Lush Safari Lodge
Pilanesberg Safaris at Lush Safari Lodge
2-Day Luxury Safari to Lush Safari Lodge
- 2 Days
From
3-Day Luxury Safari to Lush Safari Lodge
- 3 Days
From
Lush Safari Lodge is a family-owned and managed boutique private game lodge located in the Black Rhino Reserve of the greater Pilanesberg National Park, offering luxury accommodation, dining, and safari experiences.
The malaria-free park is a wilderness Eden, surrounded by the hills of a volcanic ring-dyke complex and containing both Kalahari and Lowveld biomes. Almost every animal species endemic to Southern Africa can be found here.
The Lupini family, rooted in tradition and closeness, is living out their dreams in the African bush by creating a nurturing environment for all to enjoy.
Lush Safari Lodge, tucked into a wooded hillside, immerses you in nature and the present moment. Five luxury suites provide the privacy of home, while the main lodge ensures you are well taken care of. A sense of wholeness is created by living in an unspoiled wilderness, free of everyday concerns.
Lush Private Lodge is the newest addition to Black Rhino Game Reserve and stands out for its understated style and natural finishes, which serve to emphasise the beauty of the surrounding wilderness and draw your attention to the magnificent views.
Lush Private Lodge is the ideal safari destination for the sophisticated traveller, with a solid reputation for warm African hospitality, flawless service, and a stunning setting.
Lush provides guests with a choice of five luxury suites, three of which are bush-facing and two of which are mountain-facing, all designed to provide maximum privacy and comfort.
Please keep in mind that Lush only accepts children aged 12 and up, unless the Lodge is booked exclusively for a family or group getaway, in which case guests of all ages are welcome.
With exclusive traversing rights across 55 000 hectares of untamed bushveld, Lush guarantees guests an authentic and memorable safari experience, including the chance to see the Big Five, the endangered African wild dog, and a wide variety of other game species.
As a Lush guest, you are guaranteed a private one-of-a-kind safari experience, including the rare opportunity to see the black rhino. The lodge has traversing access to the entire Pilanesberg National Park, including the Black Rhino Game Reserve and the park’s limited-access Wilderness Area, which was established to protect and breed this critically endangered animal, which is threatened by poaching.
Accommodation
Each luxuriously appointed suite includes an emperor-sized bed (which can be converted to twin 34 beds), a full bathroom with an indulgent freestanding tub, an open-air walk-in rain shower, an expansive wooden platform, and a plunge pool.
A refreshment station with Smeg bar fridge and Nespresso coffee machine – where you can prepare a cup of Lush’s Fair-Trade fresh coffee blend – and a range of deluxe botanical-infused body products round out the suite amenities.
Choose from three Bush-Facing Suites and two Mountain-Facing Suites, which differ only in their views. Covered walkways connect each, which are interspersed among the trees and have their own private entrances. Interiors inspired by the wilderness, innovative use of space, and extended fold-back glass doors immerse you in nature even when you’re in your suite.
Their décor pays homage to the Lupini’s Italian heritage, but much of the furniture is South African, supporting South African artisans.
Your Suite, designed with every comfort in mind, is more than just a base from which to explore the surroundings; it is a living space where you can also indulge in the luxuriousness of full-length bathrobes of terry cotton, a hairdryer with two speed and three temperature settings and personally adjustable air-conditioning.
Outside you can enjoy a private splash pool and deck, with cushioned loungers and two-seater table.
In January 2024, an additional Deluxe Suite was launched. Larger in size, more private, and exclusive, guests now have their own personal experience of Africa – best enjoyed from a viewing lounge upstairs, the deck, the heated plunge pool, or the bedroom.
Facilities
Lush is a modern lodge designed with the environment in mind. In fact, the main lodge was marked by a shepherd’s tree, which was sheltered from the wind and warmed by the morning sun between hill and plain. The simple décor and natural finishes focus on the view, which immediately draws you outside. Multi-level interior-flowing-to-exterior spaces are designed for outdoor living with this in mind.
The multi-level guest hub at Lush includes a welcoming bar area, dining room, and sunken sitting room. The open-plan interior leads to a wraparound viewing deck where you can relax in the inviting outdoor living area or tuck into the delicious cuisine in the social outdoor dining space on sunny afternoons.
A traditional Boma is located a short distance away from the main guest hub and is ideal for al fresco dinners with a central firepit and cosy barbeque evenings under starry night skies.
There is even a gift curio shop where you can look for a souvenir of your African adventures, such as the Lodge’s bespoke blend of Fair-Trade coffee, the taste and aroma of which will serve as a special reminder of your incredible getaway.
The lodge’s own brand of specialty coffee is served in the bar lounge, along with a selection of local and international wines, beers, and spirits.
In the cooler months, the open-plan dining and lounge area is warmed by two fireplaces.
A breakfast bar with beverages and buffet options allow guests to help themselves or they can lounge on the viewing/dining deck with tables for meals, coffee breaks, and sundowners.
Wi-Fi is available for free throughout the lodge and the boma with a barbeque, central firepit, and dining tables is ideal for social outdoor dinners.
Dining is an important aspect of the Lush experience. The Lupini family’s cooking-for-now philosophy ensures consistent quality and satisfaction. Dining options range from light and healthy to downright decadent, but special dietary needs, such as vegetarian and gluten-free, are accommodated on request. Private dining is also available.
Since the lodge’s opening in May 2018, the owners have added new features and upgrades on a regular basis. Aside from minor details, there have been some notable additions, some of which are still in the works:
Since 2019, the team has proudly welcomed guests for dinners under the stars in an exquisite Boma.
The Wine Cellar, which includes an intimate indoor dining venue, opened in 2021. Outdoor seating on various levels provides privacy while also highlighting the stunning Pilanesberg scenery.
Later this year, the Spa with two treatment rooms and a fully equipped Gym will open.
Activities
Activities include twice-daily game drives with stops for morning coffee and late afternoon sundowners, as well as guided nature walks led by certified field rangers. Morning guided bush walks bring you closer to nature and are offered by the lodge on request and subject to availability at an additional cost.
Or book a hot-air balloon excursion to get a new perspective on the Black Rhino and Pilanesberg Game Reserve’s resident birds and wildlife.
Golfers can visit the nearby Sun City Resort Complex, which is about a half-hour drive from the Lodge, for a round on the championship Gary Player golf course or one of the Lost City’s courses. Alternatively, for a fun-filled family day, head to Sun City’s Valley of the Waves.
. Exclusive traversing in the Black Rhino Reserve and the Pilanesberg Wilderness Area allows you to explore an unspoiled environment. Access to the park’s public area also increases your chances of seeing a wide variety of wildlife.
You will be able to destress and balance your body and mind by experiencing deep relaxation with the new Lush wellness treatments using organic Terres D’Afrique products, which are available since September 2024.
Rates
Rates include luxury accommodations, all meals, all teas/coffees and soft drinks, selected beers, wines, and spirits, an in-room minibar, limited laundry, two safari activities per day with refreshments and snacks, and Wi-Fi.
Gratuities, premium beers, wines, and spirits, Lush Boutique purchases, additional activities, guided bush walks are excluded, as well as Black Rhino Reserve fees, transfers, and spa treatments.
Children of ages of 10 and 11 are charged 70% of the applicable rate. Standard rates apply after the age of 12.
You might also like our Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge or Mbazo Lodge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in Lush Safari Lodge rates?
Rates include luxury accommodations, all meals, all teas/coffees and soft drinks, selected beers, wines, and spirits, an in-room minibar, limited laundry, two safari activities per day with refreshments and snacks, and Wi-Fi.
Can you see the Big 5 during a visit to Lush Safari Lodge?
Yes, since the lodge has exclusive traversing rights across 55 000 hectares of untamed bushveld, you can see the Big 5, the endangered African wild dog as well as a great diversity of other game species.
Is Lush Safari Lodge easily accessible?
Yes, Lush Safari Lodge is located in the Black Rhino Reserve of the greater Pilanesberg National Park, less than 2 hours’ drive from Johannesburg.
Is Lush Safari Lodge child-friendly?
Lush Safari Lodge only caters to children aged 12 years and older unless in those instances where the Lodge is booked on a sole-use basis for a family or group getaway in which case guests of all ages are welcome.
Are there activities at Lush Safari Lodge other than game drives to keep guests entertained?
Yes, guests can also book a hot-air balloon excursion, or visit the nearby Sun City Resort Complex, about a half-hour drive from the Lodge, for a round on the championship Gary Player golf course or one of the Lost City’s courses. Alternatively, for a fun-filled family day, head to Sun City’s Valley of the Waves.
