A Vast, Wild Place Where the Lions Roam

Web Ref #: 29
Price: From R 5225 pppn Fully Inclusive
Location: Thornybush

Over-head, Loeries call their sharp warning while horn-bills swoop in an ungainly ballet between trees and vultures elevate on thermals portending an electric storm.

 

As you push on through the bush, it is the serendipity of nature that amazes most, as your vehicle skirts art deco zebra, dozy giraffe, bright eyed bush babies, wildebeest (made, it is said, by the committee of left-over parts) and the rest Africa has to offer.

 

It is even more of an adventure when you stumble upon a leopard lazing in the V of a Jackalberry tree or a hyena giving you a lazy yellow eye in the gathering dusk, a majestic bull elephant crashing its way through the riverine thicket in search of sweet reeds, or a surprise sunrise encounter with a lion pride on the prowl.

 

A five-star journey for the soul, set beneath shady African trees lining the Monwana River, along the banks of which you’ll spot myriad animals from your position in a large cane wine-back chair poised on a teak deck.

 

Accommodation:

 

Lodging comprises a selection of superior suites, all of which have elegantly inspired décor with all the expected facilities and glass fronts with private viewing decks looking onto the magical African bush and the river bed frontage, with privacy and luxurious comfort in mind.

 

The spacious private suites each comprise of a bedroom and lounge, en-suite bathroom, large glass sliding doors and private viewing decks over the ever active water hole. Natural colours, wooden decks and thatched roofs compliment the bushveld surroundings.

 

Overhead fans and air-conditioning provide welcome relief from the bushveld climate. Open fireplaces for the cooler winters, and designer “picture window” bathroom suites provides an atmosphere that is Africa and romance at once. Additional secluded outside showers cater for the more adventurous.

 

Comfortable beds with embroided percale cotton linen with lush duvets and choice of pillows is romantically draped by mosquito netting. Relax in the lounge or on your private viewing deck, read a book or just soak up the tranquility, smells and sounds of the bush surrounding you.

 

Superior Suite Facilities:

  • Individual air-conditioning
  • A choice of King or twin bedded rooms
  • Pure cotton Percale linen with a choice of pillows
  • Mosquito netting
  • Overhead fans
  • Mini-bar
  • Safe in room
  • Tea and coffee making facilities
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Cell phone reception (3G)
  • Fireplace
  • Full en-suite bathroom including shaver plugs, additional outdoor shower, hairdryer, full range of amenities

 

Exclusive Presidential Suite:

 

In addition to the Superior Suites, the Presidential Suite is a true have of opulence and space offering unexpected luxury and exclusivity in the African bush.

 

The Presidential Suite, a total of 225sqm includes two full en-suite bedrooms, a private dining room, private lounge, fireplace, wrap around private deck with outside dining facilities, a private boma and private plunge pool.

 

The understated décor is African modern while the expansive wooden decking around the suite provides a perfect platform from which to experience the spectacularly wild African game and bush.

If you prefer, meals can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own suite either in the private dining room next to the fireplace or outside next to a roaring open boma fire during the hot summer evenings, all complimented by friendly and professional service.

Presidential Suite Facilities:

  • Two en-suite bedrooms, king and twin bedded
  • Pure cotton Percale linen with a choice of pillows
  • Mosquito netting
  • Private boma with outside fireplace
  • Private dining room
  • Private lounge
  • Private plunge pool
  • Butlers kitchen
  • Private service available
  • Individual air-conditioning
  • Overhead fans
  • Mini-bar
  • Safe in room
  • Tea and coffee making facilities
  • Direct Dial telephone
  • Cell phone reception (3G)
  • Fireplace
  • Full en-suite bathroom including shaver plugs, additional outdoor shower, hairdryer, full range of amenities

 

Lodge Facilities:

  • Pool
  • Library with internet station
  • Lounge with fireplace
  • Wi-Fi enabled public areas (complimentary)
  • Underground cellar
  • Outside Boma
  • Laundry service
  • Transfers
  • Airstrip on the reserve

 

Game Drives:

 

Your knowledgeable and experienced ranger conducts professional early morning and late afternoon / evening game drives in an informative and relaxed fashion. Fully equipped custom built game viewing vehicles offer all the comfort and luxury for guests. Your ranger will be happy to share their knowledge of the bush – from the prized Big Five (leopard, lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino) to the smaller game, plants, trees, insects and more.

 

An early morning game drive starts directly after morning coffee at approximately 5h30 in the morning (half an hour later in winter). The excitement and rush of the adventure is interrupted by a stop over in the open bush for tea or coffee with light snacks – often with a view over nearby game. The adventure continues and you return back to camp at around 9h30 to freshen up before brunch.

 

Following afternoon high tea the afternoon game drives start at approximately 16h00 (half and hour earlier in winter) and continues into the night. The game drives are interrupted by a stop-over in the bush for sundowners watching the splendour of the African sun setting over the mountains. The game viewing at night offers the opportunity to view the nocturnal animals including the possibility of lions out on the prowl.

 

You return after dark to be welcomed with a sherry at the lodge at around 19h30 to freshen up for the evening’s events. Generally, game drives last between 3 – 4 hours.

 

The reserve is blessed with an abundance of species including 147 mammals including the Big Five, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 336 trees. The warm climate of the lowveld ensures optimal game viewing throughout the year.

 

Following brunch, guests are welcome to enjoy the relaxing facilities at the camp, but for the more adventurous, informative bush walks are offered. This is one of the best ways to experience detail of the bush that would not be possibly by vehicle.

 

These walks are conducted by your knowledgeable and experienced ranger accompanies by his tracker, both there to ensure the walks are done professionally and safely.

 

The Camp at the Game Lodge:

 

Not accessible by private vehicles, guests are collected by the rangers and transferred on a short game drive to the camp situated unexpectedly in the lush bushveld surroundings.

 

The camp is a unique place where the African wild is spoiled only by the quiet appreciation of guests being waited upon in the true tradition of Africa in their luxurious surroundings.

 

There is an immediate sense of tranquility, opulence and space complimented by the camp’s custom designed buildings with its African décor, high thatched roofs and attention to the finest detail.

 

Welcomed by management, staff and rangers at this intimate and exclusive lodge, guests experience a professional yet relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

 

Spend lazy afternoons at the pool, reading in the private library with a selection of wildlife books, select a prized African gift in the curio shop, bird watching or just relax in the comfort of your suite.

 

Dinner is a sumptuous affair prepared by the in-house chef catering for your specific preferences. Meals are served at a variety of locations for your enjoyment.

 

Enjoy brunch on the verandah overlooking the riverbed, high tea on the viewing deck overlooking the water hole; enjoy the open air boma with fireplace at night time where dinner is also served.

 

In addition, there is an elegant dining room for the cooler evenings with its inviting lounge and fireplace. A romantic dinner in the specially designed cellar with a view over the water hole is not to be missed during your stay. It boasts an impressive selection of local and foreign wines for your enjoyment.

 

Rates include three daily meals, coffee/teas, game drives, bush walks and local drinks during game drives.

Listing TypeSafari Lodges
# of Single Bedrooms 0
# of Double Bedrooms6
Bathrooms 6
Sleeps10
En Suite6
ServicedYes
Wheelchair FriendlyYes
Sea ViewNo
Mountain ViewYes
City ViewNo
InternetYes
GardenYes
SatelliteYes
SecurityYes
Off Street Parking0 cars
Garage Parking0 cars
Swimming PoolYes
TVYes
BBQYes
Entertainment AreaYes
KitchenNo