5* Lush is located on the Black Rhino Game Reserve – a private concession area within the malaria-free greater Pilanesberg National Park.
Lush Private Lodge
Lush is located on the Black Rhino Game Reserve – a private concession within the malaria-free greater Pilanesberg National Park (55 000ha/135 900ac). The park, encircled by the hills of a volcanic ring-dyke complex and containing both Kalahari and Lowveld biomes, is a wilderness Eden. Nearly all animal species endemic to Southern Africa are to be found here.The development of the park is considered one of the most ambitious projects of its kind anywhere in the world. It began with Operation Genesis in 1979, which game-fenced the area and reintroduced long-vanished wildlife. Today, Pilanesberg is home to over 7 000 animals – including all of the Big Five, 25 other mammal species, 350-plus kinds of birds, and innumerable reptile and insect species.
As a guest of Lush, you are assured a private – and unique – safari experience, with the rare opportunity to see the black rhino. The lodge has traversing access to the whole of Pilanesberg, including the Black Rhino Game Reserve and the park’s limited-access Wilderness Area – established 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 near threatened and is at risk due to the mistaken belief that they are harmful to livestock. The cheetah is currently classified vulnerable – though there is call for its reclassification as endangered – and is under threat from poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. Since the lodge’s opening in May 2018, the owners have continuously added new features and upgrades, supported by a happy team that takes great care of the lodge. Apart from smaller details, there have been impressive additions, and some are still in the making:
- The team has proudly welcomed guests for dinners under the stars in an exquisite Boma since 2019.
- 2021 saw the opening of the Wine Cellar, which features an
intimate indoor dining venue (great on winter evenings). Outdoor
seating on different levels provides privacy and showcases the
impressive Pilanesberg scenery.
- DELUXE SUITES
In January 2022, 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. - LUSH WELLNESS
TREATMENTS
Launching 1 September 2022, 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. - --The gym: Besides the high-end equipment, full bathroom facilities and changing rooms, the new gym offers a gorgeous view, turning any workout into a pleasure. The use of the gym will obviously be free of charge to guests.
- --We expect that the two spacious treatments rooms will be a game changer for Lush. A spa menu and product range will be made available closer to the opening date, later this year.
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Rates
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Specials
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Activities
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Dining
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Getting Here
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Lodge Life
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Need to Know
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The Lodge
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Terms
| Rates inclusive of 15% VAT • South African Rand • Subject to availability | |
| Details | 1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023 |
| Standard Suites - Per Person Per Night (sharing) | R5 790 |
| Standard Suites - Per Person Per Night (single) | R8 100 |
| Deluxe Suites - Per Person Per Night (sharing) | R6 990 |
| Deluxe Suites - Per Person Per Night (single) | R9 780 |
| Superior Deluxe Suites - Per Person Per Night (sharing) | R7 300 |
| Superior Deluxe Suites - Per Person Per Night (single) | R10 220 |
| Details | 1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024 |
| Standard Suites - Per Person Per Night (sharing) | R6 600 |
| Standard Suites - Per Person Per Night (single) | R9 240 |
| Deluxe Suites - Per Person Per Night (sharing) | R8 500 |
| Deluxe Suites - Per Person Per Night (single) | R11 900 |
| Superior Deluxe Suites - Per Person Per Night (sharing) | R8 750 |
| Superior Deluxe Suites - Per Person Per Night (single) | R12 250 |
| Exclusive use (up to 16 pax) | R105 000 |
Child rate:
- Lush accommodates children from the age of 10 years old.
- Children aged 10 & 11 years old are charged 70% of the applicable rate.
- From 12 years, standard rates apply.
Look at our Special Offers for SA Residents under our special offers section!
South African Residents Special
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Valid from 01 July - 15 December 2023 all-inclusive |
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| Luxury Suites | Deluxe Suites | Superior Deluxe |
| R 4 500 per person per night sharing | R 5 900 per person per night sharing | R6 200 per person per night sharing |
| R 5 400 per person per night single | R 7 080 per person per night single | R7 440 per person per night single |
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Valid from16 December - 05 January 2024 |
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| Luxury Suites | Deluxe Suites | Superior Deluxe |
| R 5 790 per person per night sharing | R 6 990 per person per night sharing | R8 750 per person per night sharing |
| R 8 100 per person per night single | R 9 780 per person per night single | R12 250 per person per night single |
Include:
- Luxury accommodation
- All meals, all teas/coffees and soft drinks
- Selected local beers, wines, and spirits
- In-room minibar
- 2 game activities per day, with drinks and snacks
- Wi-Fi access
- 15% VAT
Excludes:
- Gratuities;
- imported beers, wines, and spirits;
- Lush Boutique purchases;
- Black Rhino Game Reserve entrance fees of R140.00 p.p.p.d;
- additional activities;
- Transfers
- Valid from 01 July – 15 December 2023.
- Bookable from/within 60 days to arrival.
- Valid for SADC Residents only.
- A minimum 2-night stay applies over weekends, public holidays, and long weekends on the special rate.
- Kindly note that availability is not guaranteed, should guests wish to wait to book the special rate.
- Full Rates will apply for Peak Season, 16 Dec 2023 – 05 Jan 2024, no specials are applicable.
For all bookings made within 30 days of travel
Full payment Is required within 48 hours of your booking.
For all bookings made more than 30 days of travel
A 50% deposit Is required within 48 hours of your booking and the balance 30 days prior to arrival.
Payment can be made via bank transfer, credit card (Master/Visa) or bitcoin.
Cancellation Terms
- Cancellations made with more than 60 days to travel forfeit the 20% deposit
- Cancellations made with 60 days or less to travel forfeit the full payment
- No refouds are made for missed serviced, except in veriable extenuating circumsrances.Veriable claims will only be considered if received in written within thirty (30) days of the service being missed, and any refunds made will be at the discretion of Lush Private Lodge. Compassionate circumstances will be taken into account for cancellations due to uninsurable events.
Dietary, Medical & Special Clebrations: All travelers shall communicate any dietary or medical restrictions as well as any special celebrations during their time at Lush Private Lodge
Lush Private Lodge will be able to cater for most health-imposed dietary restrictions but cannot guarantee that religious or voluntary dietary restrictions can be met
Some Lush News & Updates
- Our guest gym and spa have been open and operational since March 2023, for our guests to enjoy!
- We completed and opened Deluxe Suite number 2, and it has been open for bookings since March.
- Deluxe Suite 3 is open for bookings from 01 August 2023.
- From 01 August 2023, we will have a total of 8 rooms – 5 Suites & 3 Deluxe Suites.
I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up and was not happy. – Ernest Hemingway
Lush guarantees you authentic safari adventures to write home about. Exclusive traversing in Black Rhino Reserve and the Pilanesberg’s Wilderness Area offers the opportunity to explore an untouched environment. Access also to the public section of the park increases your chances of encountering a large variety of wildlife.
Game drives, with scenic stops for refreshments – offered by the lodge, on the traditional twice-daily basis
Guided morning bush walks bring you closer to nature – offered by the lodge, on request
Hot-air balloon flights* give you a different perspective on the herds – booked with a trusted tour operator, on request
Golf* at the nearby championship Gary Player and Lost City golf courses, set in parkland and bushveld, respectively – transfers by arrangement
*At an additional cost; please enquire upon making your Lush reservation
WITH A SPRINKLE OF ITALIAN FLAIR
Dining is an essential part of the Lush experience. Days here are punctuated by culinary delights – as anticipated as the activities. All menus celebrate fresh, seasonal ingredients in freshly prepared dishes. The Lupini family ethos of cooking now for now ensures consistent quality and satisfaction. Dining options range from light and healthy to downright indulgent, but special dietary requirements – including vegetarian and gluten-free – are catered for on request. Private dining can also be arranged.
- Breakfast – continental buffet and cooked meals to order
- Lunch – lighter meals that do not skimp on flavour
- Afternoon tea – spreads of sweet and savoury treats
- Dinner – chef’s signature tables and fireside barbecues
DISTANCES FROM
THE LODGE
Nearest major cities:
- Pretoria – 185km/115mi.
- Johannesburg – 200km/125mi.
Nearest airports:
- Pilanesberg International Airport – 40km/25mi.
- Lanseria International Airport – 165km/103mi.
- O.R. Tambo International Airport – 230km/143mi.
ESCAPISM AWAITS
BY ROAD
Self-drive directions:
- From Johannesburg, take the R512 past Hartbeespoort Dam and exit onto the N4 towards Rustenburg
- From Pretoria, take the N1 north and exit onto the N4 towards Rustenburg
- Travel along the N4, then take the R556 (Sun City/Pilanesberg National Park) exit
- Turn right at the stop onto the R556, and continue on towards Sun City
- Pass the Sun City gate and then Sun Village Shopping Centre (both on the right)
- At the four-way stop, turn right onto the R565 Derdepoort road
- Continue on for approx. 27km – the entrance to Black Rhino Game Reserve is on the right
- Friendly gate staff will direct guests on to Lush
BY AIR
SA Express airline
locally services Pilanesberg International Airport. The airline offers
twice-weekly flights (Mondays and Fridays) connecting
Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport and Cape Town
International Airport with Pilanesberg. An airport car rental service
is available, and lodge transfers can also be arranged.
Facilities:
- Bar lounge serving the lodge’s own brand of specialty 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/dining deck with tables set out for meal times, coffee breaks, and sundowners
- Boma for social outdoor dinners, with a barbeque, central firepit, and dining tables
- Lush Boutique offering a range of select items for guests to take home something of their time here
- Complimentary Wi-Fi with access throughout the lodge
Our wellness facility will open as soon as we can resume operations. The professional spa will offer single and couple treatments and is complemented by a fully equipped gym and a quiet studio for yoga, pilates and meditation.
The dining experience at Lush has become a signature feature. Building a wine cellar at Lush was the natural progression and it is ready to receive its first visitors to enjoy a glass of excellent South African wine. The informal atmosphere provides a relaxed setting for a candle lit dinner for two or a family meal. The roof’s stargazing deck doubles up as a romantic dinner venue.
ENSURING YOUR COMFORT
WEATHER
Average temperatures in mid summer (January) range from a low of 19°C/66°F to a high of 31°C/88°F, and in midwinter (July) from a low of 4°C/39°F to a high of 21°C/70°F.
Average annual rainfall is 622mm/24in, and usually occurs in the form of afternoon thundershowers during the period from December to March.
WHAT TO WEAR AND PACK
Comfort is the order of the day, though you may wish to dress more elegantly for dinner i.e. sport shirts and slacks for men, dresses or blouses and pants for women. For game drives and bush walks, wearing neutral-coloured, natural fibre clothing is recommended, and we suggest packing the following items to ensure you are all set for your safari experience:
…happens in your own time. But the outline below gives guests an idea of what to expect
WEATHER
Average temperatures in mid summer (January) range from a low of 19°C/66°F to a high of 31°C/88°F, and in midwinter (July) from a low of 4°C/39°F to a high of 21°C/70°F.
Average annual rainfall is 622mm/24in, and usually occurs in the form of afternoon thundershowers during the period from December to March.
WHAT TO WEAR AND PACK
Comfort is the order of the day, though you may wish to dress more elegantly for dinner i.e. sport shirts and slacks for men, dresses or blouses and pants for women. For game drives and bush walks, wearing neutral-coloured, natural fibre clothing is recommended, and we suggest packing the following items to ensure you are all set for your safari experience:
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Warm pullover and windproof jacket (evenings and the winter months can be chilly)
- Sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
- Insect repellent (provided by the lodge, though you may wish to bring along your preferred brand)
- Camera, video camera, spare memory cards, and charging equipment
- Binoculars
- Waterproof bag for personal items
…happens in your own time. But the outline below gives guests an idea of what to expect
| Spring & Summer | Autumn & Winter |
| 05h00 – Wake-up call | 05h45 – Wake-up call |
| 05h30 – Tea/coffee | 06h15 – Tea/coffee |
| 05h45 – Morning game drive (±3 hours) | 06h30 – Morning game drive (±3 hours) |
| 09h00 – Continental buffet and cooked breakfast is served back at the lodge | 09h30 – Continental buffet and cooked breakfast is served back at the lodge |
| At leisure | At leisure |
| 13h00 – Light lunch is served | 13h00 – Light lunch is served |
| 16h00 – Afternoon tea is served | 15h30 – Afternoon tea is served |
| 16h30 – Afternoon game drive (±3 hours) | 16h00 – Afternoon game drive (±3 hours) |
| 20h00 – Dinner is served back at the lodge, in the dining room/on the deck/out in the boma | 19h30 – Dinner is served back at the lodge, in the dining room/on the deck/out in the boma |
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
1 Deluxe Suite, larger in size affording more privacy, and direct views into the wildlife area from the upstairs viewing deck. This suite offers the following: 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; large heated splash pool; large upstairs viewing deck; air- conditioning, and personal safe
Our 3rd Deluxe Suite, which will be called a Superior Deluxe Suite, will be opening on 01 August 2023
Our spa is now open - 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.
We now also have a gym with fitness equipment available for guests to use during their stay
Main guest area, run on traditional Italian hospitality, with: a bar; open-plan dining/ lounge area; outdoor lounge; and wrap-around viewing/dining deck
African boma, for social outdoor dinners, with: a barbeque; central firepit; and dining tables
Lush Boutique, with a range of select items – including the lodge’s blend of fair- trade coffee – for guests to take home something of their time here
Lush Wellness Treatments, destress and balance your body and mind, by experiencing deep relaxation with our organic Terres D’Afrique Products.
Please note: children 12 years and older are welcome; age restriction is revisable if the lodge is booked exclusively
Arrival&Departure
Times
Check-in: 14h00 | Check-out:
11h00
*Deviation to these times by special arrangement only
Child rate:
- Lush accommodates children from the age of 10 years old.
- Children aged 10 & 11 years old are charged 70% of the applicable rate.
- From 12 years, standard rates apply.
Inclusions
- Luxury accommodation;
- all meals; all teas/coffees and soft drinks; selected beers, selected wines and spirits;
- in-room minibar;
- limited laundry;
- gym
- two safari activities per day, with refreshments and snacks;
- Wi-Fi access;
- 15% VAT
Exclusions
- Gratuities;
- premium beers, wines and spirits;
- Lush Boutique purchases;
- additional activities;
- guided bush walks,
- at an additional cost and subject to availability of a guide;
- Black Rhino Reserve fees of 2023 - R140 / 2024 - R150 per person per day (subject to change without prior notice);
- transfers;
- spa treatments
Payments & Cancellations
Deposit Policy
For all bookings made
within 30 days of travel
Full payment Is required within 48 hours of your booking.
For all bookings made
more than 30 days of travel
A 50% deposit Is required within 48 hours of your booking and the
balance 30 days prior to arrival.
Payment can be made via bank transfer, credit card (Master/Visa) or
bitcoin.
Cancellation Terms
- Lush Private Lodge reserves the right to cancel any reservation based on the non-payment of either the deposit or the balance of payment, without notice. Such cancellation may attract cancellation fees as set out hereunder.
- In the event of a reservation being cancelled by or on behalf of the traveller in writing after Lush Private Lodge has issued confirmation, the following cancellations fees will apply:
- Cancellations made with more than 60 days to travel forfeit the 20% deposit
- Cancellations made with 60 days or less to travel forfeit the full payment
- No refunds are made for missed services, except in verifiable extenuating circumstances. Verifiable claims will only be considered if received in writing within thirty (30) days of the service being missed, and any refunds made will be at the discretion of Lush Private Lodge. Compassionate circumstances will be taken into account for cancellations due to uninsurable events.
It is the responsibility of each visitor to Lush Private Lodge to ensure that adequate and comprehensive travel insurance is in place from the time of confirmation of a booking at Lush Private Lodge and that details of such insurance are available during the time of travel. Such travel insurance must cover the visitor against all risks including but not limited to costs of cancellation and curtailment, damage, delay, evacuation, medical treatment, hospitalization, illness, inconvenience, injury, loss, repatriation and theft. Lush Private Lodge cannot accept any liability for any of these events under any circumstances.
- Our spa is now open - 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
- We now also have a gym with fitness equipment available for guests to use during their stay
