Karongwe Portfolio - Becks Safari Lodge

We booked an Africa trip through Platinum Holidays, and the Karongwe Portfolio is one of the properties that they book. That's how we ended up at Becks. We loved it! LOCATION: The Reserve is very large. We were there 4 days and mights for a total of 7 game drives and every drive saw new territory that we had not seen before. We flew into Hoedspruit and departed from Nelspruit (this was due to traveling on to Zambia) which was a three hour drive from Becks. ANIMALS: We saw the Big 5 multiple times (except buffalo, only once). On one game drive, a group of lions walked right along and in front of the vehicle! We saw two different rhino cow/calf pairs, and at least three different leopards. Additional mammals included hippos, zebras, wildebeest, babboons, vervet monkeys, mongoose, jackals, warthogs, all antelope except eland, wild dogs, hyena, and cheetahs. There is also abundant birdlife, and our guide and tracker, Jack and Raimondo were both very well studied in bird id and willing to stop for birds. LODGE: The Lodge and most of the villas overlook a riverbed and grassy plain. At breakfast and lunch we would bring binoculars and bird watch. The other two or three villas overlook a watering hole, and some young men from Spain saw a lion at the watering hole while we were there. The lodge is very well cared for and the villa we stayed in, #5 was extremely comfortable and had a wonderful view of from the deck. FOOD: Breakfast is stunning. The crescent rolls were phenomenal. They also had fresh fruits and cheeses and a menu to order from. The lunches and the dinners were also outstanding. Because game drives are the main event and the first drive is at 0530, that drives the meal schedule. Breakfast after morning game drive, lunch at 1300, and dinner after evening game drive 1930 or so. Two of the dinners were grilled meats and South African dishes. And for vegans, they always have options that sounded great although we did not try any.

Becks Safari Lodge is amazing. Johan and his wife, Adelina, are such gracious hosts. They have created the ideal resort to enjoy seeing the Big Five in the ultimate comfort. The rooms and their views are spectacular. The food and spa are both five stars. All of the staff are extremely friendly and welcoming. Our game drive guide, Matthew, and our tracker, Forget, were truly special. Not only for their incredible abilities, but also for their kindness. We have been to many places all over the world and Becks is one of a very few that we really can’t wait to visit again. When you get misty eyed when saying goodbye you know it’s a very special place.