Set within 120 hectares of bush and game and surrounded by a further 120 000ha of national parks, the three-star Bushlands Game Lodge in Hluhluwe in northern KZN is the perfect place to escape the stresses of everyday life.
This is no swanky tourist trap. It belongs to one of the few remaining family-run hotel chains overseen by Gooderson Leisure, and is aimed squarely at the local market.
That being said, I found myself in the company of overseas visitors no doubt chuffed at the great deal. Rates are normally R810 a person sharing on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis, which is relatively inexpensive in the area.
Bushlands is designed to blend with its surrounds and the buildings seem to have settled in quietly and naturally among the trees and bush. There is a choice of accommodation, which includes wooden lodges on stilts and self-catering six-sleeper units that have their own secluded clearing. It’s the ideal option for large family groups.
There are five double rooms, 14 twin rooms and two family rooms, all with spacious en-suite loos and showers. All have air-conditioning and ceiling fans to combat the summer heat and humidity. They also have the usual amenities apart from TV, which is in the bar area.
The rooms are connected by raised wooden walkways which lead to the main dining room which, in turn, overlooks the swimming pool. Behind the dining room is an open bar and lounge with adjacent boma. The boma, with its comfy low-slung chairs, is perfect for unwinding around the fire before or after dinner.
Meals can be enjoyed in the main dining room or, weather permitting, under the stars on the swimming pool deck or at the boma. Homemade bread, tender venison, delicious veggies and many other taste treats formed the buffet spread we got stuck into.
We were also delighted by the adorable bushbabies which descended for their evening buffet.
Bigger wildlife such as zebra, warthog, giraffe, nyala, wildebeest and impala can be seen either on a trail or from the viewing lounge, which overlooks the watering hole.
Bushlands Game Lodge also boasts an abundance of birdlife and ranger Craig Robinson was impressive with his boundless knowledge and enthusiasm.
The convenient location of Bushlands Game Lodge makes it a popular base from which to visit the nearby attractions and game parks to spot the Big Five.
Ethnic cultural tours and shows at DumaZulu Traditional Village are 10 minutes away. Here, too, we were impressed by our guide, Isaac Nhleko, with Craig making another appearance to get up close with the snakes and crocs.
Bushlands Game Lodge offers a welcoming, comfortable environment in which to chill. It is an easy two-and-a-half-hour drive from Durban.
Rates are attractive too – R810 per person sharing on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Recommended game drives are R350 per person. Self catering is R1 200 per cottage.
Call 031 337 4222; e-mail [email protected] or visit www.goodersonleisure.co.za - Saturday Star