Warning … not for the faint-hearted …. and especially not for python lovers ….

A remarkable wildlife ‘tug of war’ was witnessed by guests staying at Mala Mala recently, and was caught on camera by American photographer Josh Scheinert.

The 2m long African rock python was caught by a female leopard in long grass, but as she dragged it along behind her (still alive and wriggling frantically by this stage trying to escape), the python was ambushed by the leopard’s son, who proceeded to try and tug it away from his mother.

Mother leopard was having none of it though, and the two leopards ended up in a bizarre tug of war match for about 30 minutes. The battle only ended when the female leopard gave up, retreating to a tree while her son tucked in to his prize.

But he only ate a morsel before deciding it was not to his taste, and he discarded the snake’s body in the long grass.

I think you will agree …. wow !! It might be a bit gruesome, but it is not a sight that you see every day on safari !!!

Book 2 nights on safari at Lion Sands River Lodge and Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, in the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve; OR at Tinga Legends and Tinga Narina lodges, in Big 5 Kruger Park PLUS 2 nights at Madikwe Safari Lodge, in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve AND RECEIVE A THIRD NIGHT AT MADIKWE SAFARI LODGE FREE.

• Valid from NOW until 30 April 2013.

Restrictions of Offer: May NOT be booked over the peak periods of 23 December 2011 – 3 January 2012 and 23 December 2012 – 3 January 2013 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion.

Book 3 nights on safari at the following safari lodges, and receive 2 FREE nights at either the Cape Cadogan or More Quarters, in the buzzy and beautiful city of Cape Town – the perfect way start or end your safari trip of a lifetime.

Lion Sands River Lodge and Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, in the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Tinga Legends and Tinga Narina lodges, in Big 5 Kruger Park

Madikwe Safari Lodge, in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve

• Valid from 1 October 2011 – 30 April 2013.
• Free accommodation will be either in a Standard Room at Cape Cadogan or a luxury apartment at More Quarters. If 3 nights are reserved at Ivory Lodge then a luxury room will be reserved at Cape Cadogan.

Restrictions of Offer: May NOT be booked over the peak periods of 23 December 2011 – 3 January 2012 and 23 December 2012 – 3 January 2013 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion.

STAY 4 NIGHTS AND ONLY PAY FOR 3

• Valid from 1 October 2011 – 30 April 2013.
• Valid for all room categories at the following properties :

Lion Sands River Lodge and Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, in the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Tinga Legends and Tinga Narina lodges, in Big 5 Kruger Park

Madikwe Safari Lodge, in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve

and Cape Cadogan and More Quarters, in the buzzy and beautiful city of Cape Town.

Restrictions of Offer: May NOT be booked over the peak periods of 23 December 2011 – 3 January 2012 and 23 December 2012 – 3 January 2013.

Awesome phictures, courtesy of Savanna Private Game Reserve, situated in the world famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

Wouldn’t you love to experience this for yourself …. it’s easy, just contact us and we can book a safari here for you ! See, nothing in life is difficult really !!

Savanna is actually the first safari lodge we stayed at, about 10 years ago when I was a humble but hard working successful Account Director working in the heady world of advertising and Sales Promotion in Central London.

As a result of what turned out to be a 7 night stay here (we started off with just 4 nights, extended it to 5 … left and came back again for another 2 nights) we decided to end our turbulent love affair with the rat-race of the corporate world and start up Travel Butlers.

Because we want to help other people to get the same enjoyment out of a safari as we did that first magical time. And trust me, it is still magical, 10 years on !

Savanna has 4 luxury tented suites and 3 spacious executive tented suites. Rustic reed blinds, coir carpets, a draped canvas ceiling and built in lounge area all combine to create some of the most luxurious tents in Africa. Each suite has a fully-stocked mini bar, a spacious en-suite bathroom with outdoor and indoor showers, and a private veranda which is ideal for relaxing and absorbing the sounds of the African bush. The executive suites have their own lounge area and a private plunge pool.

There is also the exclusive 2 bedroomed Savanna Suite, ideal for families or friends travelling together, which also includes a private Land Rover and private dining options.

Picture of the week – sunrise over Sabi Sands. Kindly supplied by Savanna Private Game Reserve.

I think you will agree …. quite stunning.

Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge is situated in the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Lodge, and offer guests a luxury retreat in a truly stunning bush environment.

The lodge stands sentry over one of the reserve’s largest lakes, which bids a silent summons at dawn and dusk to the ever-present wildlife, including the Big 5. Morning and afternoon game drives will get you unbelievably close to the wildlife, sometimes literally only a few feet away.

The 6 individually, artistically styled Luxury Suites each have a private plunge pool, and exude an air of bygone romance combined with unfaltering luxury.

And if this wasn’t enough, between now and the end of June, Travel Butlers are delighted to offer a variety of Special Deals and Packages, for stays ranging from 2 nights to 4 or more nights, for families and for honeymoon couples.

But don’t just take our word for it, why not have a look yourself and experience everything that Chitwa Chitwa can offer you. Contact us now to check availability and to ask for a quote.

Just for pure, pure cuteness …. courtesy of Savanna Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sands.

These cubs have just ventured out for the first time, so guests here have been treated to some lovely sightings of them wobbling around on their paws that seem to be just a bit too big for their little bodies.

I wonder how many pictures were taken ??? I know I would have gone through probably an entire memory card.

And yes, I would have shown EVERYONE when I returned home too !!

Such a shame the cubs have to grow up !!!!!

Chitwa Chitwa is a special place, so there really is no place better to stay if you are looking for a Safari Honeymoon – and if you wanted more encouragement or convincing … well, the bride also receives a 50% discount!

Imagine a seamless blend of authentic African design with eclectic European elegance, and you will conjure up the unique style and character of Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge, located in the exclusive Sabi Sands Game Reserve which adjoins the Kruger National Park.

Hidden among the lush gardens, the 8 individually, artistically styled suites each have a private plunge pool, and exude an air of bygone romance combined with unfaltering luxury.

Indulging in the clever design which brings the outside in, the magnificent bar and lounge area melt into the surrounding trees, rendering you invisible to the game gathering on the open plain in the cool of the evening.

Chitwa Chitwa is a secluded portal to viewing some of the continent’s richest and most diverse wildlife. The lodge stands sentry over one of the reserve’s largest lakes, which bids a silent summons at dawn and dusk to the ever-present wildlife, including the Big 5.

This offer is valid for travel only between 1 October 2010 and 31 December 2010.

Savanna is situated near the Newington Gate entrance, in the famous Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, and offers the ambience of a romantic bygone era. The luxury tented suites combine the romance of a tented roof and draped inner ceiling, and ensure the utmost privacy.

With only 14 guests, the staff have the time and dedication to attend to your every need. In addition, the excellent food and world class Big 5 game viewing with knowledgeable and enthusiastic rangers, will make your stay here totally memorable.

There is an attractive outdoor swimming pool, ideal for cooling off after your morning game drive, and a comfortable upstairs lounge and library area, all overlooking the waterhole, which is floodlit at night, and where some of Africa’s most impressive wildlife comes down to drink.

And if this hasn’t persuaded you … maybe these pictures will ….