A magical weekend in a magical place with the Volvo XC90
As most people who read this website, you will be aware of the perks of being a motoring journalist. You get to drive all sorts of cars, visit incredible places and get to see and do things many people only dream of.
Back in July, the Volvo XC90 was launched and I told you that it took my breath away. Well it ended up winning our Car of the Year awards as well which is no wonder, so when I had the opportunity to visit Madikwe Game reserve I knew there was only one car I wanted to experience it in…the Volvo XC90.
Now bearing in mind I have just driven the Audi Q7 and can not decide which of these I like better…and I still cannot decide. But what I do know for sure is that the Volvo XC90 delivered in every way possible on this long trip to an incredible place.
Our chariot was waiting for us as we landed at Lanseria airport and it would be four hours before we arrived at the magical place that is Etali Safari Lodge. We decided to take the ‘shorter’ route which meant we would encounter a lot of dirt roads. The XC90 was sure footed and traversed even the rough parts with ease and elegance. I didn’t even need to put it in off-road mode, but I did at times I felt it necessary, but I was being over cautious.
My partner is currently on crutches sporting a moon boot and the leg room of the passenger seat was more than enough and he was comfortable for the entire journey. He played around on the portrait style touch screen on the centre console which kept him busy and entertained for hours.
There were long stretches of open road and the adaptive cruise control was a life saver. I don’t think I touched a pedal for an hour stretch at a time. As mentioned in my driving impression of the XC90, Volvo has decided to not do what so many manufacturers are doing which is try create a ‘sporty’ SUV. Volvo has opted to focus on comfort and style rather than performance. Although, it is not lacking in oomph in any way. Over taking is effortless and the car is composed around corners and feels well planted. But it’s the comfort and smooth ride that truly stands out. The cabin is quiet and luxurious. You are not left wanting anything more.
We stopped in Sun City to stretch our legs and then continued on the journey. There is something to be said about a car that can make a four hour trip seem like less. We arrived still feeling refreshed, even after a 3:30am wake up call to catch our flight. We entered the game park and took a slow drive as we took in the beauty that surrounded us. We were met by giraffes, zebra and even an elephant who clearly thought the XC90 was quite a looker.
Etali Safari Lodge is a truly magical place. Never have I encountered the level of service that this place offers. The XC90 was parked and we were not to see it again until we left on Sunday. We were greeted by a spectacular view over looking the watering hole and as we sat down to eat lunch, an elephant welcomed us by cooling itself off at the water’s edge. We headed off to our room where we also cooled off in our own private pool on our deck and the elephant made its way to our chalet to check we were comfortable.
Just before we were to leave on a game drive, this same elephant decided that it liked us so much that it would come to our front door and that’s where it would stay until a ranger came to safely escort us to the game car. This got our hearts racing, especially my poor partner who had to hop along as quick as he could. I had already briefed him that he would need to save himself and that wild animals tend to go for the weak or injured. One has to do everything necessary to survive in the wild, you see.
I have been on a few game drives and one thing we all tend to want to see is an animal hunt. We did! And I have to say, that I hope I never see one again. As magical and glorious as nature is, it is also cruel. We witnessed three young lions attempt one of their first hunts on an unsuspecting baby warthog. It was traumatising! This little thing squealed as the lions toyed with it. I know it is supposed to be an incredible moment, but you need a stomach for it. And I do not have such a stomach. I will openly admit that I sat on the game vehicle with my eyes closed and my fingers in my ears until things had calmed down. My partner and everyone else had a thrilling time. I will never be able to look at Pumba again without a heavy heart.
Our first evening ended with us having dinner overlooking the watering hole again as the animals came for their night caps and we were to experience a deep and peaceful sleep amongst the best that nature has to offer.
This is the level of perfection we experienced for the rest of our trip at Etali Safari Lodge. We saw all of the Big Five, including a leopard who graced us with its presence on the last night.
When it was time to leave, we decided on the longer, tarred route back to Lanseria and again, the comfortable drive ensured we arrived at our destination feeling relaxed and refreshed. I had switched off the Lane Keeping Assist system and after about two hours the XC90 told me I needed to take a break, which I dutifully obeyed.
A magical place, a comfortable and luxurious drive…the perfect weekend. The only thing that wasn’t up to scratch was our flight back with Kalula, but that is a whole other story that I won’t go in to here as I won’t allow it to detract from the perfect weekend we had.
The Volvo XC90 is certainly a force to be reckoned with and if you ever find yourself in the position to experience Madikwe, be sure to stay at Etali Safari Lodge. Check out their website. It will be one of the best things you have ever done!
Check out the gallery of our trip: