Lush Private Lodge is situated on Black Rhino Game Reserve, a private concession within the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park. Lush Private Lodge has exclusive traversing rights to 55000 ha, as well as access to the Pilanesberg National Park’s public section, assuring guests an intimate and unique safari experience, with a chance to see the Big Five as well as the endangered African wild dog.

Lush is a contemporary lodge shaped around the environment. It is like a shepherd’s tree sheltered from the wind and warmed by the morning sun. The lodge’s minimalistic décor and natural finishes puts focus on the view, at once drawing guests to the outdoor living spaces. Spend time between safari activities reading or playing board games on the couches, sipping coffee in the bar lounge which is a favourite spot to rendezvous at any time of day, or enjoy stargazing from the deck.

Overlooking a busy waterhole, which is a hive of bird and animal activity and a favourite playground for elephant and buffalo, the central gathering area is an expansive space which invites the opportunity of outdoor living

3 Bush-facing Suites and 2 Mountain-facing Suites, designed with privacy and every comfort in mind. Each include an emperor-sized bed (convertible to a 3/4-bed set); pause area (incl. Smeg minibar and Nespresso coffee machine); in-room freestanding bath; en-suite shower room with spacious walk-in shower; private dressing and vanity area; separate toilet; open-air shower; range of deluxe body products; expansive outdoor furnished deck; private splash pool; air-conditioning, and personal safe.

2 Deluxe Suites and 1 Superior Deluxe Suite, larger in size affording more privacy and direct views into the wildlife area from the upstairs viewing deck. The Deluxe suites offer an emperor sized bed (convertible to 3/4-bed set); pause area (incl. Smeg minibar and Nespresso coffee machine); private lounge; dedicated work/desk area; separate in-room freestanding bath; en-suite shower room with spacious walk-in shower; private dressing and vanity area; separate toilet; outside bath and double open-air shower; range of deluxe body products; heated plunge pool; large upstairs viewing deck; air conditioning, and personal safe.

• Bar lounge serving the lodge’s brand of speciality coffee, and a selection of local and international wines, beers, and spirits
• Open-plan dining and lounge area warmed by two fireplaces in the cooler months.
• Breakfast bar for guests to help themselves to beverages and buffet choices
• Viewing and dining deck with tables set out for mealtimes, coffee breaks, and sundowners.
• Boma for outdoor social dinners, with a barbeque, central firepit, and dining tables.
• Lush Boutique offers a range of select items for guests to take home something of their time here.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the lodge.
• A spa where you will have the opportunity to destress and balance your body and mind, by experiencing deep relaxation with our new Lush wellness treatments using organic Terres D’Afrique Products.
• A gym with fitness equipment available for guests to use during their stay

I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up and was unhappy. – Ernest Hemingway

Lush Private Lodge guarantees you an authentic safari adventure. Exclusive traversing in Black Rhino Reserve and the Pilanesberg’s Wilderness Area. This offers the opportunity to explore an untouched environment. Access to the public section of the park increases your chances of encountering a large variety of wildlife.

• The lodge offers game drives on a traditional twice-daily basis.
• Guided morning bush walks bring you closer to nature.
• Hot-air balloon flights give you a different perspective. You can reserve this with our trusted tour operator at request.
• Golf at the nearby championship Gary Player and Lost City golf courses. The course is in parkland and bushveld, respectively.

*At an additional cost; please enquire upon making your Lush reservation

Black Rhino Reserve

Lush Private Lodge is on the Black Rhino Reserve. This is a private concession within malaria-free, more fantastic Pilanesberg National Park. The park is encircled by the hills of a volcanic ring dyke complex and contains both Kalahari and Lowveld biomes. It is an Eden of wilderness. Nearly all animal species endemic to Southern Africa are here.

The park’s development is one of the most ambitious projects anywhere globally. It began with Operation Genesis in 1979, which fenced the area and reintroduced long-vanished wildlife. Today, Pilanesberg is home to over 7 000 animals. This number includes all of the Big Five and 25 other mammal species. There are 350plus kinds of birds and innumerable reptile and insect species.

As a guest of Lush, you have assured a private and unique safari experience. There is a rare opportunity to see the black rhino. The lodge has traversing access to the whole of Pilanesberg, including the Black Rhino Game Reserve. The lodge also has access to the park’s Wilderness Area. This area is 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 as threatened. The brown hyena is at risk due to the mistaken belief that they are harmful to livestock. The cheetah is currently classified as vulnerable. ­There is a call for its reclassification as endangered. Cheetah is under threat from poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.

Nearest major cities:

• Pretoria is 165km.
• Johannesburg is 200km.

Nearest airports:

• Pilanesberg International Airport is 40km.
• Lanseria International Airport is 165km.
• O.R. Tambo International Airport is 230km.