Here at Bushscapes we make no secret of the fact that we love owner-managed lodges – quite simply we find that it results in authentically warm hospitality being shown to guests and there’s generally a noticeable passion and commitment running through the business, resulting in a truly personal touch that makes for a great guest experience. And Laluka is a fine example of this philosophy in action (with a lovely back story too!)

The lodge is owned by the Eeden family from Belgium and the catalyst to the whole project was young son Simon, whose dream was to become a game ranger in Africa. Whilst attending a year long guiding course in South Africa, he met his Italian girlfriend Guilia and they subsequently went on to work together in lodges both in the Kruger and Tanzania. Simon’s father Didier, a successful commercial banker in Belgium came over to visit and he too had his heart captured by Africa. The three of them then dreamt of owning their own safari lodge and after a long search and much planning and strategizing, the result was Laluka, a gorgeous new lodge in the Welgevonden that opened in 2020.

What they have created is one of the most attractive lodges in the entire Welgevonden reserve with a lovely location overlooking a wooded valley and the surrounding hills! With most of the lodges in the reserve having been built back in the mid-late ‘90’s when Welgevonden was first opened, many of them understandably exhibit a very similar (and now quite traditional) design style fashionable at the time. Laluka by comparison is much more contemporary in many of its architectural and décor touches as well as boasting features like private plunge pools, yet at the same time it doesn’t fall into the trap that you sometimes see with other newer lodges of being so stark and contemporary that they almost don’t seem to fit into their natural surroundings but instead seem to shut off guests from the surrounding bush.

There are 6 rooms at Laluka which are connected to the main public buildings by winding wooden walkways. The rooms are stylish and luxurious is a minimalistic way with gorgeous wooden floors and expansive glass sliding doors that give great views out over the valley below as well as access onto your private deck. The highlight for us has to be the stunning bathrooms with their walk-in showers and sleekly contemporary bathtub – the way the minimalistic and luxurious modern bathroom fittings combine with the rough stone walls is simply genius! A massive feature window looks out from the bathroom over your deck with its lovely private plunge pool and there’s also a very attractive outdoor shower too! Back inside, cleverly positioned spotlights create a hugely atmospheric ambiance at night lighting up the inside of the suite’s thatched roof!

The same sense of style is exhibited in the lodge’s main public areas. The high thatched roof and large open-plan space could have easily lead to an empty, almost cavernous feeling, but this has been cleverly avoided by the stylish use of multiple woven light fittings hung at various heights which fill up the space beautifully along with the feature fireplace/chimney which hangs like a massive vuvuzela above the hearth! The comfy contemporary sofas invite you to curl up alongside the fire on chilly evenings or you can relax at the bar or outside deck and enjoy the views.

Leading off from the lounge area, a wooden walkway takes you to another of Laluka’s highlights, a hide which gives eye level views over a busy watering hole. This is the perfect place to enjoy some truly close-up game viewing – perhaps of the elephants which are regular visitors – and snap some wonderful photos of the animals quenching their thirst! Of course, there’s also the opportunity to go on twice daily game drives and enjoy the reliably excellent game viewing that the Welgevonden offers – with rhino sightings being particularly impressive – as well as the gorgeous and varied scenic landscapes that are a feature of the reserve. And as you would expect given the game ranging credentials of Simon and Guila, the owners have placed a special emphasis on quality guiding!

Back at the lodge you’ll no doubt enjoy some of the delicious food that guests have been consistently raving about since Laluka opened. Much of the fresh organic produce is sourced from the owner’s nearby farm and it’s lovingly transformed into delectable and imaginative meals by the very talented kitchen team! And don’t forget to also take advantage of the pampering treatments at the lodge’s Spa – after all, there really is little to beat a relaxing massage between game drives!