SPONSOREDWho would have thought that just two hours outside Joburg lies one of the most unforgettable bush getaways South Africa has to offer? Bakubung Bush Lodge, conveniently located on the border of the Pilanesberg National Park in North West, is the ideal bush getaway for all sorts of travellers - from MICE groups to families and friends - who are looking for a relaxing holiday destination with mild weather in winter.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!
When it comes to location, topography and game viewing, the Pilanesberg has so much to offer. Close to Joburg and an easy drive from Lanseria International Airport, the park and Bakubung form part of the ecologically rich transition zone between the Kalahari and the Lowveld. The Pilanesberg is home to an abundant wildlife population, with more than 360 bird species and 7 000 animals (including the Big 5), which are easy to spot from one of the many roads inside the park.
The park itself is part of an extinct volcanic crater and is a picturesque area of undulating hills, rocky outcrops and grasslands.
With more than 57 000 hectares of territory, the Pilanesberg is the fourth-largest game reserve in South Africa, and Bakubung is right at the entrance to one of its main gates, making it easy for guests to enjoy the park at any time of the day.
FAMILY COMES FIRST
Bakubung and its facilities and activities make it an easy choice for family holidays.
Kids can spend hours just frolicking in the pool, playing on the jungle gyms or taking part in the resort's special Junior Rangers programme, which aims to educate children about the fauna and flora in the area, and comprises a range of fun activities for them to take part in.
The resort also offers ever-popular snake handling demonstrations and activities such as archery and tennis. Mealtimes are always fun for kids, with a daily dessert station filled with all sorts of delicious goodies for them to dig into as they build their own waffles and pancakes.
WHERE TO SLEEP
The choice of accommodation at Bakubung ranges to suit each guest and their individual needs. For those looking for a real break from the daily routine and not having to worry about grocery shopping or cooking, hotel rooms can be booked on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
The choices range from pool-facing twin, king or family rooms, with easy access to the cool waters on a hot day, to game park-facing rooms overlooking the hippo pool below. All rooms have a balcony/patio from which you can enjoy your morning coffee while soaking up the sounds of the bush beyond.
Set just outside the main resort and perched on an undulating hill are luxurious villa-style homes. These are the perfect choice for guests looking for a more intimate getaway destination. Each villa differs in size, but all of them have their own private pool and come with the option to hire a personal chef to whip up some delectable cuisine.
The villas, although separate from the resort, have unrestricted access to Bakubung Bush Lodge and its facilities. They are ideal holiday spot for groups of friends or families.
WHAT TO DO
Whether you are on vacation to just unwind and relax, or whether you are looking for an action-packed holiday, Bakubung Bush Lodge caters to all tastes. Start the day off with a game drive while it's cool; you can drive around the park in your own car or join one of the resort's experienced rangers in an open game vehicle - the choice is yours.
After a scrumptious breakfast in the restaurant overlooking the hippo pool, get a game of tennis on with your partner, then take a dip in the pool and soak up the sun for a while from the comfort of your lounger.
Live on the wild side and experience a game walk on foot with a qualified guide, or book into the world-class Legacy Balance spa for a massage while you soak in the sounds of the African bush.
Finally, end the day off with a short game drive in the park, where you can enjoy a delicious boma dinner around the fire while being completely immersed in nature.
MOUTHWATERING CUISINE
In addition to its renowned boma dinners, Bakubung's restaurant caters for all mealtimes and offers a choice of a buffet or an à la carte menu.
The layout of the restaurant gives guests a variety of seating options across both the interior and exterior sections of the restaurant. Exterior seating areas look on to the reserve with the hippo pool below, and guests are often spoilt as elephants wander up for a late afternoon drink. Tables outside are set up either under a covered patio or out on the grass and under the stars.
The cuisine comprises an extensive selection of dishes to suit all tastes, including some traditional favourites specially prepared by the chefs.
HOW TO BOOK
Winter in the bush is prime game-viewing time and, with the Pilanesberg's mild winter climate, the colder months are the ideal time to visit. Bookings are essential, especially ahead of the upcoming holidays, so for more information on Bakubung Bush Lodge and to book your holiday, visit the website at https://www.legacyhotels.co.za/hotels/Bakubung-Bush-Lodge.
A wonderful winter breakaway awaits!
