Lush Private Game Lodge

Lush Private Game Lodge is a hidden treasure set within a Tamboti forest at the foot of an ancient volcanic crater within the 55,000 ha Pilanesberg National Park. This area has become renowned as one of South Africa’s most exciting big five eco-tourism destinations. A mere 33 km from Sun City.

Choose from three Bush-Facing and two Mountain-Facing Suites – distinguished only by their views. Covered walkways lead to each, interspersed between the trees and with their own private entrances. Wilderness-inspired interiors, innovative use of space, and extended fold-back glass doors mean you feel immersed in nature even when in your suite. Their décor gives a nod to the Lupini’s Italian heritage, though much of the furnishing is local, supporting South African artisans. Designed with every comfort in mind, your Suite is not simply a base from which to explore the surrounds, but a living space.

Amenities:

• Emperor-sized bed, convertible to ¾-bed set, with down duvet and pillows
• Pause area with well-stocked Smeg minibar, and Nespresso machine and coffee pods
• In-room, free-standing bath with a view
• Walk-in rain shower with botanical-infused body products
• Open-air shower made private by curved walls and bushveld foliage
• Bathrobes of terry cotton and full-length
• Hairdryer with two speed and three temperature settings
• Air-conditioning, personally adjustable
• Private splash pool and deck, with cushioned loungers and two-seater table

About the Black Rhino Game Reserve

The Black Rhino Game Reserve is a private concession situated within the malaria-free greater Pilanesberg National Park (55 000ha). The park, encircled by the hills of a volcanic ring-dyke complex and containing both Kalahari and Lowveld biomes, is a wilderness, Eden. Nearly all animal species endemic to Southern Africa are to be found here.

The development of the park is considered one of the most ambitious projects of its kind anywhere in the world. It began with Operation Genesis in 1979, which game-fenced the area and reintroduced long-vanished wildlife. Today, Pilanesberg is home to over 7 000 animals – including all of the Big Five, 25 other mammal species, 350-plus kinds of birds, and innumerable reptile and insect species.

As a guest of Lush, you are assured a private – and unique – safari experience, with the rare opportunity to possibly see the unique black rhino. The lodge has traversing access to the entire Pilanesberg National Park, including the Black Rhino Game Reserve and the park’s limited-access Wilderness Area – established for the protection and breeding of this critically endangered animal, threatened by poaching.

Other successful park conservation initiatives are the Brown Hyena Project and Cheetah Project. The brown hyena is classified near threatened and is at risk due to the mistaken belief that they are harmful to livestock. The cheetah is currently classified vulnerable – though there is call for its reclassification as endangered – and is under threat from poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.