^{Marketing and sales representation company, Inspirational Places, has expanded its portfolio of luxury hotels and lodges across Southern Africa with the addition of mFulaWozi Wilderness Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu Natal, and soon-to-be-opened  Mukwa River Lodge in Livingstone, Zambia.}

mFulaWozi Wilderness, home to Biyela and Mthembu Lodges, is back under the management of the founders, Barry and Sonya Theunissen. The sister lodges are situated on the banks of the White iMfolozi River in the heart of Zululand, just two-and-a-half-hours’ drive from Durban.

Biyela and Mthembu reopened last year after an extensive revamp that included a focus on interior design. Biyela consists of 12 luxury standalone suites – an exclusive offering with private plunge pools. Mthembu offers seven luxury one-bedroom suites and two family suites.

The mFulaWozi Wilderness Private Game Reserve stretches across 16 000 hectares of untouched African bushveld, 6 000 hectares of which have already been incorporated into the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa. This unique wilderness area embodies the spirit of the Zulu nation and unlocks the tourist appeal of the rich culture, history and biodiversity of the land. It offers an exclusive game-drive experience, only for guests of Biyela and Mthembu lodges.

Mukwa River Lodge in Zambia is set to open on April 1. It is situated in a prime position on the banks of the Zambezi River, an easy 21km drive from Livingstone, with convenient access upstream from Victoria Falls.

The six-suite luxury lodge will offer a range of exciting water-based activities, including water-safari and game-viewing opportunities. Mukwa River Lodge is the sister property to Inspirational Places’ The Residence Boutique Hotel in Houghton (Johannesburg), and Camp Ndlovu in the Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg (Limpopo).

Allie Hunt, who has owner-managed Inspirational Places since 2008, says with international markets opening up slowly, the company’s focus is to put Inspirational Places and its properties back on to the global platform.

“We are passionate about profiling and promoting some of the most unforgettable Southern African experiences. Despite two difficult years during the pandemic, we managed to pull through, thanks to the commitment of the current members to keep Inspirational Places going. We are also thrilled to have been able to grow with the addition of a number of new members, whilst keeping our portfolio and service approach both focused and personal.”

IP also represents shuttle and charter airline Federal Airlines, which has been keeping the skies open under extreme conditions over the last two years, says Hunt. “Federal Airlines continues to offer a reliable and dependable air service, getting guests to South African safari lodges timeously.”