Posts by Characterstays
Smug little ranger princess
Sunsets are beautiful the world over, but none so rich, slow and deep as in Southern Africa. I might even claim that they have magical healing powers. As the layers or vermilion, cerise and blood-orange enthrall, your soul is drawn into their other-worldly realness. In that time it takes the sun to sink, so do…
Read MoreWe have designed the perfect trip for you
Isibindi Africa Lodges know and love Northern KwaZulu-Natal with a care that extends well beyond duty. Passionate about local communities, pristine natural land and creating fun, relaxing and romantic holiday experiences, here is a suggested short trip plan for you. In it we have tried to bring you the best of beach, forest and bush…
Read MoreA democracy of buffalo
If you want a perfect example of “ubuntu” (the African concept of ‘we exist because of one another’) in the animal kingdom, look no further than the African buffalo. These creatures are very protective of one another, and will gather around to take care of young, vulnerable, sick or elderly members of the herd. They…
Read MoreBush, beach and forest in one trip
Experience the best of beach, bush and forest in pristine natural environments in our barefoot luxury lodges situated within the safety of protected natural parks. Know that you are making a meaningful investment into local development with our shared community ownership and eco-sensitive natural lodges. Thonga Beach Lodge Enjoy your favourite drink, with your…
Read MoreComing of age
A review of Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge by Characterstays calls this lodge a ‘coming of age’ for South Africa … What sets this luxury lodge apart from all others is its spectacular location on the edge of a vast valley in Hluhluwe Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal. The architecture makes the most of this setting, with…
Read MoreVideo footage of Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Extend your holiday by viewing these inspiring video clips of activities available at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal. This luxury lodge is set right within the vast Hluhluwe-iMfolozi game reserve, a Big 5 wildlife park within easy reach of Durban. At Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge you can go on daily game viewing drives on…
Read MoreBritish Airways now flies direct to Durban!
Here’s a happy thing – now you can fly directly from the UK to KwaZulu-Natal. British Airways is now flying directly from London to Durban. You can be on the back of a safari vehicle in the African bush, or on a pristine beach sipping your favourite drink in no time. Have a…
Read MoreA box of delight
Being the cousin-worse-offs, we used to watch with envy how our cousins would get loads of expensive gifts at Christmas, while we were still fortunate enough to get a few thoughtfully chosen, lovingly wrapped ones. I can only imagine what it would be like for a child to get nothing. Cue the much loved Santa…
Read MoreBeautiful-ugly beasties of the bush
I just adore these beautiful-ugly beasties – the warthog (a.k.a Pumba in the Lion King). These African hogs just ooze character with their warty faces and compact fat bodies. These warts are actually protective bumps, especially useful when the males fight one another with their tusks. These members of the pig family can only be…
Read MoreGive a gift of down time
One could argue that most of us need less productivity and a few less trinkets. This Christmas, consider giving someone you care about the gift of down time – a relaxing stay in great comfort in a beautiful natural environment. Food for the soul, a stay at one of the Isibindi Africa Lodges restores body,…
Read More