Lush Private Lodge is a contemporary building shaped around the environment. It is a shepherd’s tree sheltered from the wind and warmed by the morning sun. The lodge is between a hill and a plain. That marked the position of the main lodge. Its minimalistic décor and natural finishes focus on the view, which at once draws you outside.

With this in mind, multi-level interior-flowing-to-exterior spaces are designed for outdoor living. Spend time between safari activities reading or playing board games on the couches. Sipping coffee in the bar lounge. The lounge is a favourite spot to rendezvous on any day.  Enjoy the stargazing from the deck.

Choose from three Bush Facing and two Mountain Facing Suites. These suites are distinguished only by their views. Covered walkways lead to each, interspersed between the trees and their 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 nods 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 surroundings 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, Nespresso machine and coffee pods.
• In-room, free-standing bath with a view.
• Walk-in shower with botanical-infused body products.
• The open-air shower is made private by curved walls and bushveld foliage.
• Bathrobes of terry cotton and full-length.
• Hairdryer with two speeds and three temperature settings.
• Air-conditioning is personally adjustable.
• Private splash pool and deck, with cushioned loungers and two-seater table.

Please note children 12 years and older are welcome. The age restriction is revisable when the lodge is exclusively in use.

• 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.

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.

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