful lodge also situated in Mid Ilovu and family owned. Gwahumbe gives you the wildlife feel as you drive in seeing all the Zebra and buck that surround the Lodge.

Gwahumbe is a popular Wedding and conference venue and hosts many awesome Events from Wine tasting to Wellness Days! Their food is delicious and we have enjoyed lovely Fathers Day Lunches Lunch days there , followed with a Game Drive. Surrounding the lodge they offer stunning options of Accommodation -Catered to Self-Catering. I have visited the Spa and its so special .I love the setting and beautiful décor – truly a treat! SO remember if you planning something special – Gwahumbe would be perfect!

NAMBITI CHEETAH RIDGE SELF-CATERING





OK this is a treat!

We stayed with another family at the beautiful Cheetah Ridge in Nambiti and it was AMAZING!!

Yes it was self-catering but with 5 kids it was perfect!

Each room was furnished beautifully , a tiny plunge pool for the hot days!

Early morning game drives with Hot cocoa and Evening Drives with Gin and Tonics!

When you arrived back from your Night Drive , a roaring bon-fire was going in your private Boma Area and fire ready to braai those steaks and chops! While the parents drank red wine around the fire listening to the BIG 5 and noises of the bush , the kids made marshmellow smores and drank hot cocoa! Like I said, Game Lodges are a BIG Winner with us as a family!

You will also notice I do love the fact that these Lodges are all about Family!

BECAUSE the #MartinFamdamily #MartinFamdamilytravels is all about doing awesome things and adventures together!!

Remember WORD OF MOUTH is a huge draw card and a bonus when recommending Venues and Products , it makes people feel self-assured when visiting a Venue that has been given a great recommendation /review and that they will leave Happy!!

So Keep Safe and remember that supporting local is gonna be KEY to helping Our Country , People and #LocalBusinesses Survive



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