The Berzack Bat Mitzvah

The celebrations began on Friday, with family members from the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia and all over South Africa arriving throughout the day. After welcome drinks, some enjoyed a relaxing afternoon while others had an educational trip to Emdoneni, the cheetah sanctuary. After freshening up, everyone reunited at Tree Lodge where they had Shabbat and prayers followed by a short welcome speech before a kosher buffet dinner was served.

Saturday commenced with the family gathering by the pool at Safari Lodge, where refreshments were served. The typical dry winter backdrop was brought to life by the eventful flurry of children and elegantly set tables, adding an entertaining atmosphere to the early afternoon’s pre-celebration.  

A quick game of baseball entertained both the spectators and players, working up a healthy appetite before lunch.

A delicious cold lunch was served alongside one of the many watering holes we have surrounding Safari Lodge. The bare weather stricken branches provided sufficient shade as the family enjoyed the buffet style lunch of Brisket, Cold Meat, Salads and a selection of Fruit. 

Zulu dancers provided a truly South African experience with their beating drums and traditional costumes. After a short demonstration of their refined skills, the dancers selected members from the somewhat astonished audience to join in and truly experience Africa first hand by participating in a traditional Zulu dance. The younger family members proved to be truly remarkable, with their eagerness and uncanny flexibility, and at times even giving the Zulu dancers a run for their money.

The main celebration took place in the Boma, where tranquil candles lead the way to a welcoming fire in the centre. Blue lanterns, candles and serviettes added a splash of colour to the Boma that was warmly lit with soft fairy lights that gently draped the surrounding walls of the Boma. 

The guests soon arrived and before long they came sweeping into the Boma, in their elegant attire gathering around the crackling fire, warming up before celebrations begin. After all the formalities, a lovely montage of a beautiful girl, who has now become a woman, was viewed. After which every one loosened up on the dance floor, before enjoying a kosher buffet dinner. 

The toasting of marshmallows over a sizzling fire drew the night to a close and a beautiful evening shared between family and friends, who united under an African sky to mark such a special occasion came to an end.

Night Life at Ubizane

Coming to the bush means different things to various people. There are some who simply wish to escape the hustle and bustle of city; others are in search of the Big 5 and some who are simply astonished by the wide open spaces, fresh air and breath-taking views. Here at Ubizane, we are fortunate enough to cater to all of the above. Situated within a 1200 hectare reserve, we are a mere 4 kilometers from Hluhluwe Town and a stone throw away from Hluhluwe Umfolozi National Park. 

As the sun sinks, your African experience doesn’t end, a whole different world awakens from its deep slumber.

The birds are the first to kick start the evening’s hustle n bustle with their loud ‘chitter chatter’ and frantic foraging for that last tasty snack, before the sun bids its final farewell.  

The vast African sky is probably the most noticeable feature at night, countless stars scattered across the sky sparkling with pride. At first glance the vast night sky appears to be just an accumulation of tiny lights all crowded together. Allowing your eyes time to adjust to the mysterious darkness that now cloaks the earth, you soon start to see numerous constellations.  

While you lose yourself in the sheer beauty of the night sky, the gentle tune of a cricket and the glisten of a Nyala’s reflection at a moonlit waterhole a few meters away, distract you momentarily from Orion's belt, the Southern Cross, The Three Sisters and Scorpio.