DJUMA (roar of the lion) is comprised of two separate lodges called Vyuatela (Vuyatela — the name means “come visit again” in Shangaan ) and Galago (Bushbaby) which each sleeps 10 people.
An eclectic mix of Afrikaans, colonial and traditional African decor differentiate it from its competitors: a hybrid of traditional building methods, a touch of shack chic and colourful, modern South African, township-style art works. Swirling colourful mosaics, the work of Pippa Moolman (wife of owner, Jurie), brighten up everything from bland walls, plant pots and polished cement floors. And the chandelier in the main lodge’s dining room is made from Coke bottles.
We loved Vyuatela as two of the chalets have their own plunge pool where we could relax, chill and watch elephants, rhino, buffalo, buck, warthogs etc from....DIVINE. Before it closed its doors to the public in January 2022 this was a self catering establishment however, Luzile was a fantastic cook and provided a feast with whatever menu you requested. Pick n Pay delivered on Wednesdays. There was a game viewing vehicle for each of the two lodges which shared traversing rights with Safari Live and Cheetah Plains. Taxon was an amazing guide who sadly passed away from Covid in 2020. Aubrey was the other guide and also a top chap. Michel is the lovely camp manager. Just wonderful staff. The leopard sightings here are phenomenal ... we have closely followed their lives via Wild Earth, had the privilege of seeing them in the wild and been saddened by their demise... Honouring the legends that were: Karula, Thandi, Hukumuri, Xongile, Hosana and more ... they may have been lost but their memories will live forever. The Nkhuma Pride of lions were looking great on this trip - sadly the cubs got mange and all died a few months after we photographed them. The male lions were part of the the Birmingham Coalition. The Birmingham males were expelled from their pride by the Matimba males in 2013. The male we photographed was Mfumo (which means authority). Our male leopard sighting here was of Tingana, know as the Duke of Djuma. A highlight was the newly born rhino calf with its umbilical cord still bloody - amazing. Quite simply a piece of paradise.
