Yellow is a happy colour - even a small amount in an otherwise neutral space gives a shot of sunshine.
So many options from golden to pale subtle lemon.
Be inspired and Enjoy!
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We tend to do most of our entertaining on our long verandah, the ideal indoor/outdoor space for our beautiful Cape Town summers whether it's a bigger party or just a family dinner.
It works particularly well to be outside for social distancing!
For summer we tend to keep things simple and easy with pretty drinks and
platters of nibbles taking us all the way from starters to desserts.
I'll be doing a series of posts, mostly a
retrospective tribute to finding visual joy and restoring balance during
these crazy times. A respite to beautiful things.
Whimsical colourful animals and patterns in textiles and ceramics make for a playful and eclectic decor statement.
Such a great way of bringing fabulous African wildlife into your home (and especially when lockdown clamps down on any real safari options).
Enjoy!
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After months of severe lockdown, a quick small getaway was the perfect antidote to cabin fever.
A beautiful Karoo vista to our destination for the weekend - Tankwa River Lodge:
Historic, simple and charming.
The interiors offered rustic decor with a mix of foraged and treasured decorative objects.
A cosy spot to shelter from the cold wintery weather.
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MASHATU LODGE 5/5 Consistently great animal sightings
This was our 6th year in a row visiting Mashatu from South Africa. It's a long commute but worthwhile it was great to see the thriving big cats (leopards, cheetah, lion) so often and about their daily activities again. We alway enjoys seeing the gentle elephant herds, variety of birds and animals. Our ranger is a particularly talented and enthusiastic tracker (finding mewing leopard cubs in a bush etc), but even if you're on the last vehicle to a sighting there are opportunities for most photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Service is always very friendly, and our rooms were again beautifully clean and luxurious. The camp manager and his staff are most professional and amenable. The meals were frequent, generous and hearty, but could do with more variety as there was some form of stew for 3 out of the 4 nights of our visit. There's also scope for improvement with the range and quantity of stock in the lodge shop as we'd happily buy more mementoes to support the local community if possible. Note that Wifi is only available in the lounge and can be intermittent, which is all part of the laid-back bush experience.
MASHATU LODGE 5 Outstanding elephant and leopard sightings
This is really the place to go for exceptional elephant and leopard sightings which is why we keep going back each year. Over 4 days we were fortunate enough to see several beautiful leopards, 2 with a kill, and watch large herds of elephants with their babies at water holes. Other highlights included seeing a bushbaby, porcupine, wild cat and 5 lion cubs as well as a tiny baby giraffe. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, and some of the rooms are now being upgraded. Food is plentiful as always but we found the offerings not quite as good as in previous visits.
MASHATU LODGE (MAIN CAMP) 5 Wonderful even in the rain
Despite adverse weather after rain (muddy roads and flooded rivers) which made viewing game more difficult than usual our family still had a great time at Mashatu this year. Our ranger and staff went out of their way to find memorable animal viewings, and the food and camp was as enjoyable as always. A highly recommended spot for families to enjoy the bush and experience fantastic leopard, cheetah and elephant sightings!
MASHATU MAIN LODGE 5 Amazing cat central
Oct 2013 Our family returned from a few days
at Mashatu this year, amazed again at the fantastic experience we had.
The game sightings of leopards (including playful young cubs), lions on a kill,
cheetah and elephant were stupendous and plentiful. Our game ranger was very
knowledgeable, patient and a fantastic tracker. Every game drive was a magical
experience, appreciated by even the most experienced game viewers and
photographers amongst us.
The camp itself is attractive, with a pool and various spots to relax including
a pub and airconditioned lounge with wifi. The generous home-style cooked
bounteous meals are taken above a scenic water hole or around a boma. The
family room was well decorated, cool and very spacious. The staff are extremely
helpful and attentive.
Children are allowed on open vehicles by arrangement so this is a great
opportunity for them to see wild animals in a genuine game reserve. They are
also given kids packs with activities, and can explore and learn about the area
and animals in the informative display room.
It is in short an unassuming quality setting from which to enjoy superb game
sightings. There is a good natured understatedness at camp, without sacrificing
creature comforts, and a focus on the abundant wildlife. It will hopefully
become a tradition for our family to return to Mashatu every year.
