Driving deeper and deeper into the valley, you begin to wonder where you're going! The mountains tower on either side of the lodge, and this is a like a secret valley - quiet and full of riches.
The riches include this lovely, small lodge. It has only three cottages (one is a family cottage with two bedrooms) plus the main lodge where you eat. You are hosted by Will and Carol Fox, an English couple who fell in love with this valley and decided to come and live here. Their passion is conservation and they help run the Ingwe Leopard Project. Profits from the lodge mainly go to this project.
Will and Carol cook your superb meals, and Will and Anton (the head ranger) take you on bush walks, teach you about tracking wildlife, take plaster casts of spoor (animal prints), or set up picnics in the bush. Also, if there is anything going on with regards to the Ingwe Leopard Project, you are welcome to be involved. You could even learn how to set up a camera trap for leopards and other wildlife, and leave the trap there for a few days to see what you've caught!
This makes an excellent first stop if you're travelling from Jo'burg to Kruger. You feel that you really have started your wildlife adventure, and you can learn a lot about the bush here. We recommend at least 2 nights, depending on your interests, as you won't get the best of this place in just one night. You could also consider having another night here if you're driving back from Kruger to the airport. It makes a very nice last stop too.
