Overview

Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge is a lodge concession awarded by the North West Parks and Tourism Board within the existing Pilanesberg Game Reserve. The entire lodge lies in an exclusive use zone in the south-western portion of the 57,250ha, “Big 5″ and malaria free Reserve.

Guests will enjoy both private traversing and access to all the Reserve’s public roads. The lodge offers commanding views of the distant bushveld amphitheatre and is superbly positioned adjacent to the Wilderness Area, thus offering the opportunity of walking trails in this untouched environment.

Accommodation

The design feature accommodates 13 family suites and 4 spacious executive suites situated adjacent a magnificent main lodge.

The family suites offer two en-suite master bedrooms with a shared lounge and patio.

The executive suites offer one en-suite master bedroom with a lounge and patio. In addition, guests can savour an indoor steam shower and double outdoor shower.

The placement and design of each suite ensures privacy and uninterrupted views. Each suite offers the highest quality equipment with plasma screen TV, satellite television.

Wildlife

Pilanesberg is a 57,250ha, ‘Big Five”, malaria free game reserve. It is situated 50 kilometres north of Rustenburg and only 2 hours drive from Johannesburg in the Bojanala Region of the North West Province. There is an advanced plan to extend the Park by means of the Pilanesberg / Madikwe corridor to form a Heritage Park with a total area of 255,000 hectares which links it to Madikwe Game Reserve.

Apart from the “Big 5”, there are 50 other species of large mammals, 354 species of birds and 132 species of trees. A wide variety of other rare mammal species also exist in the park, such as the nocturnal brown hyaena, the fleet-footed cheetah and the majestic sable antelope. The lodge site is particularly favoured by both black rhino and white rhino, and sightings of lion and elephant are frequent. The nearby cliffs are home to klipspringer and rock hyrax and provide strong updrafts for Verreaux’s Eagle and many more soaring marvels.

More Info

Children
Children: 0 – 5 years of age Stay free of charge only when sharing with two full paying adults, meals charged on consumption
Children: 6 – 11 years of age Pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with two full paying adults Full adult rate applicable if occupying their own room
Children: 12 years & older Occupy their own room and pay full adult rate Where a child shares with 1 adult the adult sharing rate applies.
Children under the age of 16 not permitted on game drives.
At Game Lodges, children under the age of 12 years will be accommodated on special children’s game drives. This is subject to availability and at the discretion of the lodge manager.

Directions

Self-dive instructions: 
Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge is situated in the south-western portion of Pilanesberg Game Reserve, the Lodge has its own gate off the R565 as the point of entry.
Approximately 2 hours drive from Johannesburg, or about 40 minutes flight.

Overview

Situated in the heart of one of South Africa’s most pristine reserves, Tuningi Safari Lodge offers exclusive accommodation surrounded by 75,000 hectares of tranquil wilderness. Privacy is not the only luxury at Tuningi, where the colonial décor of bush villas is matched by the gentle lap of an infinity pool and view of a hidden waterhole.

Blazing log fires and dinner under the stars are all done in five-star style, as are the daily safari drives where guests catch a glimpse of the reserve’s abundant game.

Children’s Program
Tuningi is one of few lodges in a Big 5 reserve specialising in families with children of all ages. Children over the age of five can join the first game drive with their parents where their behaviour will determine whether they continue joining normal drives or whether they will be moved to kiddies drives. All children under the age of five will be taken on short ‘kiddies bumbles’ after breakfast in the mornings.
Babies will be looked after by Housekeepers who all have professional training, including First Aid. Babysitting will be charged extra

Older children are issued with an activity book where they can record sightings and animal behaviour every day.
On boma evenings children can make their own bread on sticks, or toast marshmallows on the fire

Accommodation

A maximum of 16 guests are accommodated in Tuningi’s exclusive bush villas. All villas are appointed with air conditioning, ceiling fans, gas fireplaces, en-suite bathrooms, spacious baths, outdoor rock showers and private wrap around wooden decks. Retractable windows and doors are designed to bring the panoramic views a little closer.

The lodge also welcomes families, intimate groups or VIPs requiring a secluded spot to “Little Tuningi” which is a completely self contained area, accommodating six, for those guests seeking total privacy. A designer kitchen, boma area, dining room, lounge, wrap around wooden deck and private pool see those at Little Tuningi stay in lavish style.

Wildlife

A spectacular array of birds and mammals have flourished in the diversity of landscapes and vegetation zones at Madikwe. The Big Five are just a fraction of the fascinating and exciting species inhabiting the savannah plains, Kalahari sandveld, riverine bush and woodland thickets. Servals, meerkats, wild dogs and cheetahs all roam alongside the marula trees and wild grasses where antelope come to graze. Some 350 bird species have been counted to-date, and the presence of both indigenous and migratory birds offers a visual feast for any bird watcher.

More Info

Children
Children of all ages are welcome
Children between 2 – 12 years will pay the child rate when sharing 1 chalet with 2 full paying guests (not the Family Suite).
Children in own room or family unit are charged full rate. No charge for children under 2 years of age.
Children 5 years and younger are not allowed on game drives
Childminders are available at an extra cost.
There is a children’s programme available.

Please Note
​Entrance fee – R160 per adult & R 65 per child under 12.(subject to change)
Airstrip landing fee – R215 per adult & R120 per child under 12. (subject to change)

Directions

• BY AIR:

•  Flights to O R Tambo Johannesburg International

• Transfers to lodge are available

• BY ROAD:

• From Johannesburg head north on the N1 towards the N4 Toll road.

• Head north west towards Rustenburg, Swartruggens, Groot Marico and Zeerust.

• In Zeerust, turn right at the second stop street into President Street.

• There is a signpost on the left that says “Madikwe Game Reserve/Gaborone” and a First National Bank on the corner to the right.

• Follow the R49 towards the reserve for approximately 97km.

• Pass the first entrance to the reserve (Abjaterskop Gate) and enter at Wonderboom Gate exactly 7km from there.

Please note: You will need to pay a gate entrance fee of R160 per vehicle and R40 per person.The entrance fee can only be confirmed at the time of making your reservation (Prices subject to change)

Overview

A truly breathtaking location, set on the stark cliffs that look down over the Sterkstroom River and the sweeping plains of the Welgevonden Private Game Reserve, Clifftop Lodge is a sanctuary of earthy tranquility. Embracing all that is eco friendly, the design of Clifftop reflects an ambiance of a soothing, quieting escape to calm.

The exquisite five-star hideaway is elegantly understated, and while its focus is foremost on a green approach, it prides itself on exquisite design and outstanding service. Situated in the gorgeous, malaria-free surrounds of Welgevonden, the lodge is the perfect base for exploring the game-rich wilderness of the reserve on an authentic African safari.

Accommodation

Eight double suites accommodate up to 16 guests in intimate and luxurious settings. Overlooking the Sterkstroom River, each suite at Clifftop boasts a private deck from which game can be readily spotted roaming the bush. Individual plunge pools, outdoor showers and large bathtubs with sweeping views complete the indulgent experience, allowing guests to luxuriate in the comfort of their suites as long as they please.

Furnished to reflect the organic minimalism of the natural surroundings, guests are treated to all natural, hand-made fabrics in tranquil neutrals. Dramatic views over the cliffs of the Waterberg ensure guests see in each day with the best view of a spectacular African sunrise.

Wildlife

Game viewing at Welgevonden is an experience of a lifetime. Open vehicles game drives afford guests the chance to partake in an authentic African safari. Guests view the indigenous fauna and flora with an experienced ranger guiding them across the reserve, and explaining the geology and environmental systems of the winding rivers and open savannah plains that make up the Waterberg Biosphere.

Following extensive game relocation efforts, the reserve is well stocked with characteristic African game including the Big Five: lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, buffalo as well as cheetah, zebra, antelope, with any other mammals and birds in abundance.

More Info

Children 
Children under the age of 12 are not permitted at Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway.
Children 13 years and older are considered as adults and accommodated in their own rooms, and pay full adult rates.
Triple Sharing is not applicable, rooms can accommodate a maximum of 2 persons.

Excludes:
Gate entry fees, (which are payable per person per night).

Directions

• BY AIR:

• Flights to O R Tambo Johannesburg International

• Transfers to lodge are available

• BY ROAD:

• Take the N1 north towards Pietersburg.

• Stay far left at the Kranskop Plaza tollgate and continue on to the R33 to Modimolle (Nylstroom).

• Pass through Modimolle towards Vaalwater.

• Pass through Vaalwater to the Welgevonden Private Game Reserve East Gate entrance.

• Turn left at the entrance and travel for 10 km.

Please note: you will need to pay a gate entrance fee of R160 per vehicle and R40 per person. The entrance fee can only be confirmed at the time of making your reservation (Prices subject to change)

Overview

Location: South Africa–>North West–>Madikwe Game Reserve
Accommodation Type: Lodge
Comfort Level: Luxury

Good For: Couple/Romantic, Family, Solo |

STAY 5 & PAY 4

This offer affords you a 5 night stay at Madikwe Hills, whilst you only pay for 4 nights. 

Valid until the 20 December 2017 (excluding 21 December 2016 – 5 January 2017)

Set on a hilltop amongst huge boulders and age-old Tamboti trees, the lodge is situated in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, traversing over 75,000 hectares of true untamed Africa, where the plains teem with game and the wild dog roam freely amongst the ‘Big 5’. The 10 ultra-luxurious glass-fronted suites complete with their own verandah and private plunge pools are ingeniously positioned amongst boulders and majestic Tamboti trees. Along with a warm and friendly atmosphere, Madikwe Hills offers you the highest standards of service and fine cuisine accompanied by a superb selection of wines. Our unique boma offers a traditional and elegant atmosphere of dining under African stars.

An addition to the lodge is Little Madikwe a 2-bedroom Private Villa with its own personal butler and chef, this lodge is booked on an exclusive use basis.

Accommodation

Main Safari Lodge

10 Luxurious, spacious suites are located at the Main Lodge. Room facilities include a living room with huge slate-clad chimney which leads into the peaceful bedroom from where it’s possible to lie and gaze in wonder as herds of wandering animals make their way to the watering hole.

Little Madikwe Hills

Little Madikwe Hills boasts a 2-bedroom Private Villa with its own game drive vehicle and game ranger, as well as a personal butler and chef to take care of your every need! A diverse wine selection, gourmet kitchen and entertainment centre complete the picture. Two additional standard suites can also be reserved to form a completely private camp, which accommodates up to 8 guests. A luxury is being able to set your own meal and game-drive times, making this the ideal exclusive family escape.

Wildlife

Located a short drive from the bustling Johannesburg, Madikwe Game Reserve boasts a Big 5 safari experience in the gorgeous, malaria-free setting of the North West Province. As one of the largest reserves of its kind in South Africa, Madikwe’s 75, 000 hectare sprawlof indigenous vegetation brings together a unique collection of landscapes, game, and accommodation offerings in one prime safari destination.

As a result of an overwhelmingly successful game relocation project that populated the reserve, the wildlife roaming Madikwe come in an astounding variety of shapes and sizes. Going well beyond the renowned Big 5, visitors may add cheetah, wild dog, hyena and an array of large antelope and characteristically African mammals such as giraffes and hippos to their safari checklists. Madikwe is also home to a diverse population of bird species, with a number of rare birds being indigenous to the area. Over 350 indigenous and migratory bird species will keep the avid birders glued to their binoculars.

More Info

Children
• Children over 10 can be accommodated  (one child may share a suite with 2 full paying adults) and pay 50% of the adult sharing rate.
• Children under the ageof 10 can be accommodated at Little Madikwe Hills.

Directions

Self Drive: ±4.5 hours from Johannesburg & Pretoria.
3.5 hours from Johannesburg/Pretoria to gate and 1 hour in the park as Madikwe Hills is situated in the middle of the reserve. Detailed directions provided on request.

Road & air Transfers are also available and can be arranged by your consultant on request

Overview

Location: South Africa–>Limpopo–>Waterberg
Accommodation Type: Lodge

Good For: Couple/Romantic, Family, Solo |

Situated in the magnificent Waterberg Mountain Range in the Limpopo Province, Thandeka Lodge is the ideal getaway where the weary traveller can relax and revel in the exquisite natural beauty of the bushveld savannah and its rich wildlife heritage.

Experience spectacular vistas and this majestic wilderness in the luxury that is Thandeka Lodge. Only two short hours drive from Johannesburg, this privately owned and run reserve is a must for everyone, from the bushveld connoisseur to the romantic at heart.

Thandeka is a malaria-free reserve that homes an abundant variety of wildlife, with the architecture designed around promoting close encounters with the unspoilt bush.

Activities unique to the lodge includes a Guided cheetah bushwalk and a White Lion drive

Accommodation

Accommodation takes the form of 20 opulent en-suite tents, each one decorated with unique touches, hidden in the splendour of the bush. Each tent is tucked away separately in the secluded bush, six with private salas. Each tent features and bath and shower, mini bar fridge, tea and coffee making facilities and fans.

Wildlife

The Waterberg has been described as South Africa’s best-kept secret. Its rugged beauty, together with its diversity in plant and animal life, has led to the development of several exciting eco-tourism projects such as the biosphere reserve, the Waterberg Nature Conservancy – the amalgamation of conservation areas in order to protect more than 150 000 hectares of the Waterberg-habitat. Apart from the spectacular scenery of the mountains themselves, there are many game sanctuaries, nature reserves and farms. The 75 mammal species include big game such as elephant, lion, white and black rhino, hippo, leopard and buffalo. African python and the Nile crocodile are also resident, and it is a birdwatchers’ paradise with more than 300 bird species.

Thandeka Lodge boasts four of the Big Five, namely; buffalo, rhino, leopard and lions. Elephant viewing, interaction and elephant-back safaris can be experienced nearby.

More Info

Children
• Children of all ages are welcome at Thandeka Lodge.
• ​Children under the age of 12 are permitted on safari at the sole discretion of the manager or guide.
• ​Children under the age of 6 are not permitted on safari game drives .Where possible, a kiddies safari will be arranged between normal safari times.
• ​Child minding can be arranged at the lodge at an additional charge.

Directions

Directions from Johannesburg:

From Johannesburg or Pretoria, take the Pretoria N1 Highway, taking the Pietersburg/Polokwane turn-off
Travel for about 140 km, till the Settlers/Codrington turn-off, turning left at the top of the slip-off
At the next T-junction turn right, follow this road into Bela-Bela (Warmbaths). You will come across the Waterfront Complex to your left.
Go over the Bridge then turn left at the first slip at a set of Robots (see an Engen Garage opposite).
Follow the road as it curves right.
At the Stop Street turn left onto Chris Hani Street and pass the Aventura Resort on your left. At the traffic circle turn left onto the R516 Rooiberg/Thabazimbi Road.
Please contact the lodge on +27 (0) 76 062 1199 to let them know that you have just passed through the town of Bela-Bela.
Travel for about 35 km, turning right onto a tarred road after a small trading store that takes you to Thandeka Lodge.
Carry on with this tarred road for about 3.5 km until you see a very large wrought iron gate on the left hand side with a thatched gatehouse, you have arrived at Thandeka

Overview

Thakadu River Camp stands out from the crowd of standard game lodges, as it is ideally positioned in a transitional area enabling it to draw wildlife from two different, yet complementary, ecosystems. Thakadu is also located in a malaria-free area in the Madikwe Game Reserve, situated in close proximity to the Botswana border.

Privacy and comfort are paramount and this 24-bed camp, with its exceptionally private location, assures guests of a tranquil, relaxing experience. Pamper yourself with a spa massage treatment which can be enjoyed on your personal deck, or on the camp’s main deck, both overlooking the stunning reserve.

Accommodation

Thakadu River Camp offers guests beautifully appointed tented suites. The untamed bush will surround you as you are indulged with all the comforts of modern living.

The tented accommodation in Madikwe comprises 12 tented suites, reflecting a strong Afro-Asian safari ambience, each boasting a viewing deck overlooking the Marico River. These spacious tents offer every comfort and luxury and are wonderfully decorated. Children are welcome and of the 12 tented suites, 4 are family units, each with an extra queen-size sleeper couch catering for children.

Wildlife

Home to a tremendous diversity of fauna and flora, Madikwe Game Reserve is the perfect getaway destination.

Thakadu River Camp’s highly skilled rangers have an extensive amount of fauna and flora knowledge ensuring all guests will enjoy an interesting and in depth game viewing experience.

The great variety of habitats, from forests and rocky hills to open grassland and dams, provide the perfect setting for a magnificent diversity of bird species throughout the game reserve.

Bird life at Madikwe Game Reserve comprises migrants and permanent inhabitants.

Early morning and late afternoon drives are the best times to view wildlife and birdlife through Madikwe Game Reserve.

Hear the sounds of a wide range of birdlife and have your camera and binoculars on hand.

More Info

Children 
Children of all ages are welcome at Thakadu River Camp.
Child minding facilities are available at additional costs .
Children under the age of 6 are not permitted on game drives .

Excludes:
Bed levy and gate fee.

Directions

By Road from O.R Tambo Airport

Take the R21 to Pretoria, then take the N1 North to Pietersburg (Polokwane).
After the Zambezi Road turnoff, take the N4 toward Rustenburg.
Once on the N4, look for the R556 Sun City/Pilanesberg turnoff. Follow the signs to Sun City/Pilanesberg. Pass Sun City for approximately 9 kilometres. You will come to a 4 way stop.
Turn right at the 4 way stop onto the R565 towards Derdepoort. Follow the road for approximately 9 kilometers and turn left to Bapong/Mabeskraal. Continue straight (through Mabeskraal Village) for approx. 35 kilometres and you will get to a 4 way stop at the end of Mabeskraal Village.
Turn right to Derdepoort. After 26 kilometres the tar ends and a gravel road begins. Continue straight for about 26 kilometres, you will pass through Molatedi Village. Although the condition of this road is not bad we would recommend you use an SUV.
Once through the Village and you will see a sign and a turn off to your right for Thakadu River Camp. It will be BEFORE the bridge where you cross the Merico River. DO NOT CONTINUE STRAIGHT TO MOLATEDI GATE.
The road to the gate is approximately 4 kilometres. The condition of the sand road from here is NOT good. You will pass through a cattle gate (Please open and close). The gate at the entrance to the Reserve will be staffed by a member from Molatedi Village.

Charter flights available from Johannesburg

Overview

Kosi Forest Lodge a private lodge situated in the unspoilt wilderness that is part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, now internationally recognised as a World Heritage Site. The 16-bed lodge offers comfortable accommodation, fine cuisine and caters for a host of estuarine, beach and wilderness activities. Explore this unique ecosystem by guided canoe, boat trip on the lakes, raffia forest walks or day excursion to nearby coastal beaches. Discover one of South Africa’s best ecotourist destinations.

Accommodation

Kosi Forest Lodge is set in a beautiful sand forest on the banks of the Kosi Lake. The thatched bush suites are carefully positioned to provide guests with privacy and an intimacy with the peaceful surroundings. The romantic en-suite bathrooms are open-air, giving guests a truly unique experience. Guests can relax at the pool with its unsurpassed views of Lake Shengeza.

The thatched bush suites are hidden in the sand forest of the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve providing privacy under the forest’s peaceful canopy of shady trees. The rooms are raised on a wooden deck with a beautifully appointed bedroom, balcony, dressing room and separate bath and shower. The romantic en-suite bathroom is open-air in a reed-enclosed boma. Set in white beach sand and positioned under one of the huge forest trees, guests are guaranteed a truly unique experience.

The bedrooms have low wooden walls with mosquito netting and roll-up canvas blinds allowing for full views of the surrounding forest. Kosi Forest Lodge has become increasingly popular as a honeymoon destination. The honeymoon suite is completely private and allows couples to enjoy the serenity of the surrounding sand forest undisturbed.

More Info

Children
• Kosi Forest Lodge cannot accommodate additional bed in any rooms. Two family suites are available to accommodate those with children.

Directions

From Johannesburg – Approximately 8hrs

Recommended Route from Johannesburg:
Head to Piet Retief and  Pongola on the N2 and proceed south towards Mkuze.  Approximately 45km from Pongola and 10km before Mkuze turn left towards Jozini.  On leaving Jozini take a left turn towards the “Coastal Forest Reserve and KwaNgwanase” (signposted), ensuring that you are proceeding over the Pongola dam wall.  After 45km at a T-junction turn right towards “KwaNgwanase”.  Proceed for another 57 km past Tembe Elephant Park to the town of Manguzi (KwaNgwanase).

Please note that this route often has cattle wandering across it, some of the signs have fallen down and so caution and slower driving speeds are necessary.

Alternate Route from Johannesburg:
Head to Piet Retief and  Pongola on the N2 and proceed south towards Mkuze.  Approximately 45km from Pongola and 10km before Mkuze turn left towards Jozini.  On leaving Jozini take a left turn towards the “Coastal Forest Reserve and KwaNgwanase” (signposted), ensuring that you are proceeding over the Pongola dam wall.  After 45km at a T-junction turn right towards “KwaNgwanase”.  Proceed for another 47 km past Tembe Elephant Park towards the town of Manguzi (KwaNgwanase).

Please note that this route often has cattle wandering across it, some of the signs have fallen down and so caution and slower driving speeds are necessary.  Also particularly around the area of Tembe Elephant Park, the road has quite a few large potholes which have caused damage to some cars.  Although this route may appear shorter in distance, it takes almost as much time as the Hluhluwe Recommended Route above, but without all the hazards!

From Durban – Approximately 5 hours

From Durban, proceed on the N2 North out of Durban bypassing Richards Bay, Empangeni and Mtubatuba and head towards the town of Hluhluwe.  Turn off the N2 towards Hluhluwe, proceeding through the town until you reach the last traffic circle.  Turn left towards Mbazwane/Sodwana Bay and proceed for 0.7 km and turn right again towards Sodwana Bay/Mbazwane.  Shortly after turning right you will cross over a railway line.  Proceed for 87 km bypassing Mbazwane on your right.  Proceed straight through the circles following the signs to “Coastal Forest Reserve” and pass.   Proceed for 46km km after Mbazwane (passing the Mseleni turn-off) and turn right at the circle Kosi Bay / KwaNgwanase sign.

For non 4 x 4 guests :  Drive into KwaNgwanase (Manguzi or Kosi Bay), through the town and near the end, look out for the Total Garage –  on your left handside. Once you arrive at this service station, a Kosi representative will meet you there and drive you to a secure car parking area not far away.  The trip to the lodge from here will be approximately 25mins in an open 4 x 4 vehicle.  PLEASE PRE-BOOK WHICH PICK UP TIME YOU REQUIRE 12h00 OR 16h00.

4 x 4 guests:  Can proceed directly to the lodge.  Nearing KwaNgwanase, turn right onto the D1843  (look out for the police station emblem and the big telecommucations tower further up from the corner) – then follow the signs straight through to the lodge(9km’s).   

Wildlife

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is the only private lodge situated inside the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park so all game drives start from the lodge. Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge offers both early morning and afternoon/evening game drives. Game drive safaris are conducted in specially adapted open game viewing vehicles, with professional guides (maximum 9 people per vehicle). To preserve the wilderness no off-road driving is practiced. In addition to driving in a private concession within the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park you will have unlimited access to the greater Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park where you have the opportunity to spot the Big 5. Guides meet the stringent requirements of Ezemvelo Parks Authority and senior guides hold the highest guiding qualifications possible in South Africa, to ensure that your encounters with the African bush are exciting, informative and safe.