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Almost 8km south
of the radio mast in Shakawe you'll find a left turn off the
tar road. This sandy track will lead you east, crossing the
old road up the Panhandle for about 3km to reach Drotsky's
Cabins (GPS: DROTSK). You should be able to drive across
this in a normal 2WD car,although the sand can be very
thick, so some driving skill is needed.
This long-established camp has been run by the delightful
couple, Jan and Eileen Drotsky, and their family, who have
seen the Shakawe area change from a remote outpost to a
thriving little town.
Drotsky's Cabins stand on a high bank, overlooking the
river, which is already several kilometres wide. Below is a
network of deepwater channels and large beds of papyrus. It
is excellent for birdwatching or fishing, although there's
little game around except for hippos and crocs.
Drotsky's six chalets are set amongst well-watered lawns in
a shaded haven under a canopy of thick riverside trees.
Colourful shrubs and banana trees have been planted in
between, creating the welcoming impression of a green and
tropical haven.
Two of the chalets sleep two people, whilst the other three
are bigger and built on two levels, and can sleep four. All
are an A-frame design with low brick sidewalls supporting a
tall, steeply angled thatched roof. These are insect-proofed
with mesh on the windows and lit by mains electricity. They
all have simple furnishings, rugs on the floor, and a
tabletop electric fan. Central to the lodge is a bar (which
often seems to play host to an eclectic selection of local
characters) and a very large dining area, built over the
river. Look out for the rather beautiful wooden top of the
bar here!
Drotsky's is a very genuine old camp, where hospitality
hasn't been learned from a manual. If you are willing to
take it on its own terms, then it can be a super lodge, and
offer you fascinating insights into the area, its history
and its ecosystems.
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