If a steaming cup of coffee out on the ‘stoep’, the soft sound of birds chattering in the distance, a light breeze swooshing through the grass and the blue sky stretching out over the bushveld are some of the things you’ve been daydreaming about, then turn your desire into your reality with these last-minute, budget bush break for Easter.
The options are appealing and quite affordable, and most importantly, close to nature so none of your excuses for staying home over the Easter weekend will be legitimate.
1. Shanti Serene Lodge, Oudtshoorn
Price: from R50 – R300 a person
The best place to unwind and enjoy the serenity of the environment
Shanti Serene Lodge is located in the beautiful Little Karoo and offers campsites and lodge units. It is an eco-lodge situated between Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp and is a great base from which to explore the mountains, passes, nature reserves and scenic drives in the area. The lodge’s activities include bird-watching, game drives and hot-air ballooning where after you can enjoy farm-style cuisine ranging from vegetarian to local meat dishes at Café Rustic, the lodge’s restaurant. The lodge really lives up to its name, this is truly a calm, relaxing and serene environment.
Click here to get more info or book a stay at Shanti Serene Lodge
2. Nokeng Eco Lodge, Rust de Winter
Price: From R80 a person
Enjoy the simplicity of the African bushveld for an entire weekend
There are amazing facilities and activities on the farm for both adults and children including an obstacle course, mountain biking, nature trails and even baking bread in an anthill. The staff’s aim is to create a memorable experience and to leave you with a rested spirit; this in itself should be your reason to visit the lodge. Nokeng Eco Lodge is situated in unspoiled bushveld along the beautiful Elands River, a mere 45-minute drive north-east of Pretoria and an hour and a half from Johannesburg.
Click here to get more info or book a stay at Nokeng Eco Lodge
3. African Game Lodge, Montagu
Price: From R110 to R790 a person
Reintroduce yourself to the ruthlessness of nature
African Game Lodge is a family-owned, private nature and game reserve in the Langeberg Mountains in Montagu. The reserve has a wealth of bird life and biodiversity, offering guests the opportunity to experience the varied yet specialised eco-systems of the Little Karoo. The lodge enables you to have the true outdoor African experience regardless of whether you decide on the campsite or the chalets. The traditional Karoo thatched chalets with log fires and private braais are solar powered. Everything is provided, from your first bag of wood and firelighters to towels, bathrobes, bathroom toiletries, a tea and coffee tray and cleaning materials. There’s even a solar powered fridge-freezer.
Click here to get more info or book a stay at African Game Lodge
4. EL YOLO OnE, Karoo
Price: From R110 a person
For clear skies and quiet surroundings, it doesn’t get much better than the Karoo
EL YOLO OnE is a privately owned three star Karoo guest farm with self-catering accommodation situated on the border of the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape. Their philosophy is depicted in their name, Enjoy Life You Only Life Ones On Earth and their activities enables you to do just that; there are day and night game drives, 4×4 routes, hiking trails, see Bushmen rock paintings (in three caves) and fossils, unpolluted mountain water streams with waterfalls, a farm dam, and a swimming pool. It doesn’t matter whether you’re out to relax or in the mood for something adventurous EL YOLO OnE will give you the opportunity to do either.
Click here for more info or to book a stay at EL YOLO OnE
5. Absheni Bush Camp, Pilanesberg
Price: From R70 per person
Absheni is located just outside the Pilanesberg National Park. The lodge is perched on the eroded remains of a volcanic crater and this rugged landscape sets it apart from other national parks and boasts a healthy population of lion, leopard, black and white rhino, elephant and buffalo; better known as the Big Five. So if you have a raw and ruthless sense of adventure Absheni is the place for you.
Click here for more info or to book a stay at Absheni Bush Camp
6. Jobedi Game Reserve, Waterberg
Price: From R65 a person
A tent, cozy chair and the grass between your toes, this is braai.
If you are fond of wild animals you will be delighted to hear that this reserve has 28 species of game, 260 bird species and that it is known for its leopard conservation and research. So if you have a love for nature and all it entails, you have located the right reserve. Jobedi Game Reserve is a private resort situated outside Vaalwater in the Waterberg Mountains. It is set in a vast landscape of rocky terrain blessed with lush vegetation and scenic vistas of breathtaking beauty. Fill your weekend with typical bushveld activities such as fishing, hiking and 4×4 trails.
Click here for more info or to book a stay at Jobedi Game Reserve
7. Banghoek Lodge, Elephant Coast
Price: From R60 to R320 a person
You would have never guessed that this marvel could be found just off the highway
The Banghoek Lodge is one of the Elephant Coast’s original homesteads and has grown into an African bush holiday retreat. The lodge’s activities include horse-riding, quad-biking and hiking. Banghoek offers accommodation for all types of travelers and budgets, from chalets, self-catering, bush huts, campsites to dormitories. It is close to the national highway, easily accessible and ideal for a stopover between Kruger National Park and Durban, yet a perfect base for a longer bush holiday or a relaxing retreat.
Click here for more info or to book a stay at Banghoek Lodge
8. Mateke Game Farm, Waterberg
Price: From R100 a person
Lookout onto the Mamba River no matter on which side of Mateke you find yourself in
This unique jewel offers you an intimate and relaxing atmosphere that you can only find in the bushveld. The game (kudu, bucks, baboons, monkeys, warthoga and birds) are at ease with humans, ensuring great viewing and photo opportunities. Mateke is a secluded 2000 hectare natural bushveld game farm situated 65km north of Thabazimbi and approximately two and a half hour’s drive from Pretoria. The perennial Mamba River flows through the entire length of the farm and provides several beautiful rock pools to cool off in.
Click here for more info or to book a stay at Mateke Game Farm
9. Matamba Bush Campsite, Waterberg
Price: From R150 a person
Feast in the beauty of Matamba’s numerous dwellers
The Matamba farm is on a gentle south slope with magnificent views of the Welgevonden Mountains. With over 40 mammal and 20 reptile species, a large variety of trees, more than 15 different species of grass and some exquisite wild flowers, walking on Matamba is an absolute pleasure.The owners built this campsite after traveling Africa and the three campsites, Hornbill, Francolin and Drongo, which are 150 to 200 meters apart, reflect Africa’s untouched beauty and ensures a very private stay.
Click here for more info or to book a stay at Matamba Bush Campsite
10. Mount Everest Game Farm, Free State
Price: From R60 a person
Mount Everest Game Farm is located in the eastern Free State and offers caravan and campsites as well as nine Swiss-style chalets set amongst the majestic hilltops. Guests can enjoy rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, swimming, drives in open cross-country vehicles to view the more than 22 species of game on the farm, and Bushman caves can be found in the mountains. For your entertainment, there is a games room fitted with DStv, table tennis, board games and a gym equipped with a treadmill, exercise bicycle and free weights. We are sure that any expectations you might have will be met by our wide variety of choices.
Click here for more info or to book a stay at Mount Everest Game Farm
