The Bush House - exclusive private game lodge in malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa - Game viewing drives to see the Big 5

18 August 2009
Sue and Gordon’s Notebook

AT LAST!! We are in the House and living at the lodge full time.
The waiting and stress of the last few months is now over but I can certainly
see why they say moving is one of the top four most stressful events!

Our Builder, Eben Beukes, has been wonderful and although we still have a few snags to rectify essentially all is done and dusted. Dust… this has to be the worst four letter word there is. With moving into a brand new house I have never experienced so much dust and no sooner than it’s under control, Or so you think, the next wave hits you! We need shares in a mop and feather duster company.

It is such a gift waking up each morning and the first sight you see is the waterhole. We have been treated to elephants, lion and rhino and the ultimate treat was waking up with a lioness drinking and that night going to bed with two males at the waterhole! Talk about spoilt.

The birds in the morning are a joy and there is always a host of flying bananas (Yellow billed hornbills), Flying Chillis (Red billed hornbills), Francolins, LBJs and TBJ (tiny brown jobs) at the seed tray. Woe betide you if it is empty! There is an irritated tapping on the window by the chillis and lots of calling by the rest. You can set your clock by feeding time.

The move from Lichtenburg was a nightmare in terms of furniture removal. The company we used was disorganised, with boxes being stolen and furniture scratched, damaged and broken. All of this is easily pushed aside when you can look out of the window at a panoramic view of the enselbergs and the bush and SMELL the peace.

It is such pleasure to be at the lodge full time not only to feel like you’ve put down roots but to be able to have so much more time with guests. It has been noticeable this last month how we’ve felt that we’ve got to know people so much better and had a chance to interact more.

Winter is in full bloom - literally as the Coral trees in the garden are in full and exquisite flower. The striking orange contrasts with the green lawn and just makes the garden so inviting. Hopefully the last of the biting cold is over (except for very chilly winds) and the days are sunny and bright.

Animals visiting the waterhole have been many with the elephants being The most prolific. Herds and herds having been coming in which has played havoc with keeping the waterhole filled. We installed a small electric pump to keep the waterhole filled( in theory) but the elephants keep walking away, and playing with, the fitting at the end of pipe. In desperation Gordon went out to find the piece, after having replaced it three times, at the waterhole only to look up and find a row of guests watching him intently. Bush House newsflash – strange species spotted at waterhole! Most embarrassing!

The dogs are loving the new bush life as it means walks and playing every day. If it is not playing ball on the lodge lawn, periodically interrupted by Zazu leaping into the water feature to find the Koi it is long walks around camp.
André and Stefan have cut walking paths within the fenced area of camp. These are perfect for good long walks but still having the safety of being in an electrified area. The dogs choose the route they want and I bring up the rear whilst looking at the birds and listening to the bush sounds. It’s a great way to exercise us all.

This has been a very personal newsletter but is just so exciting to eventually be here!

Take good care of yourselves and hope to see you soon.
Gordon, Sue and the Bush House Family

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