Taking a bush break after months of lockdown gave Aiwekhoe Iyahen a renewed sense of the natural wonder on Gauteng’s doorstep.
Words: Aiwekhoe Iyahen | Photography: Supplied
Relaxation around the pool follows exciting encounters with wildlife at Bakubung Bush Lodge.
As the warmer months descended late last year, and lost liberties returned, I felt that a midweek break from the burgeoning busyness of urban life into the bush would be the perfect treat. Pilanesberg Game Reserve was my choice.
An easy two-hour drive from Joburg and I found myself in unusual terrain. The landscape here is particularly interesting as the reserve is contained in a series of spectacularly eroded circular rings formed by a long extinct volcano. The vegetation and topography is varied and you can go from craggy mountainous outcrops to open flat grasslands and then savannah thickets with overgrown trees in one drive. There is also a central lake that makes for wonderful game viewing. As the golden light rises over the water in the early morning it is breathtaking.
Notwithstanding the spectacle of the landscape, the array of wildlife is also outstanding. By my second morning, I’d seen four of the Big Five and so much more.
Top Tip
While Pilanesberg is never crowded, it’s becoming increasingly popular so planning a trip during the week is ideal. You’ll skip any congestion getting there and you’re likely to find bargain lodge stays.
Where to Stay
Bakubung Bush Lodge
Bakubung, which fondly translates to ‘People of the hippo’ is an ideal spot for families and those wanting more of a hotel feel. The lodge caters for kids, adults, conferences and meetings and offers interactive activities for younger children.
R1 000 pp sharing, B&B |
014 552 6000
legacyhotels.co.za/hotels/bakubung-bush-lodge
Activities
Game drives,
tennis, wildlife centre, kids’ playground, Legacy Balance Spa, swimming pool.
Bakubung Private Villas are ideal for familes or groups of up to eight people.
Bakubung Private Villas
These luxury, self-catering villas are state of the art with modern amenities, making them an excellent choice for more private special gatherings. They’re also better for social distancing away from the lodge without compromising on access to the wilderness or amenities listed above.
From R10 200 per villa (sleeps 4-8 people), self-catering. book.nightsbridge.com/31050
Top tips from Eugene le Roux, Head Ranger at Kwa Maritane and Walking Safari Guide:
• ‘Never, ever run while on a walking safari or when confronted by an animal. They’ll think you’re prey.’ Eugene should know, as he survived being tossed around by an elephant while trying to distract it from
a fleeing guest.
• ‘Focus on the little things. There is a fascinating world in the African bush that can be experienced on a micro level.’
Tshukudu Bush Lodge
Tshukudu Bush Lodge
The lodge is perched on the side of elevated rocky outcrops with stupendous views overlooking a large flat valley. Tshukudu, which translates to ‘Place of the rhino,’ has 10 well-appointed villas only accessible via a single winding staircase. This is a premium, romantic lodge for those seeking space and exclusivity. It is aptly named, as Pilanesberg offers plenty of rhino sightings.
R2 400 pp sharing for DB&B, plus local beverages. Activities are extra | 014 552 6255
legacyhotels.co.za/hotels/tshukudu-bush-lodge
Activities
Game drives, bird watching, swimming.
Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge
For less of a private lodge experience and more of a resort feel, Kwa
Maritane brings resort amenities to the bush. Known as ‘The place of
the rock,’ the lodge has plenty of activities to keep you entertained or relaxed… the choice is yours. Family-oriented, it offers several swimming pools, outdoor tennis courts, climbing walls, bush golf, outdoor gaming sets, a spa and a wildlife centre
focusing on snakes.
R1 000 pp sharing, B&B |
014 552 5100
legacyhotels.co.za/hotels/kwa-maritane-bush-lodge
Activities
Game drives, tennis, rock climbing, Wildlife Centre, game walks, swimming, star gazing, miniature golf, spa.
Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge
Ivory Tree Game Lodge
Spacious, elegantly appointed and welcoming with excellent service, Ivory Tree provides a variety of accommodation in villas dotted around the property, ensuring guests have plenty of privacy. Ivory Tree provides a decent mix of activities, from game drives to spa treatments.
From R2 700 pp sharing for DB&B | 014 556 8100
ivorytreegamelodge.com
Activities
Game drives, archery lessons, quad biking on dedicated trails, air gun target range, interactive drumming, Amani Spa.
Tambuti Lodge
Get the complete safari experience combined with the contemporary elegance of this award-winning lodge. Only 33km from Sun City, Tambuti Lodge offers fine dining, luxury accommodation and beautiful bush views.
From R4 360 pp sharing |
076 056 5064
tambutilodge.com
Activities
Game drives, hot air ballooning, quad biking, archery, birding and photo safaris.
Classic safari style combines with contemporary comfort at Tambuti Lodge.
Activities
Walking safaris Top of the many things to do in Pilanesberg is perhaps a guided walking safari which can be booked in various lodges. The walks offer a great educational experience and an opportunity to engage with nature on a more personal level. Walking safaris are not for the faint of heart but the guides are knowledgeable, experienced and love what they do. This is a special treat for those looking to get a fresh perspective in the wild.
R2 800 for 1–4 people, R700 per additional person. pilanesbergnationalpark.org/safaris/walking/
Bakubung Day Spa
Visit a Bush Spa
Most lodges in Pilanesberg have wonderful spas, so go on… treat yourself. To cap off a relaxing day in the bush, I highly recommend the ‘Place of the hippo’ massage at Bakubung Day Spa – a deep tissue, stress-relieving body treatment that will leave you in a sublime state.
Hot Air Ballooning
If tranquility on land isn’t sufficient, perhaps a journey in the air will be. The spectacular landscape of Pilanesberg reveals itself beautifully from above and, as you drift along in a balloon you are better able to appreciate the scale of the volcanic complex in which the park sits. Bird’s-eye visuals of the landscape and wildlife below will blow you away, as will the colours of
the morning light over the
wilderness.
Cost: R5 000 pp for a
45–60 minute flight.
mankwegametrackers.co.za
Game viewing from the air
Golf Course Dreams
Why not add a round of golf to your Pilanesberg game-reserve experience? Situated in Sun City, just 45 minutes from Pilanesberg is The Gary Player Country Club golf course – designed by, and eponymously named after, one of South Africa’s golfing legends. Rated as South Africa’s Best Golf Course by the World Golf Awards in 2015, this immaculate 18-hole, par 72 course hosts the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge and other national and international tournaments. Book your round well in advance. suninternational.com/sun-city
