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Post by tod2 on Mar 19, 2012 16:05:32 GMT
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Post by mich64 on Mar 19, 2012 18:03:32 GMT
Tod, I would enjoy a stay there so very much! I love the beds, the fireplace, the tea & coffee, the outdoor shower! Now to be honest, I think I would need a few days to get comfortable with the toilet outside, but I would enjoy this type of vacation.
Cheers!
Mich
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Post by tod2 on Mar 19, 2012 18:22:52 GMT
I know you would Mich, and Kimby too! Have you noticed there are no doors anywhere? I never felt uncomfortable sleeping with nothing but just a curtain or a bit of canvas awning to screen off the bush and it's creatures! Everything seemed so natural. I will admit the toilet during the day was fine but quite a hike in the middle of the night  Well, I am not finished yet so will show you some of the other accommodation and a little tour around amongst the rocks and bushveld, so stay tuned! There are no animals except wild buck which the kitchen shoots for the pot. |
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Post by bixaorellana on Mar 19, 2012 18:55:43 GMT
This is really something, Tod -- a paradise!
I see there is a curtain there by the john, so you can have a little privacy on the pot, right?
What does "bundu" mean, please?
I love the idea of everything being open. Does the rain blow in, though?
Can't wait to see more!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 20, 2012 5:52:51 GMT
I've always dreamed of staying in an open-sided house with the breezes blowing through, perhaps a few tarps in case of a big storm. I take it there are no monkeys or other mischievous creatures in the neighbourhood...?
In any case, the photos are wonderful.
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Post by tod2 on Mar 20, 2012 7:52:26 GMT
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Post by tod2 on Mar 20, 2012 12:46:10 GMT
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Post by tod2 on Mar 20, 2012 14:45:12 GMT
So sorry forgot to answer your question Kerouac about monkeys and other nuisances - there may well be but not when we were there. Also don't remember any mosquito's bothering us but from the nets above each bed I think in mid-summer that could be a problem.
Bixa you asked what 'bundu' means. I'm not sure but I think it's the Zulu word for bush or the 'wild outdoors'. I will ask my maid.
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Post by onlymark on Mar 20, 2012 15:30:05 GMT
These are just the sort of camps I dream about when I'm in civilisation. I enjoy looking up at the stars when I'm having a night time crap and listening to the wildlife when tucked up in bed. Excellent places and I'm quite jealous.
As regards 'bundu', as far as I remember it's from the Bantu language (must google to check) and does mean 'the bush' or something like that. You did refer earlier to bundu bashing which to me means driving through the wild.
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Post by Don Cuevas on Mar 20, 2012 16:10:44 GMT
No doors! What about predatory nocturnal creatures?
Apart from that doubt, it's a very handsome field camp.
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Post by tod2 on Mar 20, 2012 16:36:25 GMT
Yes I think that's what it means Mark and 'bundu' is used as an English word when talking about the long grassy thickets and trees. Don, there are no predators of the lion or leopard variety. Maybe a lynx or small Genet cat snooping around for leftovers but one move by a human would send it scampering for cover. I am sending you a link for more information and in no way do I poport to be advertising. The link shows giraffe ( we never saw any) and mentions jackal hunting. We were lucky enough to meet James on one of his trips to the camp. He lives in Wiltshire. Maybe that explains the Hounds? He is a very kindly elderly gent and must have great stamina to still take an active part. He did not seem on duty when we were there. Now snakes are something unpredictable so hence a bright torchlight must be used when going to the loo. Not once, repeat not once...ever - did I feel something would poke it's head out at me!  A sort of wild calmness creeps into your pores and you fear nothing. It's really weird but true. Link: www.bouskellsbushcamp.com/photo_gallery_kwazulu_natal.asp |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 20, 2012 18:26:26 GMT
Those meercats clearly have an excessively easy life. More power to them!  If I understand the website, there are just four accommodations at the camp. That seems like the perfect size for such a place so as never to be overcrowded but also to be able to socialize just a bit if desired. I can't really make any plans for a trip in the next few weeks, but I would presume that people can arrange to be fed there if they do not fancy cooking for themselves? |
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Post by onlymark on Mar 20, 2012 20:11:39 GMT
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Post by nycgirl on Mar 21, 2012 2:11:55 GMT
Lovely accommodations, and notwithstanding the toilet outside, they look very comfortable. I would love to stay there.
Your hike on the rocks looks fun. And those little meerkats are too cute to be believed!
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Post by bixaorellana on Mar 21, 2012 4:42:40 GMT
Oh, Tod -- thank you for the special potty privacy!
I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed this report. Really, the place & the whole experience is my idea of perfection. After seeing the tent with the bed placed facing the hill & presumably the morning sun, the chalets almost looked too enclosed! The last bathroom you show was amusing -- a real throne room.
And look at you clambering around on those rocks wearing flip-flops! Love the sexy shot. Looks as though the terrier was quite drawn to you. It's amazing that he wasn't going after the insanely adorable little meerkats.
Your description of the calm you feel in the wild is as compelling as any of the beautiful pictures.
Gosh -- those river views! I really could go on & on, but will just say thank you for sharing this wonderful experience.
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Post by tod2 on Mar 21, 2012 8:06:56 GMT
Thanks everyone!
Kerouac, I think you are right about the 4 main dwellings but another was in near completion when we were there. The one with the beds on the open verandah are larger inside accommodating more beds and that particular one is used for a groups of young people ( probably coming to kayak).
There are no cooking facilities in the chalets - all meals are served in the open-air dining area.
Food was simple home-cooked fare. The most unusual meat we had was several fillets of buck roasted to perfection. Lots of salady food and homebaked breads.
O Bixa, that was not me honey! That was a dear girl from Kent - A year later met up again after we spent the morning exploring the white chalk clliffs at Burling Gap - then motored on to meet up with her at a pub near her home in Pevensey.
Mark , what a kind thought! Almost seems glowingly Japanese ;D
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Post by tod2 on Mar 21, 2012 8:19:20 GMT
Nearly forgot...Only 4X4 vehicles can reach the Zingela Camp. If you have an normal car it has to be garaged in the little town of Weenen and you will be collected and returned. The road to the camp is unbelievable!! Just rock after rock.
We had to turn back when leaving as the river had come down in flood. Luckily there is another way out.
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Post by liga on Mar 21, 2012 10:01:38 GMT
Thank's for sharing! I love to see various housing types in different places of the world! The open air toilet was fantastic!  keep posting! |
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Post by mickthecactus on Mar 21, 2012 11:04:47 GMT
Tod! Great, great pictures!
Love the Meerkats but you need to shave your legs........... ;D
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Post by tod2 on Mar 21, 2012 12:44:11 GMT
Hey Mick! I see your sense of humour is still as sharp as ever  Would this type of adventure suit those young grandsons I wondered......with fishing, kyaking, foofi sliding, rock climbing etc.? |
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Post by mickthecactus on Mar 21, 2012 13:32:11 GMT
Hey Mick! I see your sense of humour is still as sharp as ever Would this type of adventure suit those young grandsons I wondered......with fishing, kyaking, foofi sliding, rock climbing etc.? And how............... Oh god, I do hope they actually weren't your legs but you haven't denied it....... ) |
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Post by Kimby on Apr 3, 2012 17:15:34 GMT
Tod, I would enjoy a stay there so very much! I know you would Mich, and Kimby too! You are so right, Tod! I just wish a place like this was within driving range for a weekend getaway! For us it would be a major expedition. Though we did love SA and do hope to return. |
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A sort of wild calmness creeps into your pores and you fear nothing. It's really weird but true.
keep posting!
