11 Nov Experience a 5 Star Game Lodge
How Would You Define a 5-Star Game Lodge?
The excitement of a game drive is something that everyone should experience at some time, and South Africans are especially privileged to live in a country that offers so many opportunities to pursue what, for many of those living overseas, is likely to remain just a distant dream. Even on the outskirts of our cities, it is not too difficult to find a lion or cheetah park, or perhaps a crocodile farm where one can spend an hour or two viewing these exotic creatures in their natural habitat. Such a brief excursion, however, amounts to a mere taste of what is possible, should you decide, instead, to devote a full weekend to visiting one of the country’s larger wildlife reserves.
“The Big Five” is a phrase that has gained global significance in recent years and those destinations where the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and Cape buffalo are to be found in close proximity now rank as the most popular among the world’s wildlife enthusiasts. Apart from containing a significant portion of the Kruger National Park, the province of Limpopo is home to a number of other major reserves that offer overnight accommodation in the form of campsites and game lodges.
There is no doubt that the growth in the latter type of accommodation has added substantially to the general appeal of a bushveld visit. It offers those who may be less keen on the idea of spending their nights under canvas the chance to combine their wildlife adventure with a comfortable and relaxed stay, and perhaps even a bit of luxury.
Even though we are surrounded by wilderness, there is no reason why visitors to a game lodge should not enjoy a few 5-star comforts when not on the safari trail. While the camping fraternity might simply perceive luxury as a clean ablution block and access to hot water, others are likely to have somewhat higher expectations, and an en-suite bath or shower is likely to feature somewhere near the top of their list.
It can, of course, be argued that camping allows one to get closer to nature. However, a private patio with scenic views of the bushveld and passing wildlife does tend to make enjoying the natural life a lot more comfortable. Sure, everyone loves a braai. On the other hand, a gourmet meal prepared by a professional chef, served in a boma and savoured under a starlit African sky really does take some beating.
When it’s time for bed and given the choice, how many people would really prefer a sleeping bag and a stretcher to a king-sized bed in an air-conditioned room? If that room was part of a comfortably-furnished suite of at least 80 square metres in area and included a study desk, plus a tea and coffee station, would this not be everyone’s idea of a 5-star luxury game lodge?
This is no mere wish list. Everything described above and more is all part of the deal for our guests at Fifty Seven Waterberg in Limpopo’s Welgevonden Game Reserve. No more than a three-hour drive from Pretoria and Johannesburg, this is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway with a touch of luxury.