Makgadikgadi Pans to Deception Valley Conservancy

As we are moving on to pastures new today, we start a little later than we have done the last couple of days, with a good breakfast before we leave.

My egg and bacon

David's full English

The first part of the journey is on a tarred road, with very little traffic.

Traditional transport

As always, we do some bird-watching along the way.

Lannel Falcon - a new species for us

When we hear a strange sound coming from underneath the car, we start to worry. Most safaris we’ve been on over the years have had some sort of breakdown – after all these vehicles take some serious beating out in the bush every day. Moscow goes to investigate, and finds it is just some debris stuck in the drum brake, and once he removes it we are on our way again.

We soon leave the tarmac road and head towards the bush once more. The track is narrow, with grassy verges on both sides.

After a short while, the inevitable happens – we meet another vehicle.

With insufficient space to pass, the other vehicle tries to leave the track onto the verge, which is not as easy as it looks. He finally makes it on the third attempt.

Tawny Eagle

Deception Valley Conservancy

We are staying inside this private game reserve for the next three nights, but first, we have to get in through the gates, which are secured with a coded padlock. Moscow comes through here once or twice a month, so he knows the code.

Today, however, the code does not work. Moscow tries and tries, but cannot open the lock. He searches through the messages on his phone to see if he has remembered the code incorrectly, but can’t find anything relevant.

Eventually, he gives up and tries to contact the lodge, only to find that the fuse has gone on the radio.

Moscow with a bag of different electrical bits, including a suitable fuse

When he finally manages to get through to the lodge, there is no reply.

After numerous attempts over the next ten minutes or so, someone finally answers. They have no idea what the code is, so have to go and see if they can find someone who does.

When they finally come back to him, they confirm that the code is still the same, but add that the lock is very stiff, and suggests that Moscow tries using a little brute force on it.

Success!

We're in!

The first animals we see, are a small herd – or confusion, as they are also known – of wildebeest.

Fire extinguishers at the airstrip

Warthog

Deception Valley Lodge

Our first sighting of the lodge is their man-made waterhole, complete with different species of animals drinking.

Kudu and impala at the waterhole

As soon as we pull up outside the lodge, several staff members appear greeting us with a welcome song.

Once we’re in the reception, we are given a briefing and have to complete the usual forms, while sipping on a welcome drink. How very civilised.

David with a glass of bubbly

The reception area

One of the zebras that didn't make it further than the reception area (maybe he didn't have a reservation?)

Deception Valley Lodge, or DVL as it refers to itself, is the most luxurious accommodation on this trip (apart from maybe the Houghton in Johannesburg). The manageress shows us to our room.

The pathway from the reception

Raised boardwalks lead to the rooms

The rear of our room with the solar panel

Our room
Our ‘humble quarters’ are more like a luxury suite than a mere ‘room’, with an enormous balcony all but surrounding the cabin, with traditional director’s chairs, chunky wooden benches, and steamer chairs with cheerful blue and white stripy covers.

The balcony overlooks the bush and the waterhole near the main building in the distance. The way they are positioned, all the rooms offer great privacy.

The suite consists of a comfortably sized bedroom with two single beds encased in a mosquito net.

The en-suite bathroom has a free-standing traditional roll-top bath, sink, and double doors leading to the outdoor shower.

I love the little details of the monogrammed dressing gowns and elephant-shaped hook.

A short ‘corridor’ leads to the lounge area of the room, with comfortable seats, a coffee table, a fridge, and a coffee-making station.

The fridge is hiding on the right beside the settee

David pouring a drink

The coffee corner

Safari-themed lamp

The entire front of the building opens up with folding French doors.

Once we’ve settled into the room, it is time for brunch. Normally it is served at 11:30, but today it is an hour later as a result of the timing of our arrival.

Seating is along one long table, something I am not too keen on. While being a very outgoing person, and someone who loves being the centre of attention, when we travel, I suddenly become quite antisocial and introverted, preferring solitude (with David, of course) to the company of strangers.

Today's offering for lunch: Lasagne

After lunch, we explore the rest of the facilities available here at Deception Valley Lodge. The lounge area offers comfortable seating, African-inspired art, and some interesting books for that down-time.

Good lighting always enhances wall pictures

Display cabinets - again with appropriate lighting

Love the book-ends

The lounge, dining room, and bar are all one large room

The bar, with intricately carved bar stools

Outside the restaurant is more decking, overlooking the waterhole.

Looking out from the restaurant

A small table for those who wish to use their laptop, or maybe write their journal

Eclectic and varied seating on two different levels, with the waterhole beyond - I particularly like the hanging egg chairs and zebra-covered ones.

Further over on the right-hand side (you can just about see it in the distance on the photo above) is the swimming pool. While in theory, it looks tempting, the water is pretty cold!

A covered seating area overlooking the pool

From the restaurant, the boardwalk leads to the toilet (on the left) and the fire pit area (known as the boma) beyond.

The boma.

We spend some time on the viewing deck, enjoying the comings and goings at the waterholes.

I'm always found with a camera in my hand (or on a tripod)

Kudu at the smaller pond

Kudu and Impala at the main waterhole

African Red Eyed Bulbul and Cape Glossy Starling hanging out in the trees

African Red Eyed Bulbul and Great Sparrow drinking

Kudu

Warthog

African Red-Eyed Bulbul and Village Weaver

Bulbuls and Southern Grey-Headed Sparrow

Impala

Red Billed Spurfowl

Kori Bustard

Fork Tailed Drongo

We go back to the room to find a suitable tree to which we can attach our movement-sensor trail camera to see if we have any exciting visitors during the night.

This should capture any animals walking between us and the tree

All ready for the action

We take a short snooze while waiting for the afternoon safari.

Thank you Undiscovered Destinations and their local teams for arranging this incredible Great Africa Trip 2024.