Returning to my home country of Zimbabwe this November after 11 years out of the country was a sheer delight. A quick and easy flight on Federal Air from Johannesburg to the Malalingwe Reserve, makes getting to Pamushana almost as easy as flying to the Sabi Sands/Kruger area. I had forgotten just how wonderfully warm and welcoming the Zimbabweans are, how educated and articulately they speak, their humor and knowledge - a delightful combination.

Singita Pamushana is one of Africa's best kept secrets. The Lodge is found within the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in south-eastern Zimbabwe. 65,000 hectares with only one lodge on it! Nestled beneath the trees, the lodge incorporates the natural environment and aspects of the famous Zimbabwe ruins. The forest-like architecture and lush gardens have spectacular views of the lake below. Pamushana Lodge comprises six luxury suites some of which are two, three and a 5 bedroom villas. Each offering incredible views of the Malilangwe dam and each with a private pool.

Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve is teaming with wildlife including rare and endangered species such as the Roan and Sable antelope, and the Black Rhino. Famous for its cathedral Mopane forests and majestic 'upside-down' Baobab trees, Malilangwe is an area where you will also find over 100 rock painting sites that date back thousands of years. I was staggered at how good the game viewing was and how the excellent guides managed to bring the bush life. We traversed across the 65,000 hectares with out another vehicle in sight. We followed a lion hunt at night, a herd of 1,000 buffalo, the rare, dangerous and skittish Black Rhino, and had the best Cheetah sighting of my life,- Five cheetahs grooming one another.

In addition to the intense wildlife experience, somehow the landscape of Zimbabwe has a serene and special magic to it. It oozes "real Africa". The sunset silhouetting against the acacia trees, the bright dusty red soils, the vociferous calls of the fish eagle, wide open spaces and big big skies brought it all home to me. I could only wish that everyone would be so lucky as to experience this very special place.

Note: By visiting Malilangwe you are helping the people and animals in this corner of Zimbabwe recover from their plight. Singita and Malilangwe now employ a considerable workforce and feed 30,000 children daily.