Lush Private Game Lodge

We had the most amazing time at Lush Lodge, from the moment you arrive until you leave, you feel truly special. Not only are the facilities beautiful and extremely luxurious but the service is top notch including all staff you interact with, including the amazing cleaners who clean your room every time you leave. The game drives with Andy were a BIG highlight for us, he has a true passion for animals and conservation, going out of his way to ensure we had a fantastic time on each adventure. Worth noting that the Lush vehicles for game drives are heads and shoulders above any other lodge, you have more considerably more space, ponchos, hot water bottles (in winter) and morning coffee/sundowners are spectacular. We were also treated to a walking safari with Clinton who is extremely knowledgeable and took the time to talk us through everything from trees to animal footprints. We did not want to leave! Without exaggeration, this is easily the best hotel we’ve visited anywhere in the world. It feels like the team have welcomed you into their home and cannot do enough for you to make it special.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 20/10 – An Unforgettable Stay We had the most incredible stay at Lush Private Lodge – everything exceeded our expectations. The staff and service were beyond exceptional, making us feel welcomed and cared for from the moment we arrived. The food was outstanding, and what made it even more special was the variety of dining experiences – each meal set in a new, thoughtfully chosen location. The team goes above and beyond to create a truly magical atmosphere. Our guide, Andrew, deserves a special mention. His legendary reversing skills and determination meant that we had the most remarkable sightings. His stops for coffee are well planned and we enjoyed Amarula coffee with crunchy pancakes made by him while looking at Giraffe just meters away. – including cheetahs and lions – all within the rhino reserve. Thanks to him, we never once needed binoculars; the wildlife encounters were that close and spectacular. This was more than just a safari – it was a luxurious, personalized adventure that we’ll never forget. We will definitely be back. Steve & Yana

This Is Life. This Is Lush. Words are just that… words. And try as I might, I don’t think I’ve got the vocabulary to truly capture the magnificence of our stay at Lush. From the moment we arrived, we knew we were in for something extraordinary. A warm, heartfelt welcome from Dalmane, followed by Phindi’s expert walk-through of the lodge and our suite, set the tone for a weekend soaked in care, comfort, and quiet luxury. Our suite? Simply unbelievable. A full-service bar, spacious lounge, workstation, and a private deck that catered to our every whim. And then the outdoor indulgence…our very own heated splash pool, twin outdoor showers, a glorious outdoor bath, and an elevated viewing deck where the bush unfolded before us. As if that wasn’t enough, Sphe made sure our nights were pure bliss…hot water bottles tucked into an emperor-sized bed, and a hot bubbly bath run just at the right time. It was thoughtful, personal, and beautifully done. Friday night? That was something else. We were spoilt with an intimate wine tasting experience on our own private deck, hosted by the ever-knowledgeable Phindi, followed by a sumptuous three-course dinner served with flair and expertise by Sphe. To top it all…Sphe and his choir sang Happy Birthday to Vonnie as we celebrated her 60th in the bush. It was one of those moments where time stands still. And the meals didn’t stop impressing there… Breakfasts, lunches, dinners…all exceptional. The Chef and her team created dishes that were full of flavour, personality, and care. Saturday night’s Braai was introduced to Lush’s international guests by Talo with pride and authenticity. A feast at the Chisa Nyama table became even more memorable with a herd of elephants quenching their thirst at the nearby waterhole. It was surreal… and unforgettable. And then, there is the bush… Our field guide Sean was nothing short of brilliant. Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and downright entertaining…he made every game drive a joy. From hot water bottles and warm blankets to perfectly timed bush coffees and reverse gear engagements, he didn’t miss a beat. And the sightings? Incredible. Zebra, giraffe, baboons, monkeys, wildebeest, impala, kudu, warthogs, and hippos. The Big Five - lion, lioness with cubs, rhino, buffalo, elephant, and leopard made appearances, much to our delight. But the highlight for me? The cheetahs. Two sleek males marking their territory… and the crème de la crème…a female cheetah with her two cubs. The young cubs’ colouring beginning to change from the silver honey badger look along their backs to their mature spots. To celebrate, Sean treated us to a classic bush sundowner with G&T’s, breadsticks, biltong, stuffed peppadews, and other treats. This made me fall in love with Africa all over again. To round off our weekend, Kea and Teresa welcomed us into the spa for massages that transported us to another realm. Their treatments, the setting, the calmness… it was healing in every sense of the word. T

My new wife and I stayed at Lush for 5 nights of our honeymoon, I can not recommend Lush Private Lodge highly enough. Everything from arrival to leaving was absolutely fantastic. The attention to detail, the amazing staff and incredible game runs were all out of this world. Will definitely be looking to rebook.