Rejuvenate on the wild side

Before you have even set foot inside Karkloof Safari Spa in the Midlands you have already begun to unwind.

With the wind in your hair and an excellent view of the reserve from the elevated seats of a luxury game viewing vehicle, the drive from the reception to the spa is an adventure all on its own.

The friendly dread-locked game ranger Kenny Musarurwa took the time to point out many of the reserve’s beautiful residents.

The crested crane chick chasing its mother through the grass was an unusual highlight.

He even took us offroad to meet a few of their impressive rhino. It was surreal to be so close to these prehistoric beasts that are so often threatened by poachers.

With over 3000 hectares to roam, the reserve is teeming with wildlife and the spa seems to attract animals just as much as a good watering hole.

Upon arrival guests fill in a comprehensive questionnaire to enable the therapists to give you the best treatment possible.

This covers everything from the types of oils you would prefer to the temperature of the treatment rooms and the pressure level for your massage. Once we had signed in it was time for breakfast. This was the perfect way to refuel after our hour and a half hour drive from Ballito.

While we dined a rather excitable young nyala gave us a show as it frolicked in the veld in front of us, a sounder of warthogs scurried across the walkways in single file while a kudu sauntered past, all with the ease of well acquainted guests. Once breakfast was complete our two Thai therapists led us away for more than three hours of bliss.

Walking to our treatment room we happened on an hour old nyala foal suckling from its mother.

The therapists had been privy to the birth, a moment that is incredibly rare to witness.

The Lavana full day package includes a 90 minute massage of your choice, a 60 minute facial of your choice and a 60 minute reflexology treatment. The reflexology treatment takes place in its own beautiful room with wall to wall windows giving perfect view of a shaded watering hole.

While this luxury day spa is a manageable drive from Ballito (if you leave early to miss the Durban traffic), personally I would have preferred to spend a night (or two) at the lodge for a total immersion experience.

Having to leave after lunch meant we were not able to enjoy the spa’s hydrotherapy area including saunas, steam rooms, an open-air jacuzzi, indoor Roman Bath and Kneipp Pools.

Free use of these facilities is included with all packages and I definitely could have spent a few hours lazing around the pool – they just looked so inviting.

An alternative would be to stay in Pietermaritburg, just 30 minutes away.

I think on our next visit I would like to try the Safari and Spa package, which includes a two hour game drive and a walk to the magnificent Karkloof Falls.

You can check out their website at karkloofsafarispa.com or call to 033 569 1324.

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