American widow builds South African safari lodge: 15-08-2007
Despite the odds, an American housewife from Georgia has put together her own safari travel lodge in South Africa.
After her husband died, Susan Mathis travelled around the world three times before deciding to settle in South Africa. Inspired by the country, she resolved to build some accommodation in the area so that her friends and family could visit her. "This place had such a pull. I couldn't see me anywhere else. The people are genuine and wonderful.", said Susan.
However, this soon developed into a full building project, and after two years the lodge is now open to the general public.
Based near the Madikwe Game Reserve in the northwest of South Africa, Ms Mathis designed, built and furnished the lodge, despite admitting that she had never picked up a hammer before in her life.
The Madikwe Game Reserve, one of the biggest reserves in South Africa, is mainly composed of grassland and open woodland. It is home to many varieties of animals, including elephants, rhinos, hippos, cheetahs, leopards and lions.
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