Inyati Game Lodge

Guests' Report - July 2007

The Inyati Experience

Written by Guests - Joanna Clapsi, Bruno Barco & Caroline Versnel.
As any fairy tale starts... There was once upon a time a beautiful land secluded in the wilderness where nature was untamed and both people and animals lived free and prospered... But one day very early in the morning, an evil force from the west was fast approaching... In this particular story the evil force was known as the “Cold Front”. The people, having no choice, had to find refuge in the beautiful secluded land and they headed promptly on their way, their trip was going to be long and hard, they knew this and they knew that they would encounter a lot of dangers on the way but beside hardship there was also a lot of hope and optimism that their efforts would be rewarded. - Bruno Barco


On our way to Inyati after Nelspruit we went towards the KMIA airport (Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport). 12KM from the turn where it says: KMIA airport. We were very impressed - from outside it has a thatched roof and inside the decor is very South African. There is a tourism office, but that day it was closed, so we couldn't get any brochures. At the reception they provided us with some telephone numbers for: Car rentals (Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Imperial, National), Taxis and Tour Transfers (these numbers will be typed and filed on the CCN data files). I was very impressed with the Panorama Route - it is very beautiful, with plenty of trees and a lot of Christmas trees. I was also impressed with Blyde River Canyon and with the 3 Rondawels. I was very impressed with the Safaris and Diana. She is a very good ranger. - Joanna Clapsi



Let me start by stating that the trip was very long and uneventful since I slept all the way to the Private Game Reserve. I did not see the landscape until Friday so I will not be able to comment until the very end of this report, so, sorry guys you will have to wait until the very end for that part.

Once we arrived at the Inyati Game Lodge Reserve we were greeted by a warm and friendly welcome. We were taken to the dinning/recreational area to sign few indemnity forms and take a little bit of time to refresh ourselves and to enjoy this beautiful section of the Lodge. After the formalities were fully taken care of we have been escorted to our rooms to be greeted by a fascinating and attractive South African style layout. As soon as we had a chance to have a shower and relax after the long journey; In the late afternoon we were taken to the first of our three game excursions.


The scenery, the atmosphere, the environment were all breathtaking... This was really South Africa at its best. Since we all know that a picture says a thousand words, below is a little repertoire of all the emotions that this beautiful land evokes. The major highlight of the first excursion was the fact that we managed to photograph two of the big five within hardly an hour since we started the game drive. The Elephant and the lion where spotted during this very first game drive. The game drives at Inyati allow plenty of opportunities to thoroughly enjoy your surroundings as well as the animals that populate the area, giving a unique experience that only few other areas on this wonderful planet can provide. This unforgettable experience had definitely the opportunity of collecting such great memories to make anyone crave for more. - Bruno Barco


Once we returned at the Lodge we only had thirty minutes to get ready for dinner as it was served at 19:30. Many will agree that there is nothing more enjoyable than sitting by a crackling fire amidst the South African bushveld and having the tranquil sounds of nature fill your ears, just the perfect setting to enjoy total relaxation as part of an authentic African experience. I was rather amazed at what just sitting by a fire can actually do to a person. Moods can be lifted and a feeling of total relaxation induced due to the generation of an almost surreal atmosphere. What makes, by now, the world renown African style BOMA even more of an attraction is that it proves to be the ideal place for winding-down after a day of taking part in the range of activities which the Inyati Game Reserve has to offer. - Bruno Barco



Thursday morning was characterized by a very early morning, a quick coffee and off to another exciting game drive. Our second game drive proved to be as exciting as the first one that we had on Wednesday as we managed to get closer to complete our quest to see all the big five. During our morning game drive two more of the big five were spotted: the Rhino and the Buffalo. We also saw once again the Elephant, the lion and many more animals. The Hippos however eluded us for the second day running. We saw them here and there but we never managed to get a clear picture.

After our morning game drive as the images below speak volume, we went back to the Lodge for our daily brunch and below you can see what it was all about. Perfect weather, right temperature, sublime scenery, excellent food, great company, god-like treatment... the only word that one could think of when put through so much in such a short time is: “PERFECT!!!”.

As soon as the Brunch was over, the afternoon from around 12:30 to 15:30 we were free to do as we pleased: some of us relaxed by the swimming pool, some of us relaxed in our respective bedrooms... personally I went to get acquainted with the bar man... shortly after that a guy called Jack (Daniels) and another one by the name of Johnny (Walker), at least that is what they said their names were, came to join me and the four of us had a great time. They sure made me laugh a lot. Joanna also decided to join the party at a latter stage.


The third and last game drive sure proved to be memorable. Just about half way through our game drive we had been informed by another ranger via radio that they managed to spot the elusive leopard and we quickly headed in that direction. Luck was on our side, and by the time we managed to get to the location of where the leopard was spotted, he was still sitting on top of a little hill. With this last picture we managed to conclude the quest to have all the big five captured on film... and we did!!! - Bruno Barco


It was with a sad heart that we left on Friday morning. The trip back was a long one, especially as I did all the driving. The road condition of the road from the lodge to Newington gate is not too bad but needs to be taken slowly particularly as it is through a game reserve. A tip to remember for anyone driving through Newington gate, the permit they issue you with needs to be stamped by the lodge you are staying at. The dirt road that takes you from the gate to the main tarred road is in a very bad condition but rumor has it that this road will be tarred at some stage. Our first stop was at Graskop Gorge. At the gorge they have a swing, abseil and a steel cable spanning the gorge that you slide along. Bruno and Thuli went on the slide. I think that the whole of Graskop knew about Thuli’s slide due to all the screaming.

Our next stop was at God’s Window. The views are really amazing. To really experience the beauty of the area and the rain forest be prepared to do some climbing. The path is easily accessible but there are a number of inclines/stairs to negotiate. Poor Joanna experienced this first hand when we did not let her know we had ducked out and she ended up walking most of the way, sorry Joanna.

Our next stop was at The Three Rondavels. We felt the views here were actually better than at God’s Window. The view stretches over the Blydepoort dam as well as the Rondavels. The road from Ohrigstad to Lydenburg is really bad with a lot of potholes. The toll road is definitely the best way to drive to the Kruger as far as road condition and traveling comfort. We stopped at Milly’s 1 stop for a late lunch and Joanna brought some trout to take home. She said it was very nice and you can also buy them de-boned. We eventually got back to the office at 7pm tired but much enriched by an amazing experience. - Caroline Versnel