We are the Honey Badgers 🦡 — and we’re officially one week into our South African Megalekker Escape.
Everyone is absolutely loving it… and what’s making it even better is the number of first timers on this trip. Travel agents who’ve never set foot in South Africa before are quickly learning why this destination deserves a top spot on every recommendation list.
And if you’re wondering what “megalekker “means, here’s the quick lesson: Lekker is South African slang for anything awesome, cool, delicious, fun — basically all the good things. Add mega and… well, you get the picture.
This is the third year of this brilliant initiative, which sends groups of travel agents and media across multiple regions of South Africa to experience the country’s full offering — from wildlife safaris and cultural tours to community-led experiences and hidden gems.
Participants are split into groups, each exploring different provinces and regions — often well beyond the usual tourist trail. Think wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, conservation projects, community tours, and showcasing small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
The journey wraps up with a two-day training and networking event at Sun City Resort, where everyone shares stories, attends workshops, and meets South African tourism partners.
Our Honey Badger adventure kicked off at Simbavati Hilltop Lodge in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve (part of the legendary Kruger national park) Perched elegantly on a hillside, it delivers sweeping views across untouched wilderness, all the way to the distant Drakensberg Mountains.
We spent two fabulous nights here in pavilion-style luxury tents with that quintessential African vibe — overlooking a hippo-infested river. The welcome we received after the long journey was peak South Africa: that famous “welcome home” hospitality that hits you right in the heart.
Game drives were fantastic (and very bumpy thanks to recent rains), but the sightings delivered: lions elephants, zebra, giraffe… and the standout for everyone? Wild dogs. One of my personal highlights was stretching out on the day bed on my deck at night, listening to hippos grunting under a sky full of stars. Honestly, it beats my partner’s snoring!
And then there was the food. Exceptionally good — especially the ox tail. Let’s just say there was some serious over-indulgence and a few safari pants had to be loosened.
From there we ventured into Mpumalanga, staying at the charming, colonial-style Nut Grove Manor for our Panorama Route adventure. Dramatic landscapes, dreamy waterfalls, and the third biggest canyon in the world — scenery at every turn, and such a contrast to the safari days before it.
We cruised along the Blyde River, tackled a death-defying cliff-top walk 700 metres above the forest on narrow ledges… and followed it with a hair-raising zipline. Adrenaline overload, but absolutely unforgettable.
Next stop: back to the Kruger region — and Dulini Moya. This lodge is the stuff safari dreams are made of. The decor, the ambience, the effortless way it blends into the bush… I half expected David Attenborough to appear at any moment.
I actually had to pick my jaw up off the floor when I saw my room. Bigger than my Sydney apartment, floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the wild beyond… and wait — is that a waterbuck sprinting past my window?!
Classic African style, a cosy lounge, a decanter of sherry (if only my mum was here!), brandy, and a drinks cabinet stocked with everything imaginable — including my personal favourite: Amarula. (Pro tip: it’s like Baileys, but better — and on a morning game drive, mixed with hot chocolate and coffee? A winning combo.)
There’s a dreamy four-poster bed calling my name, my own plunge pool, an outdoor shower… and a claw-foot bath that’s practically begging for a candlelit soak after the evening game drive.
I was told there was a very good chance of spotting a leopard — I have become completely obsessed with my leopard quest. I’ve visited South Africa many times and ticked off the Big 4… but not the luscious elusive leopard.
Well… I am ecstatic to report ALL my safari dreams came true.
On Valentine’s Day 2026, it finally happened. I got my leopard — and it was absolutely not an anti-climax. Thumba, an eight-year-old male leopard, sauntered past like he owned the place, and I was literally leaping with leopard joy.
It really doesn’t get any better.
Stay tuned for the rest of the Megalekker Escape…
