Pilanesberg National Park

A great “Bush” getaway for the whole family

Lisa Cohn

The need arises sometimes to commune with nature of a more four legged mammalian variety, and flora of a more muted palette. That’s when it becomes imperative to escape to the bush. As it happens, there are several regions of very rich and diverse game reserves within two hours’ drive of Jozi. Thank whatever Gods put it all in place. The one of our choosing was the Pilanesberg Game Reserve in the North West Province, which had the added benefit of not venturing too far from civilisation should the bright-lights-big-city mood disorder kick in while we considered a Kameeldoringboom in the heat of the afternoon... but more of that later.

Our base of operation was to be the lovely Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge– nothing of the ambience of extreme luxury or opulence, but certainly not a shabby experience. It has been recently refurbished and offered us an agreeable, standard hotel experience, albeit in a rather magnificent location.  The room itself was pleasant, soothing, and relatively spacious, with a gorgeous shower (this is something I always judge hotel rooms on, incidentally), and the view from the lounge area of the room was of the tips of Acacia trees and rocky outcrops. The multiple course dinner- and breakfast-buffets provided by the hotel were extravagant and delicious, and one cannot blame me for taking full advantage! It must be noted as well that the staff at Kwa Maritane are friendly, helpful, and accommodating, well above and beyond international levels of professionalism in my experience.

Of course, as I said, the city lights shine bright in one’s consciousness, and since they die hard, one of the attractions (if you’re of that opinion, which, having watched too many James Bond movies, I may be) is Sun City, just a hop, skip and a jump down the road from Kwa Maritane. It was to there that we skedaddled once the sun had set on our Saturday evening. Need I even explain what kind of shenanigans one can indulge in around Sun City? Or shall I simply elaborate by saying that riding the monorail (still bedecked in ‘80s-style speed stripes) is one of my favourite childish pleasures ever.

Obviously there is plenty more to do in the Pilanesberg than run around Sun City or loll about your room. Kwa Maritane offers expertly guided game drives and walks, or one can self-drive around the reserve. Birding is also recommended for those who prefer a much slower pace and smaller animals. And the Pilanesberg also offers balloon safaris for those who are more romantically minded. Needless to say, there’s also the very lovely and highly recommended indulgence of simply sitting on the deck and indulging in a G’n T as the sun sets spectacularly over the African savannah. Nice.