Luxury safari accommodation is offered in 7 different lodges on this private game reserve. Choose a lodge that compliments your ideal African experience.
The Reserve is about conserving a vanishing way of life and is the realisation of one man's dream, and the success of many people's passion.
Steeped in pioneer history, and dating back to the time when a multitude of game roamed wild and free, the 25 000 hectare reserve boats five eco-systems, thus enabling the support of many forms of plant, animal and bird life.
Situated in verdant bush along the Bushmans River halfway between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, a pleasant drive from Cape Town and forming a natural extension to the famous Garden Route.
Eagles Crag Lodge:
Ultimate luxury personified in a contemporary African design.
Nestled in a valley and providing the ultimate luxury for the most discerning of travellers. Each of the nine superior rooms has been built to maximize the privacy of the guest in the most tranquil of settings. The en-suite suites boast a private deck with pool, as well as, indoor and outdoor showers. Decorated in light and contemporary colours, with wall-to-wall glass doors on two sides, these suites provide stunning views of the surrounding cliffs.
The luxury spa offers a wide variety of personalized treatments. The upper floor dining room and lounge, and ground floor library, lounge and cocktail bar, all further compliment the guests "African bushveld experience".
Lobengula Lodge:
Classical African elegance in ethnic thatched surrounds.
This is a truly classical African experience. Tucked away deep in the valley bushveld, this ethnically decorated thatched lodge offers guests a tranquil, luxurious and exclusive getaway. Two of the 5 luxury suites have private plunge pools whilst the remaining 3 suites are situated adjacent to the large swimming pool. The Chief suite boasts a large lounge with fireplace and private pool.
The lodge serves lavish meals either on the main deck, in the dining room beside the fireplace or in the outside boma under the stars. A selection of fine and rare South African wines are available from the cellar. A selection of Cuban cigars are on offer from the humidor.
Long Lee Manor:
Refined elegance from a bygone era.
Originally built in 1910, offering a distinctive Colonial experience. This splendidly restored Edwardian Manor House offers guests refined comfort, congenial service and enticing cuisine in the African bush. The Manor accommodates 38 guests in 15 elegant en-suite rooms and 3 luxury suites.
Sumptuously prepared meals are enjoyed in the main dining room, under the Pepper Tree, or around the open blazing fire at the Barn. A river boma offers an outdoor option for meals. The wine list is especially selected and includes a choice of 12 red and 12 white South African wines. A further selection of rare and fine wines and imported French champagne is also available. A selection of Cuban cigars are on offer from the humidor.
Bushmans River Lodge:
Sweeping views of the Bushmans River
This Victorian homestead offers an intimate atmosphere that is a welcoming reminder of true South African hospitality. Beautifully decorated in an artistic ethnic theme, this lodge is another representation of the true uniqueness of the Reserve.
This 4-bedroomed lodge is ideal for small groups of friends or couples and offers a very private experience. Dining is varied between the dining room, the veranda, which is adjacent to the pool, or the stunning boma under thatch overlooking the Bushmans River. The wine list is especially selected and include a choice of 12 red and 12 white South African wines. A further selection of rare and fine wines and imported French champagne is also available. A selection of Cuban cigars are on offer from the humidor and can be enjoyed in the cozy lounge with fireplace.
The ideal family lodge for an intimate experience.
Riverdene Lodge:
A colonial African experience in an elegantly restored frontier homestead.
The colonial-style, Riverdene Lodge with nine inter-leading luxury rooms, rim flow pool, supervised playroom, spacious green lawns and jungle gym facility ensures entertainment for the whole family.
Rooms are fully air-conditioned; all feature television, telephone and small lounge area, en-suite sandstone bathroom and private balconies leading onto the landscaped gardens.
There are two elegantly furnished casual lounges as well as a magnificent rim flow swimming pool to entice guests to relax and restore their energy.
The lounge opens onto an outdoor barbeque area. Meals can also be taken in the spacious dining room or the magnificent stone boma under thatch with a deck overlooking the Bushmans River. The wine list is especially selected and include a choice of 12 red and 12 white South African wines. A further selection of rare and fine wines and imported French champagne is also available. A selection of Cuban cigars are on offer from the humidor.
Bayethe Lodge:
The ultimate in luxury tented accommodation.
A splendid stone walled and thatched roofed loge with a large deck area overlooking a waterhole. There is a double volume lounge and dining area which spills out onto the deck which is adjacent to the outside boma for traditional fireside dining under the stars. The wine list is especially selected and include a choice of 12 red and 12 white South African wines. A further selection of rare and fine wines and imported French champagne is also available. A selection of Cuban cigars are on offer from the humidor.
The 9 luxury tents are camouflaged under trees allowing for ample privacy and unsurpassed comforts. Each tent is air-conditioned and heated and has an en-suite bathroom, shower, private plunge pool and viewing deck.
The 3 premier tents are the ultimate in tented luxury. These tents offer the additional luxuries of a fireplace, satellite TV, plunge pool and hammocks suspended out of the wooden decks.
Sarili Lodge:
The perfect combination between colonial and bush experience. Perfect for families or small parties.
With African travel becoming a family affair, this is a new luxury lode exclusively for families.
An environmentally friendly private African thatch designed villa with a spacious deck overlooking the Bushmans River with expansive views of the plains, the lodge is positioned in the southern region of the Reserve. The decor emulates an old traditional farmhouse with interiors that reflect an easy living home lifestyle in a natural environment.
The lodge consists of five suites and can sleep a maximum of 10 guests. The lodge features a child friendly swimming pool, dining and lounge areas, courtyard barbeque area and special children's menu. Child minders are available at an additional cost.
The Reserve offers a special "Kids on Safari" programme where kids aged 4 and older have a chance of a lifetime to view the Big Five, view a special educational film and visit the Born Free Foundation and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
Game Drives:
Game viewing is carried out during the morning and evening when you are guided by your game ranger in an open game viewing vehicle. If you have a particular interest, please mention it to you ranger who will be happy to merge your plans with those of the group.
Game drives take between three and four hours, with a sundowner stop at sunset and a coffee stop in the morning. It is always advisable to bring warm clothing along, even in Summer.
Your safety is of utmost concern, and your ranger will inform you of the necessary safety precautions as you commence your game drive.
Guided walks can often be the highlight of your African trip, for it is only then that you gain a true perspective of the fauna and flora around you. These walks may only be carried out by specially trained and qualified game rangers. Please ask your personal game ranger to make these arrangements for you.
Relaxation Retreats:
Awaken your senses and allow the staff to rejuvenate body, mind and soul. Inspired by surrounding nature and elements that guide us, the selection of body and beauty treatments cater for both men and women. Expect quality, excellence and distinction in all the staff do.
The luxury Relaxation Retreats are situated at Long Lee Manor, Eagles Crag Lodge, Bayethe Lodge and Lobengula Lodge. Treatments can be arranged for guests staying at Riverdene Lodge and Bushmans River Lodge.
Rates include Accommodation, all meals, game drives and selected beverages.
Book 3 nights or more and receive 10% discount.