South Africa - Places To Stay

Mapungubwe - Mopane Bush Lodge (4 star) is nestled in mopane bushveld and has been designed to provide simple luxury while being luxuriously simple. Located on Mapesu Private Nature Reserve, offers a safe environment for walking, cycling, birding. The Reserve is home to many species of game and birds, and a variety of trees and shrubs, some of which are endemic to the area. The lodge is ideally located for visits to nearby Mapungubwe National Park, Mapungubwe Hill, the centre of the World Heritage Landscape where the first Southern African Kingdom was established in the 13th Century, San rock art sites and lion tracking excursions led by a researcher.

The lodge offers secluded, en-suite thatched chalets, each within its own kraal and with uninterrupted views from a private veranda and additional outdoor shower. On a warm day, you can cool off in the sparkling pool with waterfall and martini seat beside the bar. Their dinner experiences in the boma seated around the fire under the brilliant southern night skies are magical.

Mapesu Private Nature Reserve near Mapungubwe National Park.

Accessible by car, directions on request. Transfers can be arranged.

8 - Thatched Chalets

£143 per person sharing, all year round

Full board, guided drives or walks on Mapesu Nature Reserve

Children of all ages are welcome

* Game drives and bush walks on Mapesu Reserve
* Mapungubwe National Park excursion - a new NP with spectacular views of the Limpopo River, dramatic scenery and spectacular sandstone cliffs, elephants and other wildlife.
* Mapungubwe World Heritage Site excursion and a tour to Mapungubwe Hill.
* Walk or cycle the Baobabwe Peace Trail and restore your soul with the splendour and majesty of giant Baobab trees, 1000s of years old.
* Go birding in one of South Africa's best birding areas.
* Visit Messina Baobab Nature Reserve, home to 100s large baobab trees and sable antelope and see the world's oldest dated exposed rock.

Mopane Bush Lodge is not only actively involved in the management of Mapesu Nature Reserve, but also played a key role in the establishment of Mapungubwe National Park.

They employ local people at the lodge, who all have been trained in-house. They also built staff housing with hot & cold water, electricity and waterborne sewerage.

Cash in South African Rands is accepted. All major credit cards are accepted.