Bush Home

Savour the tranquil pace of this Waterberg bush lodge

ZAZA MOTHA

Jembisa lodge in the Waterberg region of Limpopo Province is a bush home away from home, where the personal service, stunning setting and delicious food will have you wishing you could take up permanent residence.

THE PLACE
The lodge lies within a private game reserve in the malariafree Waterberg. With mountains that trace crystal blue skies and gentle winds to calm sundrenched skin, you immediately feel you have arrived in paradise. The unspoilt wilderness surrounding the five-bedroom lodge features rivers, gorges, cliffs, woodland and sweeping savanna as far as the eye can see.

THE X-FACTOR
The lodge epitomises personal service from the minute you arrive. The exclusive booking policy means that you have the lodge and reserve entirely to yourself, including a personal chef, waiter and staff ready to meet your every need. There is no specific schedule or itinerary to follow, which means you can unwind at your own pace. Originally built as a family home, the lodge has retained a relaxed atmosphere that will encourage you to make yourself at home.

The lodge is popular with couples, adults travelling with children, small groups, safari weddings and even tutored painting safaris. The game drives are peppered with stories and anecdotes which yield the kind of detail that could easily be missed at more commercial destinations. Don’t forget to ask about the resurrection bush (a truly intriguing story) as well as the unusual monkey’s tail and the bushveld tree.

THE ACTIVITIES
Jembisa caters for those who love to relax in style, both indoors and outdoors. Lounge around the library, take a plunge in the saltwater pool, play a game of tennis or be pampered in privacy by the resident masseuse. In addition to morning and evening game drives, you can get back to nature with guided walks as you track animals.

Children’s activities include spoor identification and tracking, bug and frog hunting and learning basic bush survival skills. Mountain biking is also available, while private visits to Bushman paintings and Iron Age sites on the reserve can be organised. External excursions can also be arranged. And at the end of the day, indulge in stargazing with local astronomer Dr Phillip Calcott, who will take you on a journey across the clear night sky.

THE FOOD
The food is prepared according to your requirements and you can expect a fine dining experience with every meal. From a surprise picnic breakfast in the bush, to dining under the stars, you will enjoy every mouthful of indulgence served up. Chef David Kekana aims to excite and satisfy the palate and makes sure that even simple dishes burst with flavour. Highlights included an avocado and smoked salmon salad, followed by a beef fillet tower stacked with mushrooms, tomatoes and potato, perfectly rounded off with a rich lemon panna cotta for dessert.

THE ROOMS
Built from local stone and thatch, the lodge has five en-suite bedrooms, three of which have balconies. A four-sleeper bunk room ensures that children are easily accommodated. The decor reflects a strong English influence, but African adornments and wooden floors add a rustic feel. All the bathrooms have a spacious shower and bath with spectacular views of the garden and the game reserve beyond.

Jembisa SA special: 1 – 4 adults R3 360 per person. 10 adults: R1 750 pp. The “Last Minute Special” for SA tourists is as follows: R1 750 per person per night (adults) R980 pppn (child), R490 pppn (infants). You must book and stay within 30 days. The minimum rate for the special is R7 000 per night, with aminimum stay of two nights. To book, call 014-755-4415 or 082 570 8474. Email [email protected] or visit www.jembisa.com.