Hello All!
Wanted to let the Galapaholics know about a very special private reserve in South Africa that Andrew and I, along with with Debbie and Stephen Dance, really enjoyed in January. I'm certain you would too given your enthusiasm for conservation and wildlife.
It's called Dalton Private Reserve, located in KwaZulu-Natal, in the foothills of the beautiful Drakensberg mountains, off the beaten South African tourist path.
We had a very interesting and personally-tailored experience staying on this private game reserve, which is also an environmental/social venture. The mission is to restore former agricultural land to it's original state of biodiversity, including reintroducing game and eliminating alien vegetation. They have made huge progress over a six year period. The reserve employs about 60 local Zulus and has an educational trust serving pre-schoolers in the nearby village.
Among the highlights of our stay was trout fishing in the Bushmen's River (on the list of serious fly fishermen worldwide) and observing the wildlife on foot, on horseback and in landrovers. We also visited the local community - the Dalton education project and a church service with some of the best singing I've ever heard. Some of us made a side trip to the Anglo-Zulu battlefields, too. We were entertained by Zulu dancers and a terrific male a-capella singing group from among the employees. The food was outstanding - Dalton has it's own marvellous chef working with ingredients from the reserve - and the South African wine delicious. The lodge is the owner's private residence and there are three lovely double rooms. You can just relax on the veranda overlooking the spectacular countryside if that's all you feel like.
The manager of Dalton is named Joe Dawson, who runs the reserve and all of its initiatives, and who personally took care of us during our stay. He would welcome your inquires. His email is: joe@daltonprivatereserve.com
The website is: http://www.daltonprivatereserve.com
Best wishes from New York to everyone...am over for a visit to my parents.
Sarah |
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