Immersed in the Wild at Saseka Tented Camp in South Africa
February 26, 2021
Flying low over the savanna in Federal Airline’s Pilatus PC 12, I see the ivory tent-tops of Saseka Tented Camp below us. They are strung out on a curve of the Monwawa River in Thornybush Private Game Reserve, like a baroque pearl necklace. As the runway is clear of game, the plane can land on the bush airstrip. After a short drive in an open safari Land Cruiser I am warmly welcomed to the camp, with smiles and a fruit drink.
With a high tented ceiling of creamy-white canvas, stone colored conglomerate flooring and an open front, the main public area - with lounge, dining veranda and bar - is bright and airy. Viewed through the multi-tiered space is a panorama of river and verdant bush. Designed and decorated by the renowned duo, Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, there are creative and arty surprises everywhere. Slabs of rock form a bridge over a water feature that reflects the wooden sticks of the ceiling, as light filters through them. A low table has a cork background, with tiles showing local species of plants that were pressed into the clay before it was baked. The color palette is unobtrusive, with accent hues of sage blue and pastel pink, a fresh and original approach to fashioning a game lodge. Sourced in South Africa, antiques and furniture pieces include a wooden lectern displaying information, an iron Aga stove, wooden chests. A wooden swing chair adds another playful item, ideal for my imitation fashion shoot selfies! Carefully placed bleached animal bones, plus pottery vases of dried flowers and pods contribute touches from nature. The atmosphere is one of relaxation and informality, an invitation to be comfortable and inquisitive about the decor details.