We often underestimate
the power of a short
getaway from the bustling
city.
Something as small as
breathing in fresh air, waking
up to the sound of chirping
birds and opening your window
to see a landscape you can
only dream of.
At Monate Game Lodge,
just over two hours outside of
Joburg, all this is a reality.
Don’t let the long and winding
gravel road fool you; once
you’ve off-ramped from the
main road, the minute you get
to the lodge, tranquillity sets
in.
It could be because of the
choice of colour on the walls –
a cool and calming grey, or just
knowing that you are free from
any unnecessary hooting and
enraged drivers on the road.
TRANQUIL: A view of the lodge from one of the pool decks. Picture: Monate Game Lodge
On our arrival, we quickly
got into holiday mode and
took a dip in
one of the two
pools available
to guests at
the lodge. The
perfect water temperature cooled off our
sun-kissed skins
until it was time to check in
and explore some more.
The lodge offers 26 modern
double-rooms and two exclusive
luxury lodges that are
just a walkway bridge from
the main lodge.
The luxury
lodges – Shingwedzi and Skukuza
– are a cut above the rest
with all the comforts of home;
a dining space for days you
don’t feel like going out and
a lounge with the most comfortable
couches guaranteed to
fulfil your napping needs.
Skukuza also comes with a
mini-kitchen, encouraging you
to bring along some friends if
you decide to take a weekend
break with the boys or the girls
or even the family.
COSY: The luxurious Shingwedzi Lodge. Picture: Monate Game Lodge
Shingwedzi has a touch of
the wild side with the lodge
being part canvas tent. Once
you open up the roller tent canvas,
a deck with a splash pool
and outside boma-fire greets
you (both the lodges have these
exclusive extras).
It is picturesque…
you will not want to
go home.
If you aren’t a fan of insects
and bugs, you may want to settle
in one of the main lodges to
avoid bumping into the occasional
frog that sent my roommate
into a frenzy.
There is a bush spa and
a jacuzzi for those who want
to be pampered while appreciating
nature.
Since our trip was an overnight
stay, we had to get in
as much activity as possible.
Game drives at the lodge can take place either in the morning to see the sunrise or in the evening to see it at set. Picture: Monate Game Lodge
A sunset game drive around
parts of the 1 839-hectare private
reserve was the perfect
way to start our evening, when
most of the animals can be
spotted as they head to a water
source after a long day.
There is also an option to do
a morning drive. The rangers
can answer all the questions
you may have
on the animals
– from
the buffalo
to the zebras
and giraffes –
and add some
k n o w l e d g e
about how
some of the animals came to
be named.
One such animal is the
steenbok. It camouflages itself
so well in the bush that it can
be mistaken for a rock, hence
the name.
The reserve is home to
almost half the bird species
found in the country. On the
game drive, we stopped at
one of the scenic parts of the
reserve to watch the sunset
over some drinks and biltong.
The surrounding landscape
and being so close to nature
relaxes the soul.
Needless to say, most of our
pictures on the trip were taken
at that majestic vantage point.
VIEWS: The vantage points allows guests to get a clear view of the sunset during a game drive. Picture Mpiletso Motumi
Down below us the hippos were
cooling off from the day, while
the crocodiles were still soaking
up the last bits of sun.
If you have the courage to,
you can swop a game drive
for a game walk to truly enjoy
the natural surroundings and
animals.
After the game drive, we
were pleasantly surprised with
another must do experience:
dinner in the natural cave.
Some port to start the night
off was followed by a walk
up to the natural cave the
lodge is built around.
The cave
overlooks a waterhole and the
reserve.
SPECIAL FEATURE: The pathway to the natural cave at Monate Game Lodge where guests can enjoy a special candlelight dinner. Picture: Monate Game Lodge
Formed about 300 000 years
ago, the cave came to be after
an inland lake drained out.
African tribes used the cave
some 1 000 years ago as a spiritual
site.
The dinner is set up like
the lunch buffet with a choice
of meats, salads and breads,
while the braai entices you to
keep going back for more. The
toughest part of the experience
is heading back down the pathway
without falling over from
a full stomach.
This Modimolle establishment
is home to three of the
Big Five.
While we missed the
lions on the sunset game drive,
we got the chance to see one
lazing about in the morning on
our way to the bush breakfast.
One of the many highlights
of the trip was waking up
early to experience an amazing
breakfast buffet in the bush,
with animals roaming nearby.
The chef makes his own marmalades
and gave us a taste
of his tomato jam and mango/
passion fruit marmalade… divine.
The scrumptious breakfast
filled us up enough for the
drive back home.
The lodge
also offers conference facilities
and has excellent Wi-Fi to keep
you connected with your loved
ones back home.
If your plan is to stay for
a weekend, you may want
to go on a tour of the caves,
bird watching at the Nylsvley
Nature Reserve or do some
stargazing.
Monate Game Lodge lives
up to its name, it’s a good break
from the city
Diary entries:
OUTDOORS: Nokuthula Zwane relaxes at Shingwedzi Lodge. Picture: Mpiletso Motumi
Nokuthula Zwane:
It was all things “monate”, as The Star celebrated its 130th Christmas party in Limpopo. My experience at the Monate Lodge was unforgettable with hundreds of perfect photo opportunities, Wi-Fi connection, luxurious rooms and beautiful views.
As a photo opportunist, I made sure that I kept my followers up to date with my hourly posts on what we experienced at the lodge. Imagine, a day where you can arrive and find yourself jumping into the nearest pool with different types of buck grazing and squirrels darting around as your backdrop.
The animals, the breeze and an amazing view of the sunset was all a girl needed to get away from the big city.
Visitors can be sure that they will be fed throughout their stay, because I left the lodge feeling like I had gained a couple of kilograms. Breakfast in the bush, lunch in an exclusive restaurant and dinner in a cave was quite an experience for me.
WRAPPED UP: Karishma Dipa enjoys breakfast with colleagues. Picture: Mpiletso Motumi
Karishma Dipa:
The week was winding down when we arrived in Limpopo and although we all came to Monate Game Lodge to relax, we couldn’t help but bring Joburg’s stress along. What really helped me unwind was the game drive in the evening.
With the fresh breeze blowing through my hair, I put my feet up, cuddled with a blanket and took the sights of the bush in.
After I watched the animals in their natural habitat, the ultimate highlight of the trip was having sundowners on top of a mountain. My colleagues and I spent quality time bonding and taking pictures together in the scenic venue.