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.
- Later this year, the Spa with 2 treatment rooms will open together with a fully equipped Gym.
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Rates
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Specials
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Lush Deluxe Suites - Grand Reveal
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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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Suites
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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 210 |
| Standard Suites - Per Person Per Night (single) | R7 290 |
| Deluxe Suites - Per Person Per Night (sharing) | R6 290 |
| Deluxe Suites - Per Person Per Night (single) | R8 800 |
| 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. |
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Look at our Special Offers for SA Residents under our special offers
section!
| Valid from 01 January - 30 June 2023 | |
| Luxury Suites | Deluxe Suites |
| R 3 999 per person per night sharing | R4 990 per person per night sharing |
| R 4 790 per person per night single | R 5 880 per person per night single |
- Luxury accommodation
- All workouts, talks and meditation
- 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:
- Park entrance fees (R130 pppd, subject to change)
- Soft drinks and all alcoholic beverages
- Items of a personal nature
- Minimum stay of 2 nights on weekends (Fri & Sat) and public holidays / long weekends
- Bookings available within 60 days of travel
- Cannot be combined with other specials, unless specified
- Proof of SADC Residency will need to be provided
- Applicable to new bookings only
- Max 10 guests permitted on the exclusive use special
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
A Lupini family-owned and managed boutique private game lodge,
set within the Black Rhino Reserve of the greater Pilanesberg National
Park.
The essence of authentic Italian hospitality, with luxury
accommodation, sublime dining, and Big 5 private safari experiences.
The first of our brand-new Deluxe Suites are almost ready, and we cannot wait to reveal the exclusive LUSH range to you. We know that this is ultimately all about the experience, so we have launched a ‘Limited Edition’ offer to introduce LUSH-DELUXE to you.
Includes: accommodation, all meals and beverages, and safari activities
Excludes all
items of a personal nature, park and conservation fees, and travel to
and from the reserve
Single supplement applies
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.
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 |
LUXURY IN THE
BUSH
Choose from three Bush-Facing and two Mountain-Facing Suites
– distinguished only by their views. Covered walkways lead to
each, interspersed between the trees and with their own 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 gives a nod 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
surrounds, but a living space.
The Standard
Suites refer to the original 5 suites at Lush.
These are spacious, double volume units, each with a furnished private
deck, plunge pool, outdoor shower, emperor-size bed, pause area and a
beautiful bathroom. Anyone who has stayed at Lush will agree that these
suites are anything but standard. What’s in a name, right?
The Luxury Suites
are 3 new suites.
These are currently under construction and will offer the same
facilities and amenities as our original suites, but as the name
implies, also a few extras. Instead of the apex roof design of the
Standard Suites, the Luxury Suites feature a partly covered rooftop
seating area to enjoy views of the reserve and the Pilanesberg
mountains. These suites also have a larger indoor and outdoor surface
area. We cannot wait to share the final product with you.
Amenities:
- Emperor-sized bed, convertible to ¾-bed set, with down duvet and pillows
- Pause area with well-stocked Smeg minibar, and Nespresso machine and coffee pods
- In-room, free-standing bath with a view
- Walk-in rain shower with botanical-infused body products
- Open-air shower made private by curved walls and bushveld foliage
- Bathrobes of terry cotton and full-length
- Hairdryer with two speed and three temperature settings
- Air-conditioning, personally adjustable
- Private splash pool and deck, with cushioned loungers and two-seater table
Please note: children 12 years and older are welcome; age restriction is revisable when the lodge is booked exclusively
Lush Private Lodge personifies laissez-faire luxury, where
flawless service and warm hospitality come naturally, and world-class
food is the order of the day.
Talking of the team members, they have been very busy during the past
year. Both with a full lodge, courtesy of the incredible support of our
local market, and with exciting additions. Earlier this year, the
long-awaited wine cellar opened, which provides a fabulous alternative
dining venue in true Italian style, reminding us of the
owners’ heritage. And what is still to come?
·The three new
Luxury Suites described above, are scheduled to open by
01 April 2022. This will take the total number of Suites up to
eight. Availability has proven tricky at times, even over the
past year, but 8 suites will be the final number, in order to retain
the lodge’s boutique and intimate character.
· Also
opening next year is 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.
A lot is happening at Lush, including phenomenal wildlife sightings in
a well-protected wilderness area that is home to the Super 7, and a
mere two and a half hour drive from Johannesburg.
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;
- 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 R130 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.
